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.
Table of Contents
1. CHAPTER ONE: General Structure and Introduction to Research Paper
MOTIVATION
RESEACH APPROACH
RESEARCH PROBLEM OR QUESTION
PURPOSE OF STUDY
INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS ECUMENISM
2. CHAPTER TWO: In-depth View of Ecumenicity in West Cameroon
VARIOUS FAITH CONFESSIONS PRESENT IN WEST CAMEROON
INTER-CHURCH ECUMENICAL RELATIONS IN WEST CAMEROON
a) PROTESTANTS AND ROMAN CATHOLICS
b) PROTESTANTS AND PENTECOSTALS
c) ROMAN CATHOLICS AND PENTECOSTALS
d) PROTESTANT AND PROTESTANT
e) AIC/TEC AND TRADITIONAL CHURCHES
f) CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS
3. CHAPTER THREE: The Way Forward for Ecumenism in Cameroon
SUMMARY VIEW AND OBSTACLES TO ECUMENISM IN WEST CAMEROON
PROPORSALS FOR BETTER ECUMENICITY IN WEST CAMEROON
a) Bilateral and Intra-Confessional Dialogues
b) Regional Ecumenical Bodies
c) National Christian Forum
4. CONCLUSION
1. CHAPTER ONE: General Introduction and Structure of Research Paper
MOTIVATION
RESEACH APPROACH
RESEARCH QUESTION/PROBLEM
STUDY PURPOSE
INTRODUCTION
ETYMOLOGY
2. CHAPTER TWO: PCC’s Biblical Understanding of Baptism vis-à-vis Other Confessions
BIBLICAL TYPES OF BAPTISM
BIBLICAL METHODS OF BAPTISM
BIBLICAL FORMS OF BAPTISM
3. Chapter Three: SOME ECUMENICAL DISCUSSIONS ON BAPTISM IN WEST CAMEROON
a) Doctrine before Baptism in West Cameroon
b) Economic and Social Implications of Baptism
c) Blending Baptism in PCC
d) God Parenting
e) Changing of Names
4. CONCLUSION
Research Objectives and Key Themes
The primary objective of this work is to explore the ecumenical landscape in West Cameroon, highlighting the unique challenges and Christian experiences within the Anglophone context. It seeks to address the prevailing spirit of suspicion and division among various church denominations by proposing structured dialogue and regional ecumenical collaboration as paths toward meaningful unity.
- Analysis of inter-church ecumenical relations and barriers in West Cameroon.
- Examination of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC) position on infant baptism.
- Critical investigation into denominational suspicions and proselytism trends.
- Development of a framework for regional ecumenism and bilateral dialogue.
Excerpt from the Book
BIBLICAL METHODS OF BAPTISM
As a little probing into the biblical practice of Baptism among the Jews, the following information may be of great help and helps to usher the understanding from the point of view of this paper:
“Toward the beginning of the Christian era, the Jews adopted (as a custom unrelated to Divine guidance) the custom of baptizing proselytes seven days after their circumcision. A series of specific interrogations made it possible to judge the real intentions of the candidate who wished to adopt the Jewish religion. After submitting to these interrogations, he was circumcised and later baptized before witnesses. In the baptism, he was immersed naked in a pool of flowing water; when he rose from the pool, he was a true son of Israel. After their baptism, new converts were allowed access to the sacrifices in the Temple.”
This meant that at that stage, baptism and circumcision was done successively without any distinction as would later be seen in the writings of Paul.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: General Structure and Introduction to Research Paper: This chapter introduces the research context, defining the multicultural and linguistic reality of Cameroon and establishing the motivation for an ecumenical study focused on West Cameroon.
CHAPTER TWO: In-depth View of Ecumenicity in West Cameroon: This chapter analyzes the diverse Christian confessions operating in the West and examines the inter-church relations and the pervasive atmosphere of suspicion.
CHAPTER THREE: The Way Forward for Ecumenism in Cameroon: This chapter provides a summary of obstacles and offers proposals for improving ecumenical relations, including the formation of regional ecumenical bodies.
CONCLUSION: The concluding chapter synthesizes the findings, emphasizing the need for forgiveness, dialogue, and a move away from divisive criticism toward a shared Christian experience.
CHAPTER ONE: General Introduction and Structure of Research Paper: This second introductory chapter sets the foundation for the specific study on infant baptism within the PCC, outlining the research approach and purpose.
CHAPTER TWO: PCC’s Biblical Understanding of Baptism vis-à-vis Other Confessions: This chapter explores the theological and biblical interpretations of baptismal types, methods, and forms from the perspective of the PCC.
Chapter Three: SOME ECUMENICAL DISCUSSIONS ON BAPTISM IN WEST CAMEROON: This chapter delves into the specific debates surrounding infant baptism, including doctrine, economic implications, and pastoral practices in the region.
CONCLUSION: This final chapter restates the call for unity and mutual respect regarding sacramental rites across all denominations in West Cameroon.
Keywords
Ecumenism, West Cameroon, Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, Baptism, Infant Baptism, Inter-church relations, Christian Unity, Pentecostalism, Denominational suspicion, Proselytism, Sacraments, Theological dialogue, Ecclesiology, Biblical interpretation, Christian identity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research examines the ecumenical landscape of West Cameroon, exploring why divisions and suspicion persist among churches and how these challenges can be addressed through dialogue.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
Key themes include the impact of colonial history on church structure, the influence of Pentecostalism, the controversy surrounding water baptism, and the necessity of regional ecumenical cooperation.
What is the main goal of the research?
The goal is to provide a clear distinction between the Francophone and Anglophone Christian experiences and to propose a roadmap for a more inclusive and mature ecumenical movement in West Cameroon.
What methodology does the author use?
The author employs a qualitative approach, utilizing insider perspectives through personal experience as a pastor, critical hermeneutics, and observation to interpret the experiences of various church members.
What is covered in the study of baptism?
The study covers biblical types, methods, and forms of baptism, specifically addressing the PCC's defense of infant baptism against criticisms from other denominations.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Core keywords include ecumenism, West Cameroon, baptism, Christian unity, denomination, and ecclesiastical dialogue.
How does the author view the 'Ecumenism of Suspicion'?
The author identifies this as a state where traditional and new churches distrust each other, often leading to futile efforts at unity, and suggests that understanding the historical and cultural context can help mitigate this.
What is the author's stance on the regional ecumenical body?
The author argues that a regional body is necessary for West Cameroon because existing ecumenical organizations are dominated by Francophone churches and principles that do not fully serve the Anglophone context.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Emmanuel Wayi (Mico) (Autor:in), 2017, The Ecumenical Landscape in West Cameroon and The Presbyterian Church in Cameroon and Infant Baptism, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/353112
