Cameroon Unregistered Churches: Government Cracks Down on Illegal Worship Centers
Cameroon has taken a firm stance against unregistered churches by launching a nationwide crackdown. This action, spearheaded by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, has resulted in the closure of hundreds of places of worship. The move follows warnings issued in December 2024, urging unregistered religious institutions to regularize their status or face closure.
Authorities in Yaoundé IV have already closed unregistered 200 unregistered churches out of the 615 churches in the area. The Divisional Officer, Elvis Akondji Mbahangwen, is leading the enforcement of these measures. The government argues that many of these churches are involved in fraudulent activities, exploit their followers financially, and contribute to noise pollution. However, the decision has divided public opinion.
Thousands of Churches, Few Registered
Cameroon has a vast number of churches, yet only 47 are legally recognized by the state. Registration is a complex process requiring presidential approval. The last church to receive legal status was the Orthodox Catholic Church Fraternity of the Holy Family of Nazareth in 2020, under decree No. 2020/492.
To register a church, founders must submit documentation to the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), who then forwards the request to the Ministry of Territorial Administration. The ministry reviews the application before sending it to the presidency for final approval. Despite this process, thousands of churches operate illegally across the country.
Public Reaction: Mixed Responses to the Crackdown
Many Cameroonians have expressed support for the government’s initiative. Gerald Kenkoh from Bamenda believes that the government should regulate churches to curb noise pollution. “In Mile 4 Nkwen alone, we have over 60 churches, and there is noise everywhere,” he stated.
Kum Etienne also backed the decision, arguing that churches should be taxed. “It’s time churches get registered and pay taxes to eliminate small, noisy congregations that disturb the public under the guise of worship,” he said.
However, some citizens feel that closing churches is not the solution. Dunamise suggested that the government should focus on industrialization and reducing alcohol consumption instead. Others, like Afu Augustine, questioned whether churches are responsible for Cameroon’s problems. “Are churches the cause of the country’s struggles? People should be allowed to worship freely,” he argued.
Registered Churches in Cameroon
The list of officially recognized churches includes well-established institutions such as:
- Roman Catholic Mission (Yaoundé) – Decision No. 16/ATF/APA/2 (1962)
- Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC, Buea) – Letter No. 1 (1962)
- Apostolic Church of Cameroon (Kumba) – Decree No. 68/DF/246 (1968)
- Cameroon Baptist Convention (CBC, Bamenda) – Decree No. 90/838 (1990)
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cameroon (Ngaoundéré) – Decision No. 63/ATF/AG2/2 (1967)
- The Holy Greek-Orthodox Metropolis of Cameroon (Yaoundé) – Decree No. 2009 (2009)
- Orthodox Catholic Church Fraternity of the Holy Family of Nazareth (Yaoundé) – Decree No. 2020/492 (2020)
These churches underwent the rigorous registration process required by the government, making them legally recognized entities.
Ongoing Crackdown and Future Measures
The government’s decision to shut down unregistered churches is expected to continue. Minister Paul Atanga Nji has emphasized that the move aims to protect citizens from fraudulent religious groups and ensure national order. Authorities argue that some churches are exploiting the faithful financially, while others operate as businesses rather than religious organizations.
Elvis Akondji Mbahangwen, the Divisional Officer of Yaoundé IV, justified the crackdown by stating, “The administrative authority is responsible for protecting people and their property. We cannot allow our citizens to be deceived and manipulated.”
Despite the government’s justification, critics argue that the process of registering a church is too bureaucratic and that religious freedom should be upheld. Religious leaders from unregistered churches are calling for dialogue with the government to find a solution that allows them to operate legally while maintaining their congregations.
Conclusion
The closure of nearly 200 churches in Yaoundé marks a significant step in Cameroon’s effort to regulate religious institutions. While some citizens welcome the move, others see it as an infringement on religious freedom. With only 47 churches legally recognized in the country, the government faces ongoing challenges in managing religious organizations.
As the crackdown continues, it remains to be seen whether this measure will bring order or lead to further debates over the right to worship. The situation underscores the tension between state control and religious freedom, making it a critical issue in Cameroon’s governance landscape.
