The initiative, set to begin today, aims to address growing internal tensions, modernize church structures, and reconnect with the grassroots faithful amid ongoing leadership crises shaking the church since 2023.
The 68th Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC), Rev. Pastor Jacques René Tjomp, has announced the launch of a nationwide pastoral tour aimed at reviving the spiritual and administrative foundations of the Church. Speaking during a press briefing held this Monday at the headquarters of the PCC in Yaoundé, Rev. Tjomp declared his readiness to embark on what he described as a “caravan of peace and reform,” beginning Tuesday, July 8.
This initiative comes against the backdrop of ongoing leadership crises that have plagued the PCC since 2023. With visible concern and pastoral conviction, Rev. Tjomp outlined his vision to reestablish harmony within the Church and restore confidence among its grassroots members. “The crisis we’re facing is not a crisis of faith among the believers, but rather deafness at the top, a refusal to listen to the deep cry of the base,” he noted. “These Christians, often relegated to the background, form the backbone of the Church. Without them, power struggles become meaningless.” The pastor went on to critique the outdated governance structures within the PCC.
He pointed out that the Church’s operational texts, inherited from American missionaries in 1957, no longer align with its current organizational realities. At its founding, the PCC had just 10 presbyteries and 3 synods. Today, that number has grown to 40 presbyteries and 8 synods, yet the same archaic rules are still applied. “These obsolete texts breed frustration, especially among young pastors who serve a digital-savvy generation. It’s time for reforms that reflect our present reality.” Rev. Tjomp’s message also struck a symbolic chord. He likened the ordinary faithful, those he described as “walking in slippers” to the “International Monetary Fund of the Church.” In his words, these humble believers are the true custodians of the Church’s spiritual wealth, and sidelining them weakens the entire institution.
Drawing from three decades of ecclesiastical experience, the Moderator believes the time is ripe for genuine dialogue with his peers. He called for a peaceful Church, where mutual understanding forms the basis of reform. “Peace cannot exist without mutual understanding. Reform is not rebellion, it’s a responsible act of faith.” The clergyman also addressed the growing culture of online criticism targeting Church leaders. While he acknowledged the role of social media in promoting transparency, he warned against the indiscriminate discrediting of Church figures. “We need leaders who can help and support our Church.
It makes no sense that those who expect help are the first to vilify those in a position to provide it.” Rev. Tjomp’s pastoral tour will begin with visits to major theological institutions, including the seminaries in Foulassi and Bibia in Lollodorf. There, he will preside over graduation ceremonies and interact with new ministers preparing to serve the flock. Dubbed “La Caravane de la Paix et de la Réforme” (The Caravan of Peace and Reform), this tour marks a significant step in Rev. Tjomp’s commitment to healing rifts, modernizing Church governance, and bridging the gap between leadership and laity.
