ICC Note: Following a spree of attacks at the hands of radical Islamic group Boko Haram, Christian and Muslim leaders in Cameroon are uniting for peace. On January 21, multiple religious leaders of both faiths gathered to call for and discuss the peaceful coexistence among religious groups. Boko Haram, who seeks to enforce Islamic law within Nigeria, has expanded its influence into neighboring countries including Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.
By Illia Djadi
02/04/2016 Cameroon (World Watch Monitor) – Christian and Muslim leaders in northern Cameroon have reiterated their call for tolerance and peace in the face of a surge of terror attacks by the Nigerian radical Islamic group Boko Haram.
On 21 Jan., several prominent religious leaders gathered in the town of Mora to discuss peaceful coexistence.
The conference, titled “Living in peace in the sight of God”, was co-chaired by the Sultan of Wandala, Boukar Alhaji Yerima Brahim; Rev. Gregory Cador, Episcopal Vicar of Mora; and Rev. Samuel Heteck, president of the Protestant Churches Council in northern Cameroon.
In their speeches, the religious leaders emphasised that both Islam and Christianity promote tolerance and peace.
“Without a doubt, this day marks the beginning of a long march together, hand in hand, Christians and Muslims looking in the same direction in order to eradicate violence and terrorism,” the Sultan of Wandala said. The conference, he said, “will not only strengthen the brotherhood between our two religious groups, but also helps to boost the momentum that we support as custodians of the divine law”.
The Sultan denounced widely circulating video footage on social media and jihadist outlets, glorifying violence in the name of Islam.
He urged Christian and Muslim leaders to persevere in their role as educators, by preaching love and brotherhood within families, communities and places of worship. He also called on all followers of different religious groups to increase “our common determination to counter the inhumane and barbaric ideology of Boko Haram.”
Jonas Gadjabougou, a pastor speaking on behalf of Protestant churches, said Christians in a situation of violence and deep crisis must strive to show mercy and compassion, like the Biblical example of the Good Samaritan.
