By Tata Mbunwe
The Bishop of Buea, Michael Miabesue Bibi, has suspended six (06) religious associations operating “illegally” in the Diocese.
In a seven-page pastoral letter signed yesterday, Bishop Bibi says the recent decision was necessary to stop the unnecessary conflicts these associations have generated in the Diocese.
The associations include: Missionary Sons of Saint Peter; Little Sons of the Eucharist; The Missionary Sons of Saint Mulumba; Daughters of the Sacred Passion; Mater Domini; and Daughters of Mary Mother of the Eucharistic Jesus.
“None of these associations,” the Bishop says, “shall be raised to the status of a religious institute in the Diocese of Buea.”
He added: “The above-mentioned associations are without exception suppressed and can no longer operate in the Diocese of Buea. Members of the association have up to the 22 of February at the latest to leave the Diocese of Buea. The Diocese of Buea has no obligations towards person’s belonging to these associations.”
Terming the issue an “unpleasant situation”, Bishop Bibi says the presence of these associations has generated “a lot of tension” within the Buea Diocese for close to 10 years now.
This was long before he was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese in 2019 and the situation has worsened after he became Bishop of the Diocese.
“When I arrived at the Buea Diocese as Apostolic Administrator, the Laity, Religious and Clerics presented the presence of Lay Associations as one of their challenges and wondered what I could do to arrest the situation,” the Bishop said.
“During meetings of the Presbyterial Councils and College of Consultors, the point came up every now and then.”
As Apostolic Administrator, Bibi issued a release on June 8, 2020 calling on these associations to suspend the admission of new members.
This decision was opposed by many Catholic Christians who argued that he did not have powers as Apostolic Administrator to take such a decision.
The Bishop however says he acted in line with canon law, which gives the Apostolic Administrator “legitimate authority” over priest, religious and all mission personnel in the Diocese, alongside his responsibility over all Diocesan institutions which are answerable to the Pope.
