Buea: The 48th conference of Cameroon Bishops is seen as a beacon of hope for the recovery of the North West and South West regions, which have been embroiled in an eight-year-long socio-political crisis, stated the Bishop of the Diocese of Buea at the opening of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC).

According to Cameroon News Agency, the event on January 6 coincided with the dedication of the newly completed Divine Mercy Co-Cathedral in Molyko. His Lordship Michael Bibi, the Buea Bishop, emphasized that the dedication of the cathedral symbolizes hope and joy, marking its completion fifteen years after its initial commencement by Emeritus Bishop Immanuel Bushu. Mgr Bibi expressed his hope that all visitors to the cathedral would experience the mercy of God.

In his homily, the Bishop of Buea noted that the seminar, which gathers the Bishops of Cameroon for a week, provides hope that the Anglophone Crisis is gradually nearing its end. Bishop Bibi highlighted the conference theme, ‘Synodality’, as crucial to the church’s mission. He described it as a means to foster an inclusive atmosphere within the church, particularly for the poor and marginalized, ensuring a safe space where everyone is welcomed, acknowledged, and encouraged to participate.

Bernard Okalia Bilai, the South West Governor, urged the prelates to utilize the weeklong meeting to promote public awareness about seeking peace and resuming school activities. The conference, which includes both resident and retired bishops from across Cameroon, is scheduled to conclude on January 11.