Cintia A. , Lebledparle.com
On Tuesday, Buea became a hub of spirituality as the 48th annual seminar of Cameroonian bishops commenced. This significant gathering, which brought together the nation’s top religious leaders, took place against the backdrop of Cameroon’s ongoing sociopolitical challenges.
The day began with a Eucharistic celebration led by Mgr. Samuel Kleda, Metropolitan Archbishop of Douala, and concelebrated by several priests. The mass, filled with symbolic gestures, united the faithful in prayers for peace and prosperity in Cameroon.
A Call for Peace and Transformation
The opening ceremony was attended by prominent civil and religious figures, including South-West Governor Bernard OKALIA Bilaï and Buea Mayor David Mafany. Both highlighted the seminar’s importance to the region and the nation as a whole, commending the Catholic Church for its role as a mediator and unifying force during turbulent times.
Mgr. Andrew NKEA, President of the CENC, emphasized the urgent need for peace, the seminar’s central theme. Drawing on Pope Francis’s teachings, he urged the bishops to foster constructive dialogue among all sectors of Cameroonian society. He also called on citizens to take responsibility and advocate for change in the upcoming elections, referring to 2025 as a jubilee year. Many interpreted his remarks as the Church’s official stance against President Paul Biya’s candidacy, echoing similar sentiments previously expressed by bishops such as Mgrs. Samuel Kleda and Barthélémy Yaouda Hourgo.
Shaping the Future of Cameroon
The bishops then convened at the Mgr. Pius AWA Pastoral Center for a working session focused on addressing the Church’s and Cameroon’s pressing challenges. Discussions are expected to cover social, political, and economic issues, as well as strategies to promote national unity and cohesion.
The seminar will culminate in a final statement outlining the bishops’ recommendations and vision for the future of the Church and the nation. This document is eagerly awaited by the faithful, authorities, and the broader public.
