Cameroon’s Catholic bishops meeting in Kumba urge peace, communion, and justice as the Church responds to national crisis, insecurity, and hopes for renewal.
By Magnus Ful
The Forty Ninth Annual Bishops’ Seminar in Kumba has emerged as a key moment of spiritual reflection and national relevance for the Catholic Church in Cameroon. Through prayer, dialogue, and pastoral reflection, the bishops of Cameroon are reaffirming their commitment to communion, justice, and peace at a time of social tension and uncertainty.
On January 7, 2026, the fifth day of the seminar was marked by a solemn Holy Mass celebrated at the chapel of the Pastoral Centre in Kumba. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Archbishop Faustin Ambassa Ndjodo, while the homily was delivered by Bishop Michael Miabesue Bibi of Buea. Drawing from the Gospel according to Mark, Bishop Bibi reflected on Jesus calming the storm, presenting Christ as the source of courage amid fear. “Take heart, it is I, do not be afraid,” he told the faithful, linking the struggles of the disciples to the challenges confronting the Church and Cameroon today.
The homily strongly reinforced the seminar’s central theme, communion and collegiality. Bishop Bibi emphasized that bishops are called to work together in unity, in communion with the Pope and among themselves, in order to serve God’s people faithfully. He stressed that peace cannot exist without justice, especially within a national context marked by insecurity and fear.
Earlier in the week, on January 5, bishops gathered at Saint Anthony of Padua Parish in Kumba Mbeng for their annual recollection, despite the observance of a city shutdown in the area. Coordinated by Bishop Marcellin Marie Ndabnyemb of Batouri, the recollection focused on strengthening episcopal communion. Bishop Emmanuel Dassi of Bafia described the moment as “a mini retreat, a time where we go aside with the Lord Jesus, since we act in his name,” underlining that unity among bishops is essential for credible evangelization.
That day’s Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Archbishop Samuel Kleda of Douala. In his homily, Bishop Dassi challenged Christians to ensure coherence between faith and daily life, insisting that the light of Christ is preserved through truth, sanctification, and charity, especially care for the poor and vulnerable.
Opening the seminar, the President of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon, Archbishop Andrew Fuanya Nkea, praised the Diocese of Kumba, created in 2016 during the South West crisis, for its growth despite hardship. He highlighted pastoral, medical, and humanitarian initiatives as signs of a Church committed to human dignity. Addressing national concerns, he condemned post election violence following the 2025 presidential elections and reaffirmed the Church’s pastoral and prophetic mission, stressing that violence can never bring lasting peace.
In interviews, bishops consistently underlined that their presence in Kumba is a strong call for peace in the crisis affected regions. “Our presence here is also an occasion to pray for peace in our country,” Archbishop Kleda said. Bishop Bibi added, “One thing that can make collegiality and communion not to exist is when there is a lack of love.”
As the seminar continues, Cameroon’s bishops insist that communion, justice, moral responsibility, and trust in Christ remain essential if the nation is to move from storm toward hope.
