Recent centenary celebrations were an opportunity to affirm the church’s commitment to vibrant witness, work toward reconciliation, peace, justice, and transformation.
A choir performing during the 100th anniversary celebrations of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren of Cameroon. Photo: EFLC/ Moise H. Loumkoua
Church of the Lutheran Brethren of Cameroon celebrates 100 years
(LWI) –A stronger and more visionary church, dedicated to mission, committed to fighting injustices, fostering reconciliation, unity, peace, and transformation, were key messages as the Church of the Lutheran Brethren of Cameroon (Église fraternelle luthérienne du Cameroun – EFLC) recently celebrated 100 years since its founding.
“Evangelization and holistic mission in the service of humankind” was the theme of the 17-23 March festivities that started in the northern town of Yagoua, where the church’s first mission was set up in 1923.
In his address at the inaugural outdoor service in the parish of Yagoua, EFLC President Rev. Alvius Debsia Dabah emphasized the church’s responsibility in safeguarding unity. “May the century that separates us from the sacrifices of the first American missionaries and Cameroonian pastors serve to teach us to understand the great precariousness of peace and unity,” he said.
EFLC President Rev. Alvius Debsia Dabah (right) and Second Vice-President Rev. Zacharie Mounkine (left), with youth members of the church. Photo: EFLC/ Moise H. Loumkoua
“We must truly allow ourselves to be transformed by the power of the gospel and be reconciled to one another and to Christ,” he added. Thousands of congregation members, invited guests including leaders of other churches and faith communities in Cameroon, partner churches and organizations from other parts of the world, and government representatives attended the centenary events.
Referring to contribution to the country’s development agenda, Dabah said the church would remain steadfast in its mission of “advocating and fighting for a just and equitable distribution of global and national resources, advocating against injustices, and providing for the needs of people whatever their faith or context.”
We must truly allow ourselves to be transformed by the power of the gospel and be reconciled to one another and to Christ
Rev. Alvius Debsia Dabah, President, Church of the Lutheran Brethren of Cameroon
The week-long activities across different cities where the church’s work is coordinated included open days with exhibitions, free medical consultations, sports and music competitions. The EFLC president’s message was reiterated during the closing service in Garoua, where the church’s headquarters are located.
Contribution to socio-economic development
The church’s diaconal work includes health care services at the Martha-Adaire Hospital in Yagoua and several medical centers in other cities. It is a major player in the education sector, with 12 elementary schools in different towns and the Protestant High School in Garoua.
Through its so-called ‘Model Farmer’ program aimed at reducing food insecurity, farmers receive training to improve their agricultural produce and promote environmental protection.
“Evangelization and holistic mission in the service of humankind” was the theme of the 100th anniversary of the EFLC. Photo: EFLC/ Moise H. Loumkoua
Serving refugees
The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) to which EFLC belongs, was represented by Rev. Dr Samuel Dawai, Regional Secretary for Africa. “The church feels awakened, proud and more recognized at the national level both by the authorities and by Cameroonian society. All its members felt united, members of a single family,” he added.
The Cameroonian church is organized in 12 districts: in this photo, regional presidents of the EFLC. Photo: EFLC/ Moise H. Loumkoua
Western Cameroon is especially affected by the Boko Haram phenomenon in neighboring northeastern Nigeria, with occasional influx of people fleeing attacks on their homes and infrastructure. EFLC works alongside the LWF World Service country program to support refugees and internally displaced people by providing food and other necessities, mobilizing border communities to welcome the people seeking refuge, and organizing initiatives to consolidate peace among the population.
Dawai referred to the EFLC President’s declaration at the end of the centenary celebrations. “The commitment to becoming a church in which everyone is respected and valued for their gifts and talents, working for peace in society, promoting dialogue between communities and religions was emphasized.”
A member church of the LWF since 1992, the Cameroonian church has 200,000 members throughout the country. The EFLC has 12 districts made up of 1,395 parishes organized in over 1,900 congregations. Its team of church workers includes 371 ordained pastors, assisted by over 1,200 other personnel comprising trainee clergy, catechists and evangelists.
