What has motivated the first part of this paper is the genuine search for a Christian identity within the context of West Cameroon. Cameroon is a multicultural country which has been grouped into two major linguistic areas. French speaking Cameroon constitutes more than 70% of the country while the English speaking part makes up more than 25%. Most often, the story of Cameroon is written in a block and as if it were a complete unit without minding the fact that the two linguistic parts are made up of two different people who have completely different cultures and styles of governance as well as Christian experiences. This began in colonial days, when missionary activities followed colonial principles.
Thus to concretely explore the subject of ecumenism in Cameroon, the two units must be studied separately in order to get the true ecumenical story of the country. In this paper, focus will be laid on West Cameroon where ecumenism seems to have been swallowed up under a structure of ecumenism known as CEPCA which operates more than 90% in the French speaking area and by French principles. By exploring this option, this paper seeks to make a clear difference between the experiences of the two territories.
The motivation for the second paper on infant water baptism from the perspective of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC) is guided by the ecumenical reality of the context of Cameroon and particularly the Western part of Cameroon considered as the English speaking section of the country. The reality shows that there are many arguments and divisions over the issue of water baptism among the churches operating in this area of the country, with each confession trying to criticize the position of the other in the way they do baptism. These criticisms are often time void of a positional defense on why each does their water baptism the way they do.
The PCC in particular and the other traditional churches in West Cameroon have suffered from the hands of the Pentecostals or new churches over the issue of infant baptism. These are not able to clearly stipulate why they think infant baptism is bad but have simply thrown it away in favor of adult water baptism. Upon this background, this paper is meant to attempt an explanation of the PCC’s position on baptizing infant with water and why they think it’s a very important rite that must not be neglected within the ministry of the church.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- THE ECUMENICAL LANDSCAPE IN WEST CAMEROON: AN ECUMENISM OF SUSPICION AND WORRY
- Chapter One: General Structure and Introduction to Research Paper
- Chapter Two: In-depth View of Ecumenicity in West Cameroon
- Chapter Three: The Way Forward for Ecumenism in Cameroon
- THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN CAMEROON, PCC AND INFANT BAPTISM: AN ECUMENICAL WORRY
- Chapter One: General Introduction and Structure of Research Paper
- Chapter Two: PCC's Biblical Understanding of Baptism vis-à-vis Other Confessions
- Chapter Three: SOME ECUMENICAL DISCUSSIONS ON BAPTISM IN WEST CAMEROON
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research paper aims to explore the ecumenical landscape in West Cameroon, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for inter-church relations. It examines the historical and cultural factors that have shaped the current ecumenical climate, investigating the reasons behind suspicion and hesitancy towards ecumenical initiatives. A second part of the research focuses on the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon's (PCC) stance on infant baptism and its implications for ecumenical dialogue within the region.
- Historical and cultural influences on ecumenism in West Cameroon
- Relationships between various faith confessions in West Cameroon (Protestant, Catholic, Pentecostal)
- Obstacles to ecumenism and potential solutions
- The PCC's theological understanding of baptism
- Ecumenical discussions surrounding baptism in West Cameroon
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter One: General Structure and Introduction to Research Paper: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the entire research paper. It establishes the motivation behind the study, highlighting the distinct Christian experiences in the English- and French-speaking regions of Cameroon, a consequence of differing colonial histories and governance styles. The research approach is detailed, emphasizing an insider perspective and qualitative methodology, combining observational analysis with the examination of written materials. The chapter culminates by defining the research problem: the lack of ecumenical progress in West Cameroon due to prevailing suspicion and the question of how to foster a more inclusive ecumenical movement. It underlines the need to understand the unique religious landscape of West Cameroon and how inter-church relationships either hinder or promote ecumenical dialogue.
Chapter Two: In-depth View of Ecumenicity in West Cameroon: This chapter provides a detailed examination of the various faith confessions present in West Cameroon and their inter-church relations. It analyzes the dynamics between Protestants and Catholics, Protestants and Pentecostals, Catholics and Pentecostals, different Protestant denominations, AIC/TEC and traditional churches, and finally, Christians and Muslims. The chapter delves into the specific challenges and opportunities for ecumenical cooperation within each of these pairings, providing case studies and illustrating the nuances of the complex religious landscape. This analysis lays the foundation for understanding the overall state of ecumenism in the region, highlighting both collaborative efforts and areas of conflict or misunderstanding.
Chapter Three: The Way Forward for Ecumenism in Cameroon: This chapter offers a critical analysis of the obstacles to ecumenism in West Cameroon, building upon the findings of the preceding chapters. It identifies systemic challenges and proposes practical solutions to foster greater ecumenicity. The suggestions include promoting bilateral and intra-confessional dialogues, strengthening regional ecumenical bodies, and establishing a national Christian forum. The chapter emphasizes the importance of addressing historical grievances, fostering mutual understanding, and encouraging collaboration to overcome the existing suspicion and pave the way for a more united Christian community in West Cameroon. The chapter's proposals provide concrete steps towards a more collaborative ecumenical future.
Chapter One: General Introduction and Structure of Research Paper: This chapter introduces the second research focus, exploring the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC)'s perspective on infant baptism and its impact on ecumenical relations. The chapter details the motivation for the study, which involves a thorough investigation into the PCC's understanding of baptism rooted in biblical interpretation. It establishes the research approach and the central research question: how does the PCC's understanding of baptism shape its ecumenical relationships, and what are the challenges and opportunities arising from these differing perspectives? This sets the groundwork for the subsequent chapters dedicated to a comprehensive examination of baptism within the ecumenical context of West Cameroon.
Chapter Two: PCC's Biblical Understanding of Baptism vis-à-vis Other Confessions: This chapter offers a detailed examination of the PCC's understanding of baptism based on biblical texts. It analyzes various biblical types, methods, and forms of baptism and how these interpretations influence the PCC's practices. This chapter also compares and contrasts the PCC's perspective on baptism with those of other Christian denominations present in West Cameroon, building the foundation for later analyses of ecumenical dialogue surrounding this crucial theological point. The chapter analyzes different biblical interpretations and their practical implications for the PCC's approach to baptism.
Chapter Three: SOME ECUMENICAL DISCUSSIONS ON BAPTISM IN WEST CAMEROON: This chapter explores ecumenical discussions surrounding baptism within West Cameroon, focusing on various aspects including pre-baptism doctrines, socio-economic implications, the blending of baptism practices within the PCC, god-parenting traditions, and the practice of name-changing after baptism. It delves into the challenges and opportunities for ecumenical collaboration based on differing understandings and practices related to baptism. The chapter carefully analyzes the diverse perspectives on baptism held by various churches and provides insights into how these perspectives impact ecumenical relations.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Ecumenism, West Cameroon, inter-church relations, infant baptism, Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC), colonial history, cultural influences, theological interpretations, qualitative research, religious pluralism, dialogue, suspicion, collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Ecumenical Landscape in West Cameroon
What is the main focus of this research paper?
This research paper explores the ecumenical landscape in West Cameroon, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for inter-church relations. It examines the historical and cultural factors shaping the ecumenical climate and investigates the reasons behind suspicion and hesitancy towards ecumenical initiatives. A key part focuses on the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon's (PCC) stance on infant baptism and its implications for ecumenical dialogue.
What are the key themes explored in the research?
Key themes include: historical and cultural influences on ecumenism in West Cameroon; relationships between various faith confessions (Protestant, Catholic, Pentecostal); obstacles to ecumenism and potential solutions; the PCC's theological understanding of baptism; and ecumenical discussions surrounding baptism in West Cameroon.
What is the structure of the research paper?
The paper is divided into two main sections. The first section analyzes the overall ecumenical landscape in West Cameroon, covering general introduction, an in-depth view of ecumenicity, and the way forward for ecumenism. The second section focuses on the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon and infant baptism, including a general introduction, the PCC's biblical understanding of baptism compared to other confessions, and ecumenical discussions on baptism in West Cameroon.
What methodology is used in this research?
The research employs a qualitative methodology, combining observational analysis with the examination of written materials. It utilizes an insider perspective to gain a deep understanding of the complexities of the ecumenical context in West Cameroon.
What are the main findings regarding ecumenism in West Cameroon?
The research identifies systemic challenges hindering ecumenism in West Cameroon, such as historical grievances and differing theological interpretations. It also highlights the complex relationships between various faith confessions and the specific challenges and opportunities for cooperation within each pairing.
What are the proposed solutions to foster greater ecumenicity in West Cameroon?
The research suggests promoting bilateral and intra-confessional dialogues, strengthening regional ecumenical bodies, establishing a national Christian forum, addressing historical grievances, fostering mutual understanding, and encouraging collaboration to overcome suspicion and build a more united Christian community.
What is the significance of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon's (PCC) stance on infant baptism in relation to ecumenism?
The PCC's understanding of infant baptism, rooted in biblical interpretation, significantly shapes its ecumenical relationships. The research explores how differing perspectives on baptism, including pre-baptism doctrines, socio-economic implications, and blending of baptism practices, impact ecumenical dialogue and collaboration.
What specific aspects of baptism are discussed in the context of ecumenical dialogue?
The research delves into various aspects of baptism, including pre-baptism doctrines, socio-economic implications, blending of baptism practices within the PCC, god-parenting traditions, and the practice of name-changing after baptism, analyzing how these diverse perspectives impact ecumenical relations.
What are the key words associated with this research?
Key words include: Ecumenism, West Cameroon, inter-church relations, infant baptism, Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC), colonial history, cultural influences, theological interpretations, qualitative research, religious pluralism, dialogue, suspicion, collaboration.
- Quote paper
- Emmanuel Wayi (Mico) (Author), 2017, The Ecumenical Landscape in West Cameroon and The Presbyterian Church in Cameroon and Infant Baptism, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/353112
