Clergies to Render More Social Services

Bishops meeting in Douala have resolved that the best way to reach out the gospel is to render service to humanity. This is the main issue of discussion during the ongoing 2014 seminar of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon in Akwa, Douala. Since 1976, bishops of Cameroon meet annually to discuss pastoral and social issues. The theme for this year is "Caritas [charity] at the service of new evangelisation".

Speaking at the opening, Monsignor Samuel Kleda made the call for men of God to enter a greater dimension than pastoral conversion, according to Pope Francis, in order that their joy of the gospel will illuminate their faith and pastoral choice in favour of the people of God.

Though the church has the triple responsibility to preach the gospel, celebrate the sacrament and render charitable services, the present seminar harps essentially on charity. "Through new evangelisation the church wants to emphasise charity in our world. There cannot be evangelisation only in word but there must be action to alleviate difficult conditions of the world," says Anthony Ntalou, Archbishop of Garoua.

For six days, the bishops will reflect on, within the framework of new evangelisation, pastoral responsibility in regards to the works of charity and the transparent use of church funds and resources. The men of God said service to humanity is service to God and service to humanity is the best way to reach out the gospel. It is in this light that they want to see the needs of the people and how to meet them. They urged Christians to distinguish themselves by the lives they live - distinguished by their love for one another and service for one another.

Fritz Ntone Ntone, Government Delegate to the Douala City Council, lauded the legendary contribution of the Catholic Church to the lives of communities.