Christian Churches and the Democratization Conundrum in Cameroon

bibliographic database
Line

Periodical article

Title:	Christian Churches and the Democratization Conundrum in Cameroon
Authors:	Akoko, Robert Mbe Mbuagbo Oben, Timothy
Year:	2006
Periodical:	Africa Today
Volume:	52
Issue:	3
Period:	Spring
Pages:	25-48
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Cameroon
Subjects:	Church and State democratization Politics and Government Religion and Witchcraft
External link:	http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/africa_today/v052/52.3akoko.pdf
Abstract:	Relations between Christian churches and the State in Cameroon in the past two decades have been marked by intense conflicts. The churches' pronouncements and positions on major national issues - such as reforms aimed at institutionalizing democratic governance, human rights, and the rule of law - have increasingly been at variance with those of the State. Mainline churches, notably the Roman Catholic Church and the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, have been at the forefront of efforts to see a truly democratic society take root in Cameroon. Liberation theology, in form and content, has become a pervasive force in the churches' desire to realize human rights and social justice. Has liberation theology come to liberate Cameroonians? And to what extent and with what means have the churches engaged in these endeavours? What are some of the underlying challenges inherent in the process of participating in the making of a 'new' Cameroon? These are the questions addressed in this essay. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract]