As the Islamist terrorist organization Boko Haram expands its operations from Nigeria to neighboring Cameroon, the nation’s Catholics gathered in churches last week to pray for peace.

“As Christians faced by violence, our desire is not to pick up arms but to present our petitions to God so that He who gave us peace can help us to be artisans of peace,” said Archbishop Samuel Kleda of Douala, according to a report from the Catholic Information Service of Africa. “Through prayer, we can attain all that we ask of God.”

The prelate called upon the government to fulfill its responsibility of protecting the nation’s people.