With the presidential election in Cameroon scheduled for Sunday, 12th October 2025, the Archbishop of Bamenda, His Grace Andrew Fuanya Nkea, has issued special permission for Catholic faithful in the Archdiocese to attend anticipated Sunday Masses on the evening of Saturday, 11th October.
In a circular addressed to all Monsignors, Fathers, members of consecrated life, and the lay faithful, the Archbishop explained that this decision comes to enable Christians involved in the voting process to fulfil their religious obligations without hindrance to civic duty.
“The up-coming presidential election in Cameroon is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 12th October 2025. Since a good number of our Christians shall be involved both in the organisation and observation of the voting at the various polling stations located all over the national territory, I hereby grant permission to all Parish Priests and Parochial Vicars in the Archdiocese of Bamenda to celebrate anticipated Sunday Masses on Saturday, 11th October 2025,” the letter reads in part.
Archbishop Nkea noted that such anticipated Masses, which are recognised in Church law, may begin as early as 5:00 p.m. on that Saturday evening. He clarified that the special permission applies only to that particular weekend in light of the national elections.
The decision reflects the Archdiocese’s effort to balance civic engagement and spiritual responsibility at a time when Sunday, a traditionally sacred day for worship, coincides with the country’s most important democratic exercise.
Quoting Canon Law 1248 §1, the Archbishop reminded the faithful that “the precept of participating in the Mass is satisfied by assistance at a Mass which is celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the holy day or on the evening of the preceding day.”
The Archbishop’s move is being interpreted by many observers as a practical and pastoral response to an exceptional situation. In Bamenda and across the North West Region, where insecurity and mobility challenges often complicate large public gatherings, the arrangement is expected to ease both religious and electoral participation.
By aligning liturgical observance with civic responsibility, the Archdiocese of Bamenda joins other institutions across Cameroon in preparing citizens for a peaceful and orderly election day.
“With every good wish and God’s abundant blessings,” Archbishop Nkea concluded, signing the letter from his office at the Archbishop’s House in Bamenda on Friday, 3rd October 2025.
By Hilltopvoices Newsroom
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