The palace of Nkambe and the Apostolic Church in Nkambe town have reconciled and are now on good terms.
They thrashed their longstanding frosty relationship and opened a new chapter for the peaceful coexistence of the two institutions.
Both institutions pledged to work peacefully in collaboration during a Thanksgiving ceremony on Sunday, August 20, 2023.
The Nkambe palace and the Apostolic Church clashed over traditional and religious rites, causing relations between them to turn sour.
Two members of the church, including a clergyman, were injured in the violent clash that resulted in the destruction of church properties.
The Church dragged the palace to court — and claimed 3 million francs in damages.
Reports state that the parties withdrew the case after agreeing to an amicable settlement in order to reconcile and discuss a way forward for peaceful coexistence.
The palace agreed to pay the church a compensation sum of 1.5 million FCFA.
Palace authorities and judicial and administrative officials attended a church service at Apostolic Church Nkambe to lay the matter to rest before God and man.
During the Thanksgiving church service, the Senior State Counsel spoke and praised both parties for choosing the option of an amicable settlement out of court.
He said, “That spirit and the goodwill of the parties motivated the legal Department to discontinue the case.”
The church noted that it turned down a 1.5 million agreement of reparations to be paid to the church by the palace on grounds that “It is not proper for the church to receive money from the palace.”
The church pastor stressed, “The palace and the church must interact in peaceful coexistence and understanding. We cannot sacrifice this relationship because of money.”
Fai Ta’ngfutango, the spokesman of the Fon of Nkambe, expressed gratitude to the Apostolic Church for their understanding and sense of forgiveness.
He reassured them that the palace would continuously be available and support the growth of all the churches, including the Apostolic Church in Nkambe.
The authorities of the Apostolic Church express gratitude to all who attended the service.
He acknowledged, “The powerful delegation from the Nkambe palace eloquently testified to Nkambe’s steadfast resolve to stay on the path of peace during these turbulent moments.”
The pastor added that the service had healed the deep wounds and renewed the relationship between the palace and the Apostolic Church.
The First Assistant Senior Divisional Officer for Donga Mantung Division, a cross-section of the clergy, and Christians from other denominations attended the Thanksgiving service, among others.
