Christian Churches and the Democratization Conundrum in Cameroon

Relations between Christian churches and the state in Cameroon in the past two decades have been marked by intense conflicts. The churches' pronouncements and positions on major national issues—such as reforms aimed at institutionalizing democratic governance, human rights, and the rule of law—have increasingly been at variance with those of the state. Mainline churches, such as the Roman Catholic Church, and the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, have been at the forefront of efforts to see a truly democratic society take root in Cameroon. While these churches are making this contribution, local Pentecostal churches maintain a more or less neutral position on political issues. This paper examines these relations in the context of the ongoing political and social transition in Cameroon, and posits that liberation theology has become a viable strategy in the churches' desire to promote democracy in Cameroon.