Cameroon Pentecostal Churches Face Government Scrutiny

Russ Jones | Christian Press | Updated: Apr 14, 2014

Cameroon Pentecostal Churches Face Government Scrutiny

In 2013 the Republic of Cameroon's President Paul Biya ordered the closure of nearly 100 Christian churches throughout the African nation. According to NPR, churches that oppose the government continue to face closure.

Cameroon is predominantly Christian, where there are more than 500 Pentecostal churches. The government claims that fewer than 50 churches are legally registered. Only President Biya can approve a churches legal status, which he hasn’t done since 2009.

Officials maintain the prosperity-driven churches are operating criminal organizations taking advantage of impoverished people.

The Rev. George Nfor Asongyu, pastor of Faith Ministry Banner church located in Douala, is the latest church to be targeted.

"They say we pray too much, we disturb, we are breaking down marriages, we're destroying homes, we're exploiting people, which is not true," Asongyu, who is blind, told NPR. "Even if there are churches that do that, it is not me. I know what call God has given me for this nation."

 

Publication date: April 14, 2014



Cameroon Pentecostal Churches Face Government Scrutiny