Three congregations of the Cameroon Baptist Convention (CBC), have distanced themselves from some three Christians who recently dragged top leaders of the church to court.
They made their disclaimers in a pastoral letter signed by the Executive President, Rev. Nditemeh Charlemagne, to “all CBC congregations at home and abroad.”
The Christians championing the lawsuit include Chief Taku Jacob of Nkwen Baptist Church; Luma Albert of Bethany Baptist Church Buea, and Mr. Emi Emmanuel of Hope Baptist Church Ndamukong.
The aforementioned individuals, of whom MMI is aware, filed a case against the CBC Executive President, Rev. Nditemeh Charlemagne, and the CBC Chairperson, Yusimbum John, for “constitutional manipulation.”
The case pending before the Mezam High Court in Bamenda was filed less than 24 hours after the same court discontinued a similar case.
Three churches where the three Christians worship, Reverend Nditemeh said, were informed of the court case, and they immediately took measures against the members.
“Upon reception of the summons, the CBC Executive President informed Hope Baptist Church Ndamukong. Hope Baptist Church acted immediately after exhausting all the procedures in Matthew 18. By being adamant, Emi Emmanuel has forfeited his membership in Hope Baptist church Ndamukong,” the Pastoral letter, which MMI obtained a copy, reads.
It further states, “I equally informed Nkwen Baptist Church Senior Pastor not only that their member, Mr. Chief Taku Jacob, has sued two CBC leaders and the CBC to court, but also that the lawyer who filed the case in court for the plaintiffs is a member of Nkwen Baptist Church. On June 13, 2024, I formally wrote to the Christians of Nkwen Baptist Church informing them Christians that one of their church members has sued the CBC and two of her elected officers to court. The next day, I received a letter from Nkwen Baptist Church stating that the Church dissociates herself from the court action of their member.”
Bethany Baptist Church Buea also “took their stand and their decision against Mr. Luma Albert when the first case surfaced.”
Mr Luma was one of the petitioners in the first case that was discontinued in May this year.
The General Council, the decision-making organ of the CBC, according to the letter, met in session on June 14 taking what they called “informed decision by secret ballot on the three plaintiffs for consciously taking CBC internal matters to court”.
A hearing of the case has been slated for Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at the Mezam High Court in Bamenda.
“Once again, we hereby appeal to all CBC Christians and pastors who can attend the court session to effect their appearance in their respective official attire,” the Executive President said.
“Those who cannot attend because of any reason should all be in prayer that truth and justice should prevail,” he added.
