The Committee of Wise Men in Gabon has appealed for calm and restraint following the temporary suspension of the directorate of the Evangelical Church of Gabon (EEG). The committee, led by Reverend Clément Obame Mezui, aims to guide the EEG towards organizing new, free, and transparent elections. The church is currently undergoing a transition period, and the committee seeks to promote peace within the institution.
The Committee of Wise Men has pledged to maintain absolute neutrality, above factional divides, and not be swayed by any particular group. Their goal is to ensure an inclusive process, where no actor is marginalized. The committee's primary focus is on the general interest of the institution and its continued legal existence.
In the face of rising tensions, the Committee is urging pastors to serve as models of moderation and encouraging the faithful to shun rumors, slander, intimidation, and destructive speech. Instead, they recommend focusing on prayer and mutual respect. The committee emphasizes that differences in opinion should not sever the fraternal bond among church members.
The Committee of Wise Men highlights that the current transition period is temporary and that the responsibilities held by church members are "ministries of service," rather than positions of power. Their mission is to restore trust and prepare the church for a return to institutional order.
Reverend Clément Obame Mezui read the committee's statement, which was released after the suspension of the EEG directorate. The suspension was put in place as a precautionary measure. The committee's involvement aims to facilitate a smooth transition and find a resolution to the current impasse within the church.
The situation within the Evangelical Church of Gabon has been tense, with the Council of Ministers on September 18 acknowledging the deadlock. The church's leadership crisis has been ongoing, and the Committee of Wise Men's intervention seeks to bring stability and guide the institution towards a peaceful resolution.
The church's transition period comes at a time when Gabon is experiencing various developments, including efforts to create a national theater, initiatives to support survivors of deceased family members, and the distribution of school kits to children in Port-Gentil. The country's focus on education and culture is ongoing, with President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema recently participating in a ceremony to distribute school kits to nearly 1,500 children.
Key points
- The Committee of Wise Men seeks to guide the Evangelical Church of Gabon towards free and transparent elections.
- The committee aims to maintain neutrality and promote an inclusive process.
- The church's transition period is temporary, and the focus is on restoring trust and returning to institutional order.
