By Tata Mbunwe
The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, Rt Rev Fonki Samuel Forba, has attributed the rise of the prosperity gospel in Cameroon to what he described as the complacency of Pastors.
The prominent leader of the largest indigenous Church in Cameroon admonished pastors for indirectly contributing to the proliferation of the prosperity gospel, which he characterized as the “gospel of the antichrist.”
Rev Fonki was addressing a congregation during the ordination of 17 assistant pastors at PC Beach in Limbe on Wednesday, Dec. 13.
He voiced his concern over the pervasive influence of the prosperity gospel, a movement emphasizing health and wealth as indicators of a believer’s faith.
He remarked, “The truth is that many of us, especially pastors, are sleeping, and because we are sleeping, there is now an attractive prosperity gospel that has invaded every place in the world.”
The Moderator criticized prosperity gospel preachers for prioritizing personal enrichment over the true message of the gospel, asserting that their actions compromised the essence of Christianity.
“We have slept and allowed the gospel to be popular, not for the glory of the most high God but for the enrichment of the antichrist of our time, thus compromising the gospel message,” he added.
Prosperity gospel, often associated with pentecostalism, evangelicalism, and charismatic Christianity, has gained significant ground in Cameroon and other parts of Africa.
The movement emphasizes miracles, speaking in tongues, and material success as signs of divine favor.
Mainstream Churches, such as the Presbyterian Church, have traditionally distanced themselves from prosperity gospel teachings, considering its preachers as false teachers.
Rev Samuel Forba specifically pointed to the responsibility of PCC pastors for the surge of prosperity gospel in Cameroon, urging the newly ordained pastors to be vigilant.
He urged them to let their “words and actions inspire others to find their spiritual path in this life.”
The Moderator’s critique comes at a time when many religious communities worldwide are grappling with the implications of prosperity gospel teachings and their impact on traditional Christian doctrines.
