Scores of Christians have been left stranded in Douala following the closure of two churches in the Douala V municipality. The awe-struck worshippers of the churches, who are still wandering across neighbourhoods

of Douala, are yet to find solace following a decision of the Divisional Officer for Douala V, Jean-Marie Tchakoui.

Some say they came as far as from Maroua, Bamenda and Bafoussam and had no lodging except the church auditorium in Ndokoti, where "Prophet" Eric Sem's Liberty Ministry International had hosted them. However, local administrative officials imputed charges of illegal existence, noise pollution and division in families and couples by these churches.

Despite these claims by authorities, the miracle hungry disciples of the "men of God" say whether a church is legal or not is never a criterion to enter eternal life. Going by a local government official, who asked not to be named, the law of God stipulates that the law of the land should be obeyed. "Securing a government approval is necessary," he said.

The decision to close churches was taken during the annual Governors' conference that held in Yaounde recently. Inhabitants around these "houses of God" had continued to complain about unwanted noise during worship services.

Noise is a thing that used to characterise these localities. In Ndokoti, Eric Sem says he has been embarrassed by this situation and was not notified, even though the church is legally recognised under the Cameroon Baptist Congregation. It is the charismatic branch of the CBC, he said when contacted on phone yesterday.