EPC Beedi parish closed down due to clashes

This measure was taken to restore calm after clashes on Sunday between parishioners and "bystanders". According to a parishioner the parish was sealed as a measure by the administrative authorities to restore public order.

According to reports, tension was high during Sunday worship, when Pastors from other parishes along with their followers stormed the parish in order to forcibly install a pastor.

Sources indicate that, they broke into the church when worship was about to begin.

Dispatched by buses on the scene, they came in their numbers up to the point where the security person in charge to protect the parish was unable to honour the protection contract it had with the parish.

Some of them even entered through windows and parishioners were molested and robbed of their property", says a former Church member on the site. It was however due to the timely intervention of the police that calm and serenity was restored to the area.

Reason for the uproar, was the installation of a new pastor, appointed by the Sanaga consistory, which depended on the parish of Beedi, in place of the Rev. Mbayen, who was in charge of the parish.

Indeed, Alain Claude Mbayen was dismissed from his duties by the consistory for insubordination, forgery and also for rebellion.

But the parishioners did not agree with this decision and thereby wanted to keep their leader. Also, even if he is no more, the Pastor still holds the presbytery.

In accordance with the provisions of their laws of appointment, the parish Committee met and chose the Rev. Mbayen as pastor. The mentioned provision provides an opportunity for parishioners to choose for themselves whom to lead them.

Members of the parish went ahead to initiate the breakage of collaboration with the Sanaga consistory. According to the faithfuls, Rev. Mbayen has done a "good work" in the parish.

But for the Sanaga consistory, the Rev. Mbayen, must leave the premises and respect the decisions of those he works for.

Concerning this dispute, various procedures are underway in court. In addition, a decision of the GA of the EPC asked the consistory to postpone the various procedures against the pastor.