By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
A new chapter has been opened in the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC) as the Rt. Rev. Miki Hans Abia has been officially instituted and inducted as the seventh Moderator of the church, alongside Rev. Ayuk Solomon Eta as the Synod Clerk. The grand Sunday, March 16, ceremony at the Presbyterian Comprehensive Secondary School, Buea, marked a defining moment for the church and its faithful followers.
Left (Newly Inducted Synod Clerk of the PCC, Rev. Ayuk Solomon Eta
The event, attended by a multitude of clergy, government officials, church members, and well-wishers, was filled with spiritual reflections, historical acknowledgments, and a clear vision for the next five years of leadership.
In his inaugural address, Rt. Rev. Miki laid out a compelling roadmap anchored on the theme “Strengthening and Edifying: A call to consolidate and accommodate one another.”
A sacred mandate for leadership
Rt. Rev. Miki Hans Abia assumes leadership at a crucial time in the PCC’s history. A seasoned clergyman with 28 years of ministerial service, he emphasised the significance of continuity, stability, and gradual transformation within the church. “Leadership is never a solitary journey,” he declared. “I do not step into this office as a stranger but as one who has walked alongside my predecessor, the Very Rev. Dr. Fonki Samuel Forba, a man of great diligence and dedication.”
Acknowledging the rich legacy of the church’s past leaders, the new Moderator pledged to build upon their efforts, rather than attempting radical overhauls. “While for some people the church appears weak and sick, for others, it is alive and marching on. Our task is not to discard the past but to fortify it with new energy, new focus, and improved strategies.”
He stressed that the mandate of his leadership would focus on three key pillars: strengthening existing structures, fostering reconciliation, and ensuring a shared mission for God’s glory.
A call for unity and reconciliation
One of the most striking aspects of the Moderator’s message was his call for unconditional reconciliation within the PCC. Recognising the divisions that have emerged over time, he urged both clergy and laity to embrace healing and unity. “It is time to close ranks and become one strong force,” he implored. “Our past disagreements must not be allowed to fester into bitterness and disunity. Leadership is about service, not personal ambition. We must recognise that not everyone can be a Presbytery Secretary or Financial Officer, yet we are all called to serve in different capacities.”
Administrative Officials after induction ceremony in Buea
He cautioned against the dangers of personal interests and political maneuvering in church leadership, emphasising the need to follow biblical principles and the PCC’s constitution.
“Criticism and accountability are necessary, but they must be done constructively, not through misinformation and social media attacks.”
The Moderator also acknowledged generational tensions within the clergy, urging senior pastors to mentor young ministers while calling on the younger generation to respect the wisdom of their elders. “Reconciliation does not mean uniformity,” he explained. “Paul and Barnabas had disagreements, but they continued their mission separately, yet harmoniously. Likewise, we must find ways to move forward together.”
Strengthening the Church’s mission and institutions
Beyond reconciliation, Rt. Rev. Miki Hans Abia emphasised the importance of strengthening the PCC’s institutions. He highlighted the church’s schools, hospitals, and businesses as vital components of its mission, warning against complacency. “Our schools and hospitals are monuments of progress, but progress should not be mistaken for fulfillment,” he cautioned. “Are they truly thriving in spirit as well as in structure? If our schools produce scholars but lack Christian values, or if our hospitals generate revenue but neglect the needy, have we fulfilled our mission?”
The Moderator committed to balancing efficiency, effectiveness, and equity in the church’s administration. He called for better stewardship of resources, increased support for pastors in remote areas, and strategic partnerships with local and international organisations.
A vision rooted in faith and service
Rt. Rev. Miki Hans Abia’s journey to leadership has been marked by deep faith, extensive service, and an unwavering commitment to the PCC. His ministerial career has taken him from small rural congregations to major city parishes, from trekking through dangerous terrains to serving as the PCC’s Synod Clerk. “This path has not been easy, but it has shaped me for the responsibility that lies ahead,” he reflected. “Now, as I wear the pectoral cross of this office, I do so with the Bible in one hand and the constitution of the church in the other.”
In a symbolic gesture of commitment, the Moderator appealed to all Presbyterians: “When the time comes to judge my leadership, do not use social media. Use the Bible. Use the PCC’s constitution.”
A Church poised for the future
As the PCC moves forward under new leadership, there is a palpable sense of hope and expectation. The Moderator’s call to “strengthen and edify” echoes the Apostle Paul’s mission to revisit and reinforce the churches he had planted.
“If we are to be faithful stewards, our focus must be on strengthening, rebuilding, and renewing,” he declared. “We cannot merely be keepers of tradition; we must be active agents of God’s kingdom.”
Quoting Saint Augustine, he concluded: “Hope has two beautiful daughters—anger at the way things are and courage to change them.”
With this message, the PCC embarks on a journey of faith, reconciliation, and renewal, as its new leadership seeks to chart a course that honours its past while embracing a bold and faithful future.