AFRICA/CAMEROON - “There are no differences between French-speaking and English-speaking Catholics in the Church”

Yaoundé (Fides News Agency) – “As St Paul said, ‘There is neither Greek nor Jew’; likewise, in the Church in Cameroon, there are no differences between French-speaking and English-speaking Catholics.” This was stated by Father Florent Ze Ntongo, National Assistant General of the Apostolate of the Laity in Cameroon, in an interview with Fides on the occasion of the International Forum of Catholic Action (FIAC), held in Rome from 15 to 18 October.
“Within the Catholic Church, there are no problems between French-speaking and English-speaking Catholics. The bishops provide a point of reference in helping Christians understand that, beyond any attempts by politicians to exploit these differences, in the family of Jesus, as St Paul said, ‘there is neither Greek nor Jew, neither slave nor free person’. Our bishops are the first to teach the faithful to live together in harmony, whatever their linguistic background. In Yaoundé, several parishes bring French-speaking and English-speaking faithful together in harmony. A French-speaking parish priest can celebrate Mass for English-speaking Catholics without difficulty, and vice versa.”
Father Ze Ntongo’s role is to work alongside the various lay associations active in Cameroon, in accordance with the guidelines set out in Christifideles laici, the apostolic exhortation of Saint John Paul II.
Among these associations is the Sainte-Marie Association, known as Ekoan Maria, which seeks to promote the formation of Christian women through spiritual life, devotion to the Virgin Mary, prayer and active engagement in the Church and society. It is more than a prayer group: it is a public association serving both the ecclesial community and society, with a commitment to strengthening family life, catechesis, charitable works, solidarity and socioeconomic development.
In 2026, the association celebrated 120 years of service to the Church. The concluding Mass took place at the Shrine of Mary Mediatrix in Etoudi, Yaoundé, and was presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop José Avelino Bettencourt. Also present were Archbishop Jean Mbarga of Yaoundé, Bishop Damase Zinga Atangana of Kribi, and Minister Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa. Thousands of women attended the celebration, during which eleven postulants were consecrated.
“We are preparing the national congress of the Sainte-Marie Association, ‘Ekoan Maria’, scheduled to take place from 23 to 25 October in the Diocese of Obala. Its bishop, Msgr Sosthène Léopold Bayemi Matjei, is president of the Episcopal Commission for the Laity,” Father Ze Ntongo explained.
“Alongside women’s associations, numerous other groups are active in the pastoral ministry of the laity, including associations for men, students and workers. More than 100 associations are recognized by the Episcopal Conference of Cameroon, representing both French-speaking and English-speaking communities,” Father Ze Ntongo reported.
“Everything begins in the parishes, where every member of the faithful can find the association best suited to their circumstances and stage of life.”
We asked the head of the Apostolate of the Laity whether Cameroon also has associations for people seeking employment.
“Yes, there are organizations that help unemployed people through vocational training programs,” he replied. “In this sense, the Church is a mother who accompanies her children, whatever their circumstances. To those who often risk giving in to despair, we say: do not lose heart, because the Church continues to encourage her children. As Christians, we believe that life depends on God. Thanks to these associations, which provide vocational training for the unemployed, some people have managed to find work.”
“Alongside these lay organizations, there are also training schools established by dioceses. In Yaoundé, for example, there are at least two vocational training schools for young people,” he concluded.
(L.M.) (Fides News Agency, 23/10/2026)

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