PCC:Story behind constitutional rotation of top leadership between NW/SW
By Nchendzengang Tatah
The rotation of leadership in the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC) between the North West and South West is one which has been applauded by many for its sensitivity to build inclusion. The rule only became law after a post electoral storm which is reported to have nearly split the church.
Moderator Henry Anye Awasom and Synod Clerk Jonas N. Dah who had emerged from the 28th Synod of the PCC on April 15-18, 1985 were both from North West extraction. The press at the time is said to have been inundated with concerns by many as to the policy of the church towards inclusion of the two administrative units which make up its primary membership.
In a letter of appreciation to synod members after the elections, Rev Awasom had felt that the option to cancel the polls outcome following outburst was immature. “It will be a pity, a great disaster and catastrophe if those decisions were, or would be said to have been irresponsibly taken; or if we, who took those very decisions were to disown or disassociate ourselves with these decisions or some”, Moderator Awasom wrote.
As recorded by Jonas Dah in his book “Very Rev. Henry Anye Awasom; The man and his thoughts”, four positions were gaining ground. The first was to revoke the Synod’s decision. Second was to maintain Synod’s decision and amend the constitution. Third, was to call an emergency synod mainly for reelection and finally, to postpone the handing over by a year.
As a resolution, the Synod Committee through an extraordinary session on September 4, 1985 in Kumba decided that the duly elected officers will serve their full term. While a constitutional revision will be undertaken in that cause. Making it a policy for the two top church leaders not to originate from the same region.
At a pastor’s retreat in 1970 addressing the topic of tribalism and sectionalism, Rev Awasom is remembered saying, “all we have been doing is pretending to love. Let us really love, let us really preach and show it with our lives and speech that we are one in Christ.”
