– Bishops of the Bamenda Provincial Episcopal Conference (BAPEC) send message of solidarity, communion with Bishop Michael Bibi,
BY MAMBE NJIKOFORE MANDE
Bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of Bamenda met in the Archbishop’s house in Bamenda, from February Thursday 10 to Friday 11, 2022, in their 72nd Ordinary Meeting, reflected on various aspects of the pastoral life of the Church in their Province.
Signed by Bishop Agapitus NFON, Bishop of Kumba, Bishop George NKUO, Bishop of Kumbo and Archbishop Andrew FUANYA NKEA, Archbishop of Bamenda and Apostolic Administrator of Mamfe, the message read “Our hearts were deeply saddened by the unfortunate turn of events in the Diocese of Buea, characterised by gross disrespect of the hierarchy of the Church, casting of aspersions on bishop Michael Bibi, and deliberate distortion and manipulation of facts in order to misinform, divide and mislead the public through social media and other media organs, on certain important decisions taken by the Bishop in his attempt to bring the Diocese to align perfectly with the mind and practices of the Church.”
According to the letter, these decisions focus mainly on the reinstatement to the Diocese of its ownership of the Catholic University Institute of Buea (CUIB) and related institutions, so that they are made accountable to the people of God, and the suspension of Lay Associations whose foundations were not suitably represented according to the requirements of the law.
“We express our solidarity and communion with his Lordship Bishop Michael Bibi, whose decisions are in perfect alignment with the mind and discipline of the Church on these matters.” The message held.
“To Christ’s faithful of the Diocese of Buea,” it continued “we make a special appeal for vigilance and commitment to working in communion with Bishop Michael Bibi for the purpose of building a united and prosperous Diocese, in keeping with the exhortation of Saint Paul: Hold to the pattern of sound teaching shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus (2 Tim 1:13).”
The message ended with appreciation and prayers of divine protection “We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives. Then you will be able to live as the Lord wants and will always do what pleases him. Your lives will produce all kinds of good deeds, and you will grow in your knowledge. May you be strong with all the strength which comes from his glorious power, so that you may be able to endure everything with patience (Col 1:9-12).” The bishops concluded.