MEMO TO PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH AND G-8 SUMMIT LEADERSHIP IN 2005

2nd Memorandum

From:  Jonathan Awasom

Social Justice and Human Rights Advocate at Large

Voice of Reason and Conscience

To: The Presidents of G 8 Summit

C/o President of the United States of America

Through: The US State Department

C/o Condoleessa Rice, Secretary of State

Subject: The 6-8 July 2005 G -8 Summit in Gleneagles, Scotland

Date: 9/25/05

The Global War against Injustice and Poverty  

         

The Case of Africa

The G 8 Summit

The July 6-8, 2005 G-8 Summit in Gleneagles, Scotland was an unprecedented historic  event in the world, which brought together 8 industrial nations and poor nations together. I thought it was a great event particularly as it captured the attention of the world to the fact that, at last, the industrialized nations realized that it was time for them to declare poverty as a major problem that is plaguing the "poor nations" on earth.  The state of dictatorship, political instability, genocide, ethnic cleansing and wars in Africa and insecurity concerns come into play as one of the major causes of poverty, which renders many people hopeless. This made that summit a real complex event because I surmise that it has set a platform for real and honest dialogue about human rights and dignity in the continent of Africa

I Applaud the Great 8 Nations

I have not completed the learning curve of life but my immediate reaction is to affirm and hail the great eight for their courage, strength, compassion, kindness and generosity. Whoever conceived the idea to seek these problems, it is one of the best things that has happened in recent times. Given the seriousness of the issues at stake, I believe that something extra-ordinarily will happen as we work together with our heads and hearts together. I think that to identify and declare poverty or give a name to something whether it is negative or positive does not mean it is a new invention. I am sure it points to a deeper sense of determination to address the matter. In fact, neither the 8 nations nor the citizens of the world are ignorant about the devastating nature of poverty and hunger in Africa. May be this conversation will last forever as we fight to end poverty. Before I was born, the problem existed and I feel that speaking with all the experience and education I have received in my lifetime should be considered an addition to this good cause.

A critique

However, I have a concern about the semantic meaning of “rich and poor” nations.   The G 8 Summit is made up of industrialized rich nations to discuss the problems of “poor nations”. My initial response is that I have a problem with the definition and identification of nations on the continent as “rich and poor”.I feel that in as much as we might really want to classify some nations based on the degree of industrial and political achievements, we should select a different definition and language for them other than rich and poor.

Poverty is a systematic and endemic problem, which emanates from either the "extreme inequalities"  "misfortunes" or “ignorance” in every set up be it political, social, religious or economic. It can affect anybody ranging from the rich to the poor and the poor to the poorest with devastating consequences. I have witnessed rich persons degenerate into poor beggars. Poor persons have dropped from their current positions to the lowest level like the rich fool in the Christian bible.

May be you, too have witnessed cases of poverty taking toll on someone or group of people who were not originally poor. Poverty is not just about a person born into it but I think it also concerns people that were rich and suddenly became poor. Someone like me was not born poor but because I was born into a circumstance of dictatorship, I was bound to be poor because my chances of having freedom were systematically and endemically hampered and destroyed by the CNU and CPDM system of oppression

My experience has generated questions as I became more and more enlightened. I was a good example of a “poor and needy”, which is the language that the privileged elite used to describe those of us from poor backgrounds because we were placed at their “mercy”. They made all the decisions and laws, which were not in favor of the “poor and needy”. In fact, I have been a bad friend of poverty and it is really difficult for me to be quiet without making my contribution to any conversation and research on poverty.

In short, poverty stems from the socio-economic, political and cultural structures of oppression and widespread injustice in the country. The political systems have shaped the standards of living in a negative way forcing the majority of people to live in poverty. In practical life, the war against poverty is worth winning provided we look at the ROOT CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF POVERTY simultaneously and avoid distorted interpretation of it. For instance a statement like “POOR NATIONS” already makes the problem impossible to be solved because we are focusing on the effects of poverty and totally negating the attitude and behavior of the people who are causing that poverty.

If we divorce one from the other, then we will be papering over the cracks and keep postponing and trampling the problem under the rug. I think there are a lot of skeletons in the cupboard of African rulers that need to be addressed in order to come out with an objective platform for our noble efforts to exterminate injustice and political oppression in Africa. The fact that they are never accountable to anyone is fundamentally an impediment to any conversation that has to do with solving problems.

As a matter of fact, when rich folks living in Africa among the poor and poorest get together and accept to be tagged as "Poor Nations", I feel that it is misleading and disturbing because within every nation, there are extremely wealthy folks and extremely poor folks. For instance, Cameroon, which is supposedly called a poor nation, has the wealthy and rich elite, richer and wealthier than most people even from the industrialized nations.

Consequently, what will be the moral and ethical reason for describing such rich and wealthy people as poor nations? The practical and actual situation has been very confusing and troubling to me. Besides, it sounds very obvious to me that many of the African representatives are living in denial because they want the industrial nations to see them as part of the solution to the poverty stricken Africans but the people in Cameroon where I belong are not. (As I said I will always speak from my context because I have a good knowledge and experience from there). The rich elite in Africa do not represent the interest of the poor and poorest at all. From their past behavior, one can deduce that they have a policy, which suggests a struggle for survival by the fittest.

There is absolutely no way for the weak ones to win that type of mechanical warfare over survival, unfortunately shaped by dictatorship and corruption. I am tempted to go the extra-mile to imagine that the elite are called “poor nations” because they are suffering from poverty of conscience, moral decadence and intellectual dishonesty. They have denied most of the times, the most basic needs for the poor and poorest such as good health care, education, roads, water and freedom of conscience.

The human community can bear witness to my claims following the horrible images of poverty we see all the times over the television networks. If a general survey is taken of every country in Africa, one will be shocked to notice the harsh reality of poverty distinct from the rich folks and societies in Cameroon (Africa). How then can they be called poor nation? An inappropriate and misrepresentation of the people is itself and inherent obstacle toward an honest and open dialogue toward finding the real answers to the question; why are people poor? What are the minor and major causes of poverty? What can be done to end poverty? What is not being done to end poverty? What is being done and who is doing what and what is not being done? 

I am a Cameroonian and I don't think that the elite in Cameroon should be calling themselves “Poor Nation”. It is deceptive and it is a distortion of the truth. They are not poor and will never be poor except something unusual happens! Indeed, they are extremely and stingingly wealthy and I have never felt that they can represent the poor with their ill-gotten wealth. But as we all know, the world as of today is redesigned in a way that the richer in Cameroon get richer and the poor, poorest.

One of the main reasons why this happens is because the poor are not being represented in our conversation and decisions focused on helping them. The poor seem to be blamed for their poverty and it seems nobody cares to listen to them. The disconnect between the rich and poorest from one country to another is a forgone conclusion and I feel that the poor are constantly being offended when rich folk (church and government) from a continent like Africa attempt to pose as poor people when they are not poor. They create a false expectation and impression, and behave as if they care about the poor. Truly, today I know that any discussion about poverty by the rich folks in many African countries is a sheer coffee time and past time. It is like throwing water on a duck’s back.

All the delegates who attended the G-8 Summit from Africa either religious or political in their usual unholy alliance with each other are the rich and richest. Do they really represent the poor? If they did, then we in Africa would not find ourselves in the disgusting state of poverty and misery, which is destroying lives on daily basis. Every country in Africa is made up of an elite and some of them ignore the poorest even though they would gladly talk eloquently about their issues. They have the ultimate power and logistics to torture and suppress and may be cover up the truth. I disagree with them that Cameroon is a poor nation.

I disagree with them that African is a poor continent. There is poverty in Cameroon and poverty is plaguing the nation of Cameroon but it does not mean that Cameroon is a poor nation. A good way to look at it is to ask the questions, what are the causes of poverty in Cameroon? What are the causes of poverty in Africa?

I believe very strongly that the elite is a club that is reserved to a certain class of people and if anyone does not belong to that club of dictatorship, their chances of a good life is as hard as an elephant passing through the eye of a niddle. Their luxurious and wasteful life styles, is an embarrassment to the “poor” living in the industrial nations and a shock and disappointment for the "poorest" in less industrialized nations existing in disintegrated and impoverished communities.  My rationale for this critique is as follows;

Poverty is truly a global problem and is dotted all over from one country to the other. I feel very strongly that there is no poor nation in Africa because of the affluence of the elite. We should change the language and identify the poor and poorest in every country and categorized them in terms of their per capital income, sources, availability of human resources, purchasing power, employment, educational and growth opportunities, and the living standards of their families.

For instance the standard of poverty in Africa is not the same like that in some of the industrial nations, which could be attributed to a wide range of factors such as good governance, security, economy, good luck and social welfare policy. The first thing is for us to come out with a working definition of poverty by taking into consideration the minor and major causes as a de factor. If the African leaders feel that they are representing the poor and poorest, then they should start speaking the truth and stop blazing lies and manipulation of the Western World.

We should engage the poor in the global summit and conversation and listen to them and figure out the best ways to help them with a stringent broad based support system of accountability for their success. About six months ago, I had coffee with one of my friends at Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina, Minnesota who is a mission employee and I remember sharing with him that listening to the poor and poorest could be very helpful in ending poverty. I was very emphatic that we could not really solve the problem of poverty from an intellectual point of view without listening to the poor and poorest. He said that he knew that I was a man of conviction. I told him that, well I was speaking from experience and not just out of a deep conviction.

I feel that responsible leadership from the elite from Africa should hinge on listening. Our leaders don’t listen. They belief that war, violence and protests are the priceless values that everyone must embark on before the right thing is done. Even when people know the truth, they want bloodshed, tears and real pain before they can step up to the challenge. Perhaps it happens in the industrialized world but the elite in Africa think for themselves and create meaning only to suit their personal whims and caprices. They cluster in rich neighborhoods and ignore the poor and poorest and yet they are the ones who are used to cajole for money from overseas. I think according to the standards of living in Cameroon, I won’t consider myself poor right now but I speak from experience as an advocate.

We should identify poor communities, societies and people and ask the question, why are they poor? Why are you poor? How can we help them? How can we help you? All these need a high sense of honesty and integrity in our enquiry and research .I will provide some sample answers later.

We should cross -examine the minor and major causes of poverty in Africa in different compartments namely; Dictatorship and Reign of terror, natural disaster, greed and corruption, untimely deaths, bankruptcy, armed robbery, laziness, ignorance, bad tax policies, which destroy and kill small business initiatives and misfortunes like the lake Nyos gas disaster in 1988, which occurred and turned out to be an occasion for exploitation of the victims by some leaders. What about the divisions between ethnic groups and tribes that make up the African countries. Are these divisions healthy and helpful? We should also take into consideration the hypocritical life style of the people who claim to be religious and political leaders.

One main cause of poverty in Africa is the, genocides, ethnic cleansing civil wars or the struggles of freedom fighters who unfortunately are described as rebels. I don’t think that the constant warfare and divisions in Africa is economically healthy for the continent. I imagine that it cost a lot financial resources to fund governments to fight and kill their own citizens instead of talking and listening to each other.

Almost all of the countries in Africa have one disgruntled group of people fighting in some distant part of the country while the government forces are also fighting them in another part. We are pitied against each other and we cut at each other throats in causes that will never produce any good outcome except misery and pain. In the United States for instance, no matter how people and communities disagree, there is a good sense of dialogue, debate arguments for and against each other in a bid to better the human condition.

In the continent of Africa, the reverse is true and why would these leaders prefer wars instead of dialogue? What is the role of the church in Africa toward all these wars, rebellion from both the governments and the people? Everybody in Africa are rebellious once people of the same country fight and kill each other because of power and wealth. These are the same people who get together to talk about poverty and yet they don’t do anything to change their bad leadership style.

We should also question the moral authority of the church and investigate the church in Africa to find out what they have been doing about the state of affairs in Africa. The role of the church in social justice and advocacy as a moral power should be taken into consideration. Is the church effectively and practically playing a God-centered and inspired role as they witness to the people?

Has the church become part of the oppressive structures? What is going on in reality? Once we look at the small and big details, we will move to the next stage, which is the application. I can further elaborate on each factor with practical examples but for the sake of brevity, I will withhold that for now while hoping that some opportunities will emerge for me to shed more light on the issues.

Some solutions to the root causes of Poverty and Injustice

We should honor the passion of Mother Theresa by creating World Day Against Poverty. It will lead to global walk and awareness annually to find a cure for poverty. Mother Theresa’s long-term vision was to end poverty and not to pamper it with charity everyday. She wanted it to end and while articulating that vision, she was caught up in her own frailty and God called her to rest. I don’t think Mother was asking only for food and money to feed the hungry. I think that all these moral heroes wanted the structures and systems that cause poverty to be reconstructed so that everyone will have equal rights and opportunities in the world.

We should audit African Leaders right away by asking them to declare their assets and resources in all the places that they have invested them. We have the right to know how they earned their riches because they occupied or are occupying political and religious positions, which gives them access to money and resources. We are bound to do so because the corruption there should concern us.

Let me quote an example, there is absolutely no way that the same people in Africa will be on the same job or system of oppression for decades without being corrupt. They are never accountable to the people unlike in the United States. So, it is fundamental that the G-8 summit proceeds to investigate them and ask them to give an account of their activities for all the years that they have been reigning as infallible people. There should be a law to enforce this rule because the fact that people have ill-gotten wealth and are not held accountable for it creates more corrupt people everyday.

We should cross –examine the concept of leadership in Africa. Does it mean the same as in the US? Leadership and empowerment cannot thrive in the midst of corruption. First things first. Bad leadership and influence on the lives of the people is a serious concern for me and misleads people to live in fear under a false sense of loyalty often mistaken for patriotism. We should expose the African leaders so that they will stop lies, hypocrisy and manipulation when they travel overseas. Their stories should be investigated and pinned down.

We should make an effort to stop corruption by enforcing laws, which will prosecute corrupt leaders and people in Africa. Corruption is one of the greatest causes of poverty and wars.  In order for peace to reign on earth, we should stop corruption and treat it as a serious crime against humanity. Corruption breeds hatred, jealousy, greed, war, injustice, abuses of any sort because perpetrators survive under corruption since nobody is accountable to anyone except to the elite.

Everyone is allowed intentionally to be corrupt or corrupted under what some Africans call “ the system” .The few persons who say no   to it are seen as strange and unreasonable. They became subject of attacks and presented as the bad “guys” because the corrupt and corrupted still walk away happy and contend.

They insist by their bad examples that the only way to success on earth is through corruption. They believe that the world is a corrupt place and that everybody is corrupt plus those who pretend to be the best. They make their case in order to justify their corruption and torture of the masses. We may be helping such negative thinkers in their wrong conviction directly or indirectly by our “APPAULING SILENCE” but if we stand up and oppose them with concrete action then we will achieve good results.

We should strive to end dictatorship in Africa at all cost because it is an undocumented evil force in the continent of Africa. People cannot overcome poverty under a state of dictatorship where the elite project themselves as demigods and always ready to shoot and kill their own people. We should institute a system of accountability for human resources and make sure that the leaders are held accountable in everyway possible.

We should admonish some of the church leaders who are on the side of dictators instead of being a discerning moral influence over political leaders. Except we stop the unholy alliance between the church and the state in Africa, corruption, which is the bedrock of dictatorship will never end. Therefore, I will like to bring to the attention of the human community and especially the world wide Christian Church the deceit and hypocrisy of the elite in Africa and to raise awareness about a theology that will engage missionaries in social justice and human rights and also empower the church to embark on the cause for freedom.

We should stop them from buying guns to kill innocent people who dare stand up for their rights. We should stop making dictators and corrupt leaders feel too comfortable in their wrong doing because they believe that they are protected by someone else somewhere. We should not back them and if we have the opportunity to meet with them, we should change them. It is not impossible to change people or bring them to a point of moral consciousness and accountability. We should stir their conscience and shame them

We should reconsider the decision of providing sanctuary to people who perpetrate hate crimes in the world and after they destroy, they escape into hiding in the western world or other parts of Africa. We should bring them to justice to account so that they will recognize their misdeeds and change. The essence of discipline is to correct a wrongdoing because these individuals are still supporting the corrupt regimes in Africa and pretending to be in good standing with universal human values.

If we ignore their past abusive records then others will continue in the same practice. We should track them to account for their resources. It is possible that we can take back some of the stolen money and resources and invest in the country to help others. I believe in forgiveness but it does not mean that we should downplay on justice. Hate crimes are perpetrated in Africa by the elite because their predecessors walk around unaccountable for what they did. Wherever they are hiding we should look for them to confess their crimes.

What does the Christian religion teach us about materialism and our faith? What does the Holy Scripture say about all these things in terms of our faith and respond to it? HOW DOES GOD’S GRACE AND PEACE APPLY TO THIS? I think that we are at a point where the Christian church may be called upon to give a theological or a Christian response to the problem of poverty in Africa. I don’t have all the answers but I believe very sincerely that we need to go the extra –mile to focus deeply on the different categories of the causes of poverty by understanding the implication of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. It requires some work here. Ask your priest or pastor about that story.

We should encourage the G-8 summit to take a deep breathe and ask themselves if it is worth it to give 25 billion dollars annually to a continent which, about 90% of the leaders are deceitful and corrupt? Will it not be advisable to agree on some laid down policies on how to hold them accountable for the resources?  I think we should look at these issues critically so that the help we are giving will have its desirable impact on the poor and poorest.

We should encourage the G 8 summit to know that they could explore the continent of Africa and identify at least 5 communities in each country and study them very well. This research will help the researchers to see, compare and contrast. Listen to the people, ask questions and get to know why they are held hostage by poverty. Ask the governments what they have done with previous financial aids and why enough is not being done before they continue giving the 25 billion dollars. I am ready to participate in this conversation about the continent of Africa.

Finally, people are not free, nothing good really happens. Freedom is one of the answers to the pandemic of poverty and deprivation in Africa. I definitely share in the theological and political interpretation of freedom as God ‘s gift to humanity. I think people should be free both from poverty and greed. Practically, we are not free in Africa, my friends. When our rulers in Africa do anything possible in order to stay for too long in power and refuse to let go power, deny to be accountable, resort to corruption without any impunity, the logical consequence is that the elite enrich themselves at the expense of the poor and poorest.

If these folks get together to discuss poverty when they are the ones creating poverty through a statusquo that is static and often whitewashed with a mirage of misinformation and distortion of the truth, I bet you we shall never end poverty. It is okay to empower them to fight poverty because, after all they are in control but I believe that we should also consider the steps toward dealing with the root causes of poverty and injustice. One way to deal with our problems in Africa is being truthful about what we know and what we don’t know. I support the initiative and colossal task that lie ahead of humanity to curb poverty, economic deprivation and end civil strive and war.

Yet, I am aware that I come from one of the poorest communities in the world. Also, back in Cameroon, there are rich neighborhoods and extremely poor neighborhoods. If we rather focus on identifying the areas and communities plagued by poverty in the whole Africa, we will see the poverty gab more vividly .In this way, we will be able to find a long lasting solution to it. Poverty, injustice and social inequalities might never be uprooted in reality but the extent to which, humanity takes delight in celebrating these negatives matters. The greatest achievement of humankind is not limited to the intellect but is well known by what the head thinks and what the heart does in a practical human community.

Thank you.

Jonathan Awasom

Jonathanawasom@yahoo.com

LETTER TO REV DR JOHN CROSBY,SENIOR PASTOR OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, EDINA MINNESOTA,USA

   Wednesday, February 4, 2009 12:00 PM

Dear Pastor John Crosby

Senior Pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church, Edina Minnesota, USA

Greetings in the name of the Holy Trinity.

Thank you for inviting me to come and participate in the Forum on Race,Faith and Politics at Christ Presbyterian Church Edina on Saturday February 7th,2009.But first of all, you have to inform the Edina Police that you have changed your mind and would like me to come and take part in that important dialogue  that could shape the Republican Party Politics and change some of their negative tones and policies against humanity. I am very excited for this type of forum because it will allow me to express myself as a Liberal Republican and also ask some tough questions about Race,Politics and Faith ,which I have learned and experienced in this Country.I love this theme a lot and it is very timely since we shall engage one another across the world to re-examine our common humanity in terms of the political and religious precepts in the light of our actions in this country and also in the world especially concerning violation of human dignity in this society and especially in Africa. I am sure you will recognise the foreign policies of the missionary Church in Africa as well as the role of people like us who have captured the spirit of the United States and are now resident in this country.

I intend to re-introduce my memorandum about the race,politics and faith of Christ Presbyterian Church's involvement in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa where genocide and civil war has resulted in the murder and assassination of innocent people including fetuses,unborn children and women.

Since there are expert speakers at your invitation, I think they will also address some of the concerns I have as regards the false and illegal police arrest that was orchestrated by you and the Leadership of CPC in gross violation of the first amendment to the great constitution of the United States of America.

The biggest issue that bothers me is these two letters that you folks wrote to me;One was about evil and the other about Good. I am looking forward to participating in the forum , which will also examine the conflict between good and evil , within the Leadership of Christ Presbyterian Church, Edina. My major question is how is it possible that the same people will have the propensity for evil and good simultaneously? This is a serious issue about faith and as you know evil and good have both infleunced and shaped RACE,FAITH AND POLITICS in this country and the world a lot. It is therefore critical that these issues be addressed. These are the two letters from CPC leadership


1. Infinite Power of God’s love and respect
 

GOOD

 “Jonathan: We are responding at this time to your email and attachments that were sent to me dated May 15, 2008.First and foremost, we at CPC hope and pray that you will understand our sincere love for you as a brother in Christ and that we care for you as a child of God. We at CPC are willing to have discussions with you at a future date regarding what a relationship between us and you might look like and how to get to that relationship”     By the leadership of the Church


The above letter followed a different letter that was written to me by the Oppenheimer law firm , which came through as the work of Satan.

 

2. Indefinite Power of man’s hate and disrespect
  EVIL

By the Oppenheimer law firm misrepresenting the Church Leadership

“Dear Mr. Awasom Jonathan
With the foregoing in mind CPC …effectively immediately,
you are prohibited from being on CPC property, or entering any CPC building. This prohibition includes CPC parking lots, as well as CPC’s buildings…CPC will view your violation of that prohibition as trespassing on private property…In the unlikely event that you fail to comply with that prohibition, CPC will utilize security personnel and law enforcement officers to remove you from CPC property. If necessary, CPC will also secure a court order baring you from its property.  March 22, 2007

In closing, please understand that Christ Presbyterian Church has the legal right to restrict unauthorized individuals from its property. We expect that you will voluntarily comply with the prohibition set forth in this letter and attached Trespass Notice, and it will not be necessary for the Edina Police Department and Edina City Attorney to undertake the type of criminal enforcement action which they had to undertake against you in 2007. In closing, I thank you for what I expect will be your compliance with the prohibition set forth in this letter and the enclosed Trespass Notice...This notice serves to warn and direct you to immediately leave our property, including any parking areas, described below. Property/business name: Christ Presbyterian Church: Address: 6901 Normandale Rd. , Edina , MN 55435.Pursuant to Minnesota State Statue 609.605,you will be guilty of a misdemeanor if you intentionally enter upon our property prior to the expiration of this notice, which is valid until INDEFINITE”   

As you can tell, there are a lot of burning issues to be addressed and I can't wait for this great day to arrive. However you need to confirm with me that your invitation is genuine and not a set up for me to be picked up by the Edina Police. As soon as you confirm this I will get all my questions and concerns ready.  I thank the Holy Trinity for making sure that you did not forget to include me in your mailing list.

NB: Since the crisis we have rest on issues on Race, politics and Faith, I shall be at CPC on Saturday at the main entrance into the church to raise awareness about the gross abuse and injustice that I have suffered when I did not commit any crime. I will come as a very peaceful human being and will position myself around where the Police Car is always packed so that everybody will know that I respect the police and our civil leaders and would not defy their order not to enter the premises of CPC following the unjust order banning me from coming to CPC again because I was inspired by the Holy Trinity to ask questions. I shall start coming to worship again once all the corporate individuals who are practicing bad politics and faith  begin to listen to the Voice of God and the Chief Sherpherd.

I thank you  again for the invitation. The justice and peace of God , which passes all human misunderstandings and confusion continue to touch and soften your hearts so that you'll not hurt me again. But that you will listen and act with reason and commonsense. 

Yours truly
Jonathan Fru Awasom 
 Voice of conscience





      CPC Special Event

Wednesday, February 4, 2009 12:00 PM




From:


"John Crosby" <email@...>
Add sender to Contacts




To:

"Jonathan* F Awasom -" <wisesayings10@...>




Dear CPC Community,

Please join us for a special evening at CPC this Saturday, February 7..  After the 5:15PM worship service, all are welcome at CPC’s monthly Saturday Community Dinner in the Fellowship Hall. The cost for the dinner is $6 for adults, $4 for kids (age 4-12), with a $20 max per family. To reserve a meal, please RSVP by Thursday, February 5 to Patti Kratzer at pattik@....  (Those who signed up via the Friendship Pads during last weekend’s worship services do not need to RSVP again).

Starting at 7:00PM, we will reconvene in the Sanctuary for a Forum on Race, Politics, and Faith.  Join us for a dialogue between the President of Fuller Seminary, Dr. Richard Mouw, and Reconciliation and Community Development expert, Dr. John Perkins, as they discuss these touchstone issues from a Christian perspective.  The forum will be moderated by Mike Hotz, CPC’s Associate Pastor of Domestic Missions.  For more information about the forum and our guest speakers, please click here: http://cpconline.org/index.php?content=Forum.

We hope you will join us this Saturday, February 7 for an evening of fellowship, discussion, and growth.

In Christ,

John Crosby
Senior Pastor



           "Statement of Faith of Christ Presbyterian Church , Edina.



As a congregation, we reaffirm what the church in all ages and places has proclaimed as a foundation of the Christian faith — the Apostles Creed:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic (universal) church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

We recognize that humanity is created in the image of God, separated from God by sin, lost and in need of forgiveness. In the person of Jesus Christ we see the Trinity of God most plainly; through His atoning death and physical resurrection we receive forgiveness and eternal life. The church is the Body of Christ on Earth to spread His Kingdom, and embody His love for the world. 

We also feel it important to emphasize our commitment to two additional doctrines:

The Uniqueness of Jesus Christ
We believe God has spoken to people of the world, so that human beings know of God’s goodness and existence (Hebrews 1:1-3, Romans 1:19-21). We affirm that salvation comes by God’s grace to sin-filled people, through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Acts 4:12, John 14:6).

The Authority of Scripture
In confusing times, it is imperative to define how we make difficult decisions. We affirm that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are inspired by God and authoritative to direct the behavior of God’s people in matters of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16, Psalm 119:2-4). We also affirm the primacy of the Scriptures over all other creeds, which exist to reflect the teaching and affirmations of the Scripture in certain times and situations.

In everything we seek humility and reliance on God’s Spirit to guide us. God is judge, not human beings. Our faith compels us not to pass judgment, but to preach and live the gospel in loving relationships, with urgency and respect for all. Like the Reformers we proclaim: in essentials, unity; in non-essentials, diversity; in all things, charity.





WHY A STATEMENT OF FAITH

Christians periodically need to reaffirm what has defined Christianity since the time of the first disciples and apostles long ago. At the beginning of the 21st century, Christ Presbyterian Church’s leadership (elders, pastors, and staff) faces three important cultural realities:


CPC is a Presbyterian church (PCUSA) at a time when mainline denominations are theologically divided even as they decline in number and relevance.

The increased diversity of our congregation brings a variety of perspectives, many with little clarity of historical, biblical Christianity.

We live in a post-modern culture, where moral absolutes and ultimate truths are no longer recognized. The authority of biblical truths needs to be emphasized and explained in order to apply effectively.   





QUESTIONS ON OUR STATEMENT OF FAITH

Why do we need a formal Statement of Faith now? I thought we already had one. Good question! Presbyterians have used a Book of Confessions to define their core beliefs, all subservient to the authority of Scripture. These range from the early church’s Apostles Creed through 11 Catechisms, like the Westminster Catechism, to modern statements of faith like the Confession of 1967. At the same time, there is a lot of confusion and disagreement within the denomination, especially considering that about 80% of our members come from non-Presbyterian backgrounds. We want something short enough to serve as common ground without being so detailed as to be unusable. 

Do all the members of CPC have to understand and believe in this Statement?
Our vows of membership focus on four questions: Who is your Lord and Savior? Do you trust Him? Will you be His disciple? Will you be a faithful member of this congregation? The Statement is an amplification of basic Christian beliefs aimed at informing our visitors as well as guiding leadership and those with teaching responsibilities. 

Why aren’t there specific references to contentious issues, like abortion, homosexuality, or capital punishment? 
Most of the decisions made on these types of issues fall back to one central principle – the authority of Scripture which we do outline in the Statement of Faith. When Scripture speaks in one voice on any issue (non-disputable matters) we will yield to the authority of the Bible over against any other source of wisdom. On the other hand, one of the principles in our church’s life is to allow for diversity when not directed by the Scriptures. Where Scripture is silent on an issue or when there are a variety of voices within it, we need to allow for grace in our conversations with others. Many of these issues have faithful Christians on all sides; while we will seek to learn together, we need to encourage a respectful atmosphere where God can speak to all.





GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FAITH

We want to be defined theologically by our center in Christ, not by our boundaries. Boundaries only become important when issues divide us, or are potentially inconsistent with these core beliefs. We hold in tension a desire for people to feel free to begin their spiritual journey at many different places, while at the same time, calling them to step toward biblical issues.

We have no desire to make a rigid, detailed template for subscription. This Statement will be used as:

information to allow visitors to discern our core beliefs,

guidance for teachers and leaders, so they may affirm their accord with our core theology before teaching and setting curricula,

an educational tool for the congregation at all ages,

to give guidance to the staff and Session when matters of dispute come before them, so we are more consistent in our deliberations, and

to help define our center as we interact with various denominational issues."

PROTEST MEMO TO PCUSA-WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MINNEAPOLIS IN 2005

My protest Memo to PCUSA -Westminster Presbyterian Church in 2005

 MEMO                                                                                         August 17, 2005   

From: Rev Jonathan Fru Awasom
          Ordained Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon
Education: After High school I was trained at the Protestant Faculty of Theology for four years with a degree in Divinity. In May, 2003,I graduated from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, USA with an MA in Religion and Theology.
July 27th1995: Congregations. After graduation, I was posted to Presbyterian Church CCAST Complex Bambili and Presbyterian Church Baforkum as chaplain and pastor Solo.Also responsible for two small congregations called Bieh and Small Babangki.
December 17th 1997: Behold, I fulfilled all the requirements for ordination and was ordained (I have ordination picture). After that, the Holy Spirit led me back to CCAST Complex and Baforkum, where I was inspired to write the 43 Theses. When Rev Nku insulted me in his letter of suspension accusing me for being too young and inexperienced, I augmented it to 100 Theses because if I was young and inexperienced as he claimed, why did they ordain me?
August 5th, 1998: I was dismissed without ever appearing before any council to defend myself but I rejected the dismissal because it was unjust.
April,1999: Was sued at the Supreme Court in Bamenda together with women,men and children.Could not resist the corrupt legal system and so was forced to quit due to assaults and threats and miscarriage of justice

Theme of Reformation: Social Justice 

Subject: Protest to the visit of Rev Nku, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon and President of All African Council of Churches to USA

My Call and Purpose: Voice of the Voiceless

Moral Philosophy: “Right is right even if nobody is doing it and wrong is wrong even if everybody is doing it”

To: All churches, pastors, Christians and organizations in partnership with the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon

Documents available for the evidence of  our mistreatment the Synod and government officials in Cameroon

-Rev Nku ‘s letter of suspension and violation of the Church Constitution and Holy Scriptures
Rev Nku, hypocritical essay about Youthfulness and his contradictory harrassement, intimidation, bullying, insults and torture of young pastors that disagree with him
-My response and denial of suspension because it did not address the issues but it was about my age
-Rev Nku ‘s letter of intimidation and threats to  Christians who stood up for the truth.
-Response by Christians and an appeal for dialogue
-The Ecumenical Peace Iniative letter for Reconciliation by Rev Njah Peter Toh
-The Letter from Basel Mission in Switzerland to me and Presbyterian Synod urging Rev Nku and Synod to dialogue but they Refused and claimed that they are  infallible and won’t dialogue with us
-Letter from objective Cameroonians expressing a strong desire for dialogue with proposals but Rev Nku and his Synod denied and chose violence
-Dismissal letter without trial endorsed by Synod Executive Committee without  me appearing to defend myself
-My response captioned "Miscarriage of Justice"
-Court files and threats by Lawyers hired by Rev Nku and his Synod    Executive Committee and the final miscarriage of justice by Mrs Mbaki Vivian at the Supreme Court in Bamenda
-Medical Report due to assault by  supporters in CCAST Complex Bambili
-Newspaper reports of the situation
-Other correspondences
-A copy of the 100 thesis also available
-Letters I wrote to the Presbytery of the Twin Cities about partnership, social justice and my problem with PCC.
-Emails between me and a missionary member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis, who led a delegation to Cameroon.
-Pictures of my ministry and March to the Bamenda Supreme Court by Christians


 "Do not be comformed to this world but be transformed by renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" Romans 12:3


Church: Ask not what your church can do for you, ask what you can do for your church (a coinage from the famous words of President JFK Kennedy)

Church and Society: Rev Moderator Nku, I urge you, tear down this wall of dictatorship, intimidation, bullying, oppression, corruption and social injustice inside the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon and Cameroon at length. (a coinage from the famous words of President Ronald Reagan)

Politics: "Let the people know the truth and the country is safe" President Abraham Lincoln


John 8:32 "You will know the Truth and the truth will make you free"

 The Reformed Tradition: The church once reformed, is always reforming

My perspective: The church is inside the society and the society is in the church but the difference is, the church is in the world but not of the world. Matthew 5:13-16 defines what the church 's mission and purpose should be.

Stating the Problem

Rev Nku, the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon and President of the African Council of Churches is coming to the USA on an official visit. I am reacting to his visit following the 100 theses that I wrote and made proposals about church reforms on the theme of Social Justice. Rev Nku is the Synod pastor who influenced the abuse that I suffered, together with innocent Christian mothers and children because they were against (and still are against) social justice clearly exemplified by their life styles and mistreatment of the poor. His coming to the USA is the biggest concern. He and the Synod Committee remind me of what happened five years ago in Cameroon.I wanted to bring this problem to your attention because it is a serious fundamental human problem involving the voiceless. I want him to know that since I got into this country I have not been sleeping. My theological Statement after graduating from Seminary in this Country was about the PCC. Any studies of mine anywhere in the world will be about Cameroon because we love that country and we want fundamental change for the benefit of all Cameroonians. What was the implication of my dismissal?The PCC deprived Cameroonians that enjoyed our leadership and vision for a true and loving community where there is NO division between people. I am in a conversation with humanity and searching for people that will resonate with the ideas that I am putting out there. I want to remind him of the encounter I had with him in the Synod Office in 1999 after, which he drove me away from his office in Buea, Cameroon and ordered me to "go and find your peace elsewhere". When I returned to Bamenda from Buea, he sent lawyers after me to sue the Christians and me in the Bamenda Supreme court for writing the thesis and seeking Social Justice? He spoke clearly as though the church was his personal property. I was shocked. I did not believe what I experienced because honestly, I wanted peace and reconciliation. I ran after them begging for dialogue and they refused and toasted me out. In their dismissal letters, the concocted lies and hurriedly burried their heads in the sand like an ostrich and dismissed me without listening to me.They threatened our lives. They still care only about themselves and will do anything it takes to get what they want through their false idea about partnership and sovereignty of churches overseas.

The immediate cause of my reaction to his visit is the fact that they dismissed me without giving me the chance to defend myself. Besides, they assaulted me, threatened my life and wanted to kill me. I fled from the country. I came to the U.S.A and was given freedom by the USA government ,for which I am deeply grateful. I started seeking membership into the PC(USA).To my greatest consternation,Rev Nku and his Synod Committee refused to release me. What would they be obstructing me from being a Presbyterian pastor elsewhere after they banned me from preaching in Cameroon? They are blocking me from becoming a pastor in the PC(USA) because they don't want to maintain the status quo. Whether or not I am a pastor, it is high time that the Presbyterian Church be reformed because it is a heavy loaded abusive machine that has no way to be changed but only to be reformed. They are out with a specific mission carefully and skillfully planned, to destroy the messenger and the message. That is exactly what they did in Cameroon. This time around it will not happen again. Here is the message and the messenger. My other unpublished works and Essays include;

-Revised Edition of the 100 Thesis for the Reformation of PCC
-My Perception of the United States. It is critique based on this Statement
How does the rest of the world and more importantly, the rest of the church worldwide view America's imperial ambitions?"
-My Experience of Dictatorship and Transition to Multiparty System in Cameroon
-Reaction to G-8 Summit on Poverty and AIDS in Africa
-My stance on a peaceful Political Transformation and Reconstruction in Cameroon
-My Support for a Federated States of Cameroon in deep recognition of the marginalised English Speaking Cameroonians
-The Church and Human Rights Abuse
-Abuse of women by women in Cameroon: A critique

They know everything about me here and have informants who give them minute by minute reports about me. They have an underground movement that has been out to destroy my life here in Minnesota and I am fully aware of their activities in the dark. They believe such activities could force me into oblivion and consequently, I will recant. I cannot and I will never keep off on the truth and the values that I exude as a unique person. My convictions and beliefs about life are consistent with the desire to make the world a better place. I believe very strongly that there is enough for everybody if we think positively and act positively.

Some folks asked me, why only now? My response is simple; Why Not Now?If not now when? I am not hiding. I have been speaking to the Presbytery and some folks about my problem for more than 16 months today. They have evidence of all my struggles. I have never been quiet and I shall never be. Rev Nku 's coming is not a coincidence. It is the plan of God because humanity need to know the truth. I am boldly coming out to declare my innocence before the whole wide world because that evil in Cameroon must not be tolerated or else it will destroy more pastors. Their behavior is a pattern that has been happening in the dark until I had a divine appoitnment. Many other pastors and employees have suffered in the hands of Rev Nku and his Synod in silence. Many were pushed to the wall and they resigned and others were dismissed because they had the opportunity to study overseas. Rev Nku and his Synod did not approve that and when they did the right thing and went ahead, they were ostracized from the church. How can one explain the disconnect between refusing some people from furthering their training and at the sametime encouraging others? What is going on there? Some human right issues, abuse, oppression, discrimination and injustice. Yet, Rev Nku will send his other pastors abroad even when they are not eligible based on the policy of the entire church. All these issues are addessed later. How else could one explain that my life was safe? Sometimes, I am amazed about what would have happened. I hope you will respect my very humble but strong opinion about this mission I have on earth. It is my purpose and no matter what I do,God will bring me back to it. Consequently, I submit myself to this call with gratitude, courage and love.

Make no mistake that his coming, if anyone is in doubts at this moment is the most perfect timing and opportunity arranged by God for me to face him in a public debate about the issues, dismissal, court actions and other strange activities in the church led by him. I could not do so much in Cameroon because they collaborated with the corrupt government to stop me. I am unstoppable now. This type of divine opportunity comes but once in life and only a stupid person will miss it. I am not a foolish man because I am under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. I have reflected and meditated over every of my action and step. Last time when the Education Secretary Mr. Baboni Joseph came here, some Pro- Synod Presbyterian Christians picked up their phones and called me to inform me that The EDUCATION SECREATARY OF THE PCC was here. I welcomed him. He dribbled me and left. I did not react because he was only a special envoy sent to explore the sources of their money, which they will take and enrich themselves. I wanted everyone to know that this is an official matter. The Presbyterian Church in Cameroon represented by the Synod verses Rev Jonathan Fru Awasom. I will bring this to the attention of the USA government and the International community because the behavior of Rev Nku, the Synod and the Cameroon government forced me to flee from my country. Where is the messenger and the message? Please ask them to explain. Friends of Africa are always wondering how they can help us. On my part I believe that USA has the moral power in every way to influence the world in a positive way.

If you don't welcome them and give your money and resources to them, they will be forced to change their bad behavior.They are desperately in need of MONEY and  If they are coming in this country for any business, then let them first of all account for their bad theology and ways in Cameroon. I will expect the PCUSA  to frown at Rev Nku and his Synod and condemn in very strong terms, with recommendations based on findings, their crime against humanity. They wanted to kill and destroy me because of my ideas and conviction about faith, social justice, human rights issues, freedom, liberty, justice and pursuit of happiness for all. I would be surprised that they would expect me to be quiet. Mr. Tedah Henry was one of my best primary teachers, who led a strike against the Synod but he was fired. He finally passed away following the cruelty of Rev Nku and his Synod. Should teachers be intimidated and dismissed for asking for better standards? They have the right to protest against their mistreatment. Unfortuantely, since Cameroon is corrupt, squirky wheels have never had any oil! The church like the Government will always target the ring leaders and torture them into submission and frustration. The evil that exists in Cameroon is very much close to an invisible type of genocide where people die psychologically and mentally. Poor Cameroonians that have found themselves living in limbo, have no other place to go but to hang in there and hope against hope. One can tell on the looks on their faces that praying, singing, dancing and Christian rallies make them forget their suffering only for a short time. They end up facing reality back in their own privacy due to the unjust, immoral and irresponsible leadership provided by Rev Nku and his Church in Cameroon. My story is out. The human condition is not impossible to be changed. What is very possible is the optimism that the human spirit of love, compassion, courage and sacrifice will always overcome all odds at the end because of the grace of God.

What is the Significance of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis as a Symbol of Social Justice ? Is God Calling the  PCUSA to provide moral leadership to the people in Cameroon?

What will the Synod Committee and Synod Executive of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon be preaching about on the pulpit of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis? These are impostors, bullies, dictators, corrupt and sadists .I have no regrets for using these words because I must call a spade a spade at this critical and defining moment in the life of those that have suffered from the torture of these folks. I am a living example. This church has a forum for Social Justice and is well accredited for that and here comes a pastor that opposed everything on earth that has to do with social justice and the poor but will pretend to be who he is not by doing everything to be in places that he is not supposed to be there. How can such people speak for the poor? How can he represent AIDS victims? What will he talk about when he sued poor women and their children and threatened to put them in jail because they stood for the truth, social justice and abuse of women by women in the Cameroon? They use force to cover up their crimes but nothing has changed. The situation is still the same.

When they dismissed me they claimed that I had put the reputation of the church in a terrible bad light. They talked about scandalizing the church and called my Theses a thrash! Well, from what I know the reputation of the church should be rooted in their capacity to do justice and show mercy to the poor. Well,Rev Nku and his Synod Committee should know that social injustice is a scandalous issue.They don’t know justice, love, mercy, forgiveness, compassion and freedom for the poor. All they know is violence, affluence, oppression, bullying and intimidation of poor Christians. They are a social club of exploiters that have impoverished the poor and poorest for many decades. Rev Nku participated in building that system of injustice and he was the architect of my dismissal because I proposed reforms with a strong emphasis on social justice. Make no mistake that Westminster is a symbol of Social Justice where the folks are focused on making the world a better place. The theme of the Reformation was Social Justice because that is the point of departure for the dismantling of injustice and dictatorships in Cameroon. So, what will Rev Nku preach about? My friends, examples work more forcibly in mind than precepts. My friends he and his Synod are experts in murmuring words from the pulpit like a parrot but as you read this document, you will find out, more for yourself the tragedy in the church in Cameroon. I am out to expose them because we cannot move on like this and expect the world to be peaceful and just. It is time for concrete action to do something about the horrible nature of injustice and poverty anywhere. All the people of Westminster and lovers of social justice should take note about all these things. What do they have to offer to the West? They have no moral values and sense of social justice. So, what is their claim about partnership on equal basis? They have a culture that has been diluted with Christian principles and if this is all they have to offer, then everyone has a culture, anyway. If they are asking for partnership and cannot accompany that with your values that some people hate, please ,tell them that FREEDOM,LIBERTY AND PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS IS WHAT MAKES AMERICA STAND OUT.IF THEY SAY THAT AMERICA IS NOT PERFECT,TELL THEM THAT YOU ARE MAKING AN EFFORT.ASK THEM IF THEY HAVE EVEN A SINGLE STRUCTURE OF SOCIAL JUSTICE FOR THE POOR?

 Rev Nku dismissed primary school teachers and frustrated them because they staged a strike against their injustice, They have placed poor pastors at the mercy of poor congregations, he and his Synod have a policy of impoverishing pastors and oppressing them. When you cannot balance your account, you become a victim of what they call “Shortage”. The more shortage pastors have the more difficult it is for them to have growth opportunities in the church. “Shortages” have become a measuring rod for excellence because it is all about Money.The sad story is that poor pastors are paid “stipend” and not salaries while the other rich pastors and employees are paid salaries. They still have free facilities. These pastors have at least three congregations each. No matter the size of your congregation, your stipend remains as low as it is. Pastors, especially older men suffer, trekking from one place to the other and sometimes helpless in their own conditions. They have no idea about how their problems can be solved because the synod is an organized moral evil that spins on the emotions of Christians through divide and rule. I had four congregations and no means of transportation. They gave a motor cycle loan and forced me to pay back with an interest that stood at 15.000 frs a month (35.00 dollars). The amount was 250.000 francs cfa (550.00 dollars).My Salary was 50.000 frs( 100.00 dollars).I had one of the best stipends because of my education.So,think about the situation of other pastors that have as low as 50.00 dollars? The worst is that when I took the money to buy the motor cycle, I could not find any reliable motor cycle for that amount. I needed more money and I did not have it. I was helpless and besides, I had to pay back that money within a record time. If I paid 15.000 frs every month then I would have only 35.000 frs balance.(60.00doallars).This is the deplorable human condition of gross injustice propagated by Rev Nku and his system inside the church. Pastors in the cities make 10 times more and there is no just policy that puts everyone on the same wave length in terms of fair treatment. The situation of teachers is worse and the list is long enough. While all these is happening Rev Nku and his Synod have flashy big cars, houses and live in a world that is totally separate from the one that an ordinary Cameroonian can ever imagine or dream about. In what way can he and his Synod ever speak for the poor and poorest even with the advent of poverty and AIDS in Africa?

How will they ever take the case of AIDS victims seriously? They will as usual embezzle the money if you give it directly to them. In the early eighties, the Presbyterian Synod was charged to care for Namibian Refugees that were displaced and forced to seek refuge in Cameroon. Almost all the money given was embezzled until the students had to strike before they could get back some remains. Who was in charged of that program? Corruption inside PCC is a long standing tradition and practice that I think the G-8 Summit must be careful how they help these poor and helpless AIDS victims with their generous donations. I urge all of you to consider other options or copy the examples of some churches here that are already involved in the AIDS problems in Africa like Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina,Minnesota.Organised bodies such as the Synod of the Presbyterian Church are deeply corrupt and have demonstrated that they would kill anyone who dare ask them to stop corruption.I am free in this country to speak,my friends for the rest of the suffering poor,trapped there. We want that practice to stop because it is simply bad. If the world agrees that the problem in Africa is partially due to corruption then, we should also be proactive and carry out some policies that will remedy the situation because as of the moment it is sad. See my reaction to G-8 Summit in a separate paper.

The Sigficance of my Political Asylum: Did US government save my life? 
First of all, why did the United States Government grant me POLITICAL ASYLUM? It was because of the Presbyterian Synod led by Rev Nku.In spite of the fact that the Synod and the Cameroon Government rejected me I was welcome here. When I was persecuted and tortured, I thought that the Prime Minister, who is a Presbyterian will stop the PCC Synod from tormenting an innocent ordain pastor of the church that he is a member of. But he turned his eyes from me and walked away. My asylum demonstrates beyond any reasonable doubts that United States is a compassionate nation.I appreciate this favor because what if I was still in Cameroon? I would be killed by now because they wanted me dead but the angels of the Lord protected me. So, can anyone tell me how the United States is responsible for the problems in the world? All what I went through in Cameroon was the job of Cameroonians. Many and if not all have university education from Europe or America.Is that what they studied from these countries? Where else could I go if not of Europe and America where some of us are lucky to have taken refuge? Even Africa would not be safe for me because how come Rev Nku is President of African Council of Churches with this horrible record of abuse and injustice? Who is to blame for our plight in Africa? Who is to blame for our plight in Cameroon? Rev Nku and his corrupt Synod wanted to colonize me to condone their injustice but I said No.They sent a senior member of the church to promise me money and to give so that I would be rewarded with the post of Synod Clerk and I said No.They were angry and decided to haunt me down.Will you not be concerned with his visit? This is the defining moment for my own side of the story to be heard. They have institutional power and have twisted and distorted facts and truths but they can only do so for so long.  I am the voice in the wilderness but will shout and cry until justice is done.

How could I seek asylum and then remain quiet without using my story to better my country and Church? If I am quiet upon the visit of Rev Nku,it will suggest otherwise about my asylum and I want to make sure that everyone knows that I could not be more grateful for being alive in this country. I am grateful for what the USA government did because they saved my life. This is the honest truth. Now, I have the opportunity to learn more about the beliefs that I held in Cameroon and was persecuted for. I am out to tell my story on rooftops in order to raise awareness about the horrible state of human rights abuse in Cameroon both in the Government and the Presbyterian Church.I want the world to know about the seed of division and hatred that has been sown by the government and the Presbyterian Church in order to divide and tear people apart with hatred.This kind of atmosphere is dangerous if we consider what has happened in other African countries. My goal is simple; in order to influence positive change and to stop PCC and the Government from tampering with the fundamental rights of human beings.If you let them go away with this behavior ,they will continue to mistreat others.According to sources closed to Rev Nku and his puppet  Synod, they had a big picture,which was not only to protect their statusquo ,fear of being asked to account for their phony activities,they used my case to prevent any other pastors or employees from speaking out.There was a plot to kill me in Cameroon anyway but it leaked to me and I went into hiding until I left Cameroon. I am alive, my friends to tell the truth and safe many more lives. So, this is now a question about the standards of right and wrong. Who has the truth?


The Division between the North West and South West Provinces

 It is fair to let the world know that the PCC Synod is one of the modern evil empires that is existing under the canopy of a church. They are sowing seeds of division and hatred between the cherished people of the South and West Provinces in Cameroon brought about by the British in the days of colonization. That seed of division has been sown by the Synod of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon that could eventually lead to civil anarchy if we are not careful as of now. I don't want anything near to genocide to occur in Cameroon after all what has happened to other countries. My heart goes out to the victims and lost souls. This is the time to educate the world about Cameroon and save human lives   on time. PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE is my guiding philosophy in this effort. The Presbyterian Church is acting like the church during the Nazis. That is why I am fully engaged and determined to bring the attention of the world to what is happening in Cameroon. The division is a perfect recipe for a possible calamity if anything happens in Cameroon.I caution the world about the role of the Synod in this matter. When people are regrouped in the dark according to their tribes and ethnic origins, I see it as a tragedy. Should the church draw from the secular world instead of showing an example of love and reconciliation among themselves?I regret that this is happening in Cameroon.I think if that question continues to be asked why I decided to take on the church for reformation,these seeds of division and hatred that is well known in Cameroon disturbs my soul as a Christian and pastor.It does not reflect what St Paul teaches about the unification of the body of Christ regardless of our ethnic backgrounds ,tribes and origin as Cameroonians.

I am asking the church to be reformed because we should be guarded by purpose and vision to reconcile God's people in the wake of the unfolding drama of His plan for salvation. In this way, we will be effective in changing the world. I condemn seeds of division in strong terms because the church should be the last body of reasonable people to go that low in life. Such artificial divisions is not caused by any particular theological issue per se or anything that threatens the lives of any Cameroonian.It is the job of the Synod Office to fan such unnecessary sentiments among tribes and ethnic groups. It happens when  Cameroonians are making competing claims about positions inside the church and government, ranging from the congregation to the Synod Office and appointment of Prime Minister and ministers in the secular soceity.Infighting and quarreling, tension and such things inside the church is the order of the day because elections are not inspired by the Holy Spirit and based on competence.People fight for power because the system is a set up for corruption and it suffices to fight and if possible kill someone to get there and use the existing corrupt logistics to  embezzle and do whatever they want in God 's vine yard.These are the people who deserve to stay as employers and employees!

It is common to hear some Cameroonians say, the whole place is rotten and they are left with no other choice but to also take their own share away!!!! Well, that sounds like a good logic to justify corruption and evil. What will the poor take away? They have nothing to take away and why can’t we change it and make it better? I strongly disagree with any pessimistic view about change and ending corruption because the poor and poorest, majority of them, who have never been to school, are the ones suffering the effects of all these malpractices. I am speaking for them because they deserve a good life and cannot be sacrificed on the altar of greed, corruption, oppression and passivity. What I mean is that many of us Cameroonians now living in the USA and Europe should  have the moral obligation to advocate for our fellow Cameroonians that are not opportune to leave  the country. We must not abandon them or just fold our arms and feel that it is impossible to change a system that is like a hydra with many heads and faces.We have not even told our story yet.We need to tell our stories to the world and let people know  why we left our countries and chose a new life here. We have to tell the truth and nothing but the whole truth if we really want to be free.


The Synod has buried its head in the sand like an ostrich. They need to be rescued from the evil that has eaten deep into the fabrics of their bloodstreams. While they are out combing the place and looking for nothing but money and pretending that they want equal partnership with PCUSA, I differ with them. The first comment the Synod made was that I wanted to create confusion in order to quit and come to USA! They used that as an argument to convince Cameroonians that I was fighting for myself and would have misled them. They dismissed me and were monitoring me and planning to kill me afterwards. They created so much confusion, mixed up the story, diluted all my effort and told incredible and blatant lies. As usual, there was censorship, Christians were hungry for the truth and could not get it first hand. The story was told differently by pro-Synod Cameroonians, who celebrate mediocrity till date and corruption. They never wanted me to tell my story. I had no means to do more than I could do. The newspaper tried .I was blocked from speaking to people.I was blocked from appearing before the Synod Committee that dismissed me.They  technically injected  fear into people through their court action and threats.So,till date,many Cameroonians all over,have only a glimpse and often times different versions of what happened to me in Cameroon.It is a survival strategy that the Synod is using  with the hope that they can move on with their malpractices. So,I had to leave in order to accomplish my purpose and meaning on earth(Romans 8:28) because they would kill me if I had not fled from the country.

 In all,I have voluntarily been there for Cameroonians in sickness or health but he has sown seeds of hatred and division because he does not want me to influence positive change in Cameroon.The PCUSA is expected to distant themselves from the evil empire that Rev Nku and his Synod have built for themselves and he is  not able to “expunge” because he participated in planting it.This expunge is one of his hypocritical statements found at the end of my theses just to show how he lies about who he is .

Problem? Yes.The argument they make against me is that so long as they are in partnership with PCUSA, according to their policy as members of the Reformed tradition, once they have disciplined me,no other member church can recruit me for any pastoral ministry!!!!!!!!

Solution! Well, my rationale is that, it sounds like good theology if the motive for which I was discipline was justified. In my case, they are wrong in everything following the manner they handled the crisis and particularly because I had the backing of the holy Spirit for what I did.I did not lie or violate any law.I acted according to the dictate of my conscience and calling.Besides,they voluntarily dismissed me without trial and pursued a court action against me in spite my one- on- one  meeting with them in the Synod Office in 1999.Consequently, I will like to challenge the policy of World Alliance of Reformed Churches,to which PCUSA  is part for this one big reason;Rev Nku  and his Synod persecuted me and assaulted me.I fled the country and have come here to seek a new life because they had secret plans to kill me.They don't have any right again to intrude into my private matters.In fact, my reaction to the visit of Rev Nku is provoked by the fact that they are obstructing Justice and hiding the truth.It is the synod that should be held acountable and not me.In fact,that Synod committee members are ripe for impeachment and should be summoned by the international community to answer questions  about their crimes against humanity.It will be unfair to me and the Cameroon nation  for any organisation including Presbyterian Church USA ,to condone the evil inside the Synod and Presbyterian Church in Cameroon.

Martin Luther, would be concerned today with the distortion of biblical truths in the way that the concept of salvation is presented to Christians.It is not an event that will happen only in the future but it is rooted in the very act of grace in this current life marked by politics, economy, culture, human rights and needs.I think missionaries did a great job many years ago with the great commission.It is just one side of the coin.The other side is the social justice inspired by John the Baptist and the great Commandment and great call.see details later.In the meantime, as I make my case , I hope to answer some of the questions that some people ask me as well clarify any doubts that might have occurred as a result of the institutional power brought to bear on me.In this David and Goliath struggle as it would seem, my goal is to tell my story and whether or not the Christians respond, I guess,it is humbling to  have the opportunity in this great country to speak freely and do the things that I could not do them in Cameroon.what do I intend to achieve and what should be done? First of all what were the implication of my dismissal and court actions?
However, I must I strongly urge all forces of progress including the PC (USA) to take my concerns seriously and probe into this matter fully.

 I am asking for a full and thorough investigation of the problem between me and the Synod of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon; that the Synod should be called upon to account for their activities in the church; that the PCC Synod must comply to some specific guidelines concerning the abuse of Christians; that the PCC Synod must respect the right for self-expression and circulation of information; that PCC should respect the right of Christians to know the truth, that the PCC Synod should submit to the theology of accountability for their actions in terms of discipine,that the actions of the PCC Synod should be condemned in very strong terms ;that Rev Nku and his Synod should be impeached and called to order.They are out to deceive folks overseas in order to continue their corrupt and abuse against the poor and poorest.


Thank you for your interest.

 Jonathan F Awasom

Voice of the Voiceless

THE MANIFESTO FOR A VIRTUOUS AND FREE CAMEROON SOCIETY FROM CORRUPT TYRANNY AND DICTATORSHIP

--- On Sat, 6/4/11, Jonathan Awasom <cameroonfreedomadvocate@yahoo.com> wrote:

From: Jonathan Awasom <cameroonfreedomadvocate@yahoo.com>
Subject: THE MANIFESTO FOR A VIRTUOUS AND FREE CAMEROON SOCIETY IN AFRICA
To: bateygreig20@yahoo.ca
Date: Saturday, June 4, 2011, 8:55 PM

 THE MANIFESTO  A VIRTUOUS AND FREE WORLD: THE CASE OF CAMEROON IN AFRICA.
 
                 01/09/2010 WASHINGTON, DC , USA
                 Revised July 10, 2010 Newark,NJ,USA

                 Revised June 3, 2011 Newark ,NJ,USA
                  
 

PREAMBLE:  

We are profoundly conscious that we Cameroonians\Africans encompass an integral part of the human race that are entitled to be free and endowed with inalienable and sacred rights within the cosmos.

 

We are inclined to become part of the unprecedented global "Truth Commissions" movement  in South Africa, Liberia, Kenya etc through the eyes of Prescillia Haye and former UN Secretary General, Mr Kofi Anan , which have successfully helped other nations in the process of healing, reconciliation and reconstruction to advocate for the Cameroon Truth Commission as soon as possible( CTC)
 
We believe in a loving God to whom we are answerable with our conscience and that all people are born free.That freedom must not be reserved for a “selected few”. We are inspired by the vision of the Founding Fathers of the United States under the leadership of President Thomas Jefferson as follows;
 
“That all human beings are born free and equal,  that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and
happiness.”

 CONSEQUENTLY:
 
-  Mindful of more than 50 Years of corrupt tyranny and Dictatorship since Cameroon acquired a partial Independence from France and Britain;
-  Conscious of the vast natural wealth and endowments of the lands and peaceful peoples of Cameroon ;
-  Conscious of  the fact that the Government of Cameroon has flagrantly violated the Constitution of Cameroon in its entirety as well as usurped the inalienable and sacred rights of Cameroonians by multiple violations of the Constitution;
- Conscious of the ungodly dictatorship cultivating and sustaining mismanagement, misinformation, misrepresentation, misdirection and underdevelopment of our nation;
-  Granted that a free and democratic society be effective  and have a lasting impact on the civil society under good governance and  the rule of law;
-  Disappointed by the fact that there are many Cameroonians in the Diaspora on exile and political asylum due to the extensive misdeeds of the Government of Cameroon;
-  Inspired and strengthened by the true spirit of patriotism for our country Cameroon derived from the hunger to make life safe for all;
- Considering the fact that it is increasingly urgent for us patriotic and concerned Cameroonians to articulate a new vision towards a free Cameroon to enable all people who are part of Cameroon to dream like others and see their dreams come true;
-  Believing that there are other nations and people who are free and serve as an example of progress and prosperity founded on a visionary foundation;
 
WE therefore Resolve:
- To empower a new political  citizenry\leadership with patriotism, courage, wisdom and compassion to lead Cameroonians to participate in building a free Cameroon in the light of the socio-cultural ,economic and political needs of all. In that way, enhance respect for human rights and promote human dignity through justice, peace and prosperity
- To enhance and absolutely uphold a transparent framework for the fundamental respect of human rights and freedom as a prerequisite to nation building and nationhood above all other obligations.
- To act as an alternative movement for democracy grounded in good governance and the rule of law.
- To adopt the vision  of the “Founding Fathers of the United States” that all human beings are born free and equal,  that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness;
- To connect, network, dialogue and mobilize Cameroonians and stakeholders around the world to support the vision of building a new Cameroon for greater possibilities and opportunities for every citizen within Cameroon regardless of origin,  ethnicity, sex, religion, language, culture and political linings.
- To adopt the vision  for a 33 Council for a 24 months  transitional government to empower Cameroonians and stakeholders from all walks of life to invent a new political paradigm that guarantees freedom and democracy through transparency and accountability under the rule of law and Constitution.
- To adopt a decentralized federal form of Government to enable regional participative economic and social development.
-To create a Nation on the basis of equal Economic and Social
Justice, equal economic opportunities and African Economic Ownership & Empowerment.
- To promote and enhance a value-based society wherein people are respected and honored on the basis of their Character and Service rather than by alien\internal Machinations of Corporate interference, personal gullibility, intellectual and psychological classism, and devaluation of self-authorship.
- To engage in global advocacy and humanitarian relief of all natures to liberate, re-enliven, democratize, moralize and develop our nation boundlessly and empower the people to be part of this endeavor according to their aspirations and dreams.
 
 Jonathan  F. Awasom

Pastor, Reformer and voice of Truth
Freedom Fighter and Politician
Civil Rights Advocate
Human Rights Campaigner
Peace Advocate for Peaceful Transition of power
Senior Community Organiser and voice for the voiceless
Scholar, consultant and Truth Speaker to Powers 

 

tp://virtuousandfreecameroon.blogspot.com/