The Presbyterian Church in Cameroon has condemned in strongest terms the shooting by unidentified armed men at the Ntanfoang church in Bali during Sunday August 22 divine service that claimed the life of one of its Christians and severely injured the pastor on duty.
In a highly awaited reaction, the Synod Committee Executive of the church say it is “deeply embarrassed and troubled at the barbaric torture that God’s children have been subjected to” in the crisis-hit Anglophone regions for the fifth year running.
Recounting what happened, the Committee says the church was duly informed that on Sunday August 22 at the Presbyterian Church Ntafoang in Bali subdivision, seat of the Bali Presbytery, service was interrupted by gunshots. A loud explosion was herd outside close to the church house followed by random gunshots. It further states that bullets were then rained on the church in the course of which, a female Christian identified as Grace Titalabit was killed instantly, meanwhile the Pastor on duty, Rev. Voma Simon Montoh sustained a severe injury on the arm.
In shock, trauma and consternation, the Christians managed to ferry the dead Christian and the Pastor to the hospital. The Pastor received a surgical removal of the bullet and as at now is recovering from the health challenge, the shock and trauma.
The Synod Committee Executive laments that such an atmosphere of insecurity and fear has been reigning in the Anglophone regions for more than four years and appeals of a ceasefire to both the Government of Cameroon and Ambazonia separatist militia who have taken up arms on the people have fallen in deaf ears.
“We therefore condemn this unnecessary and unhuman treatment meted on God’s children by those who are supposed to protect them…” Part of the communique reads.
Reminding Government about Article 27 of the 1899 Hague Regulations to which Cameroon is a signatory, which provides that “in sieges and bombardments, all necessary steps should be taken to spare as far as possible edifices devoted to religion, art, science, and charity…” the Synode “calls on both parties to cease fire unconditionally especially on Sundays and that a proper investigation is conducted by the Government and other international bodies for those responsible to be brought to book.”
While praying for the children of God in the North West and South West regions, most hard-hit by the senseless war, the church has extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of its late Christian, Grace Titalabit, and called on Christians to build their hope on God who assures us all of a time of peace as indicated in the book of Isaiah chapter 2 verse 4: “He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many people. They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation nor will they train for war anymore.”
Ariane Foguem
