Catholic Priest Challenges Bishop Bibi’s Stance on Church and Politics

A Catholic priest of Cameroonian origin, based in the USA, Rev. Fr. Muma Francis Sama, has publicly responded to Bishop Michael Bibi’s recent statements on the role of the Church in national affairs, questioning whether the Church can truly claim to be “the voice of the voiceless” while remaining distant from direct political engagement.

Fr. Muma, reacting to Bishop Bibi’s interview in which the prelate insisted the Church will not participate in partisan politics, acknowledged the Bishop’s effort to clarify the Church’s mission, describing it as “courageous.” However, he argues that much of the Bishop’s position leaves unresolved questions about the Church’s responsibility in moments of national crisis.

A Voice or an Echo? Priest Questions Church’s Approach

The priest, while respectful in tone, challenged Bishop Bibi’s suggestion that episcopal letters and pastoral statements constitute sufficient prophetic engagement.

“First to say that the church has been a voice of the voiceless because of episcopal letters… is very limited in scope,” Fr. Muma wrote. “How many times has the Church repeatedly produced those letters year in and year out without significant changes?”

He argues that speaking out alone does not equate to defending the oppressed. According to him, history shows that churches elsewhere have taken more assertive action when confronted with political injustice.

Referencing Global Examples of Clergy in Action

Fr. Muma cites examples from the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Philippines, where clergy did not stop at issuing statements but physically mobilised and actively participated in safeguarding democracy.

He recalls how, in the Philippines, the late Cardinal Jaime Sin famously led clergy, religious and lay people into the streets during the People Power Revolution that toppled Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorship.

“They did more than write episcopal letters. They understood how brutal the Marcos government was, but they were ready to seek justice even with their blood,” he said.

Such examples, Fr. Muma suggests, demonstrate what it means for the Church to stand with the oppressed — not merely to speak, but to act when speaking is no longer enough.

Election Controversies and the Burden of the Shepherd

The most direct criticism in Fr. Muma’s reflection centres on Bishop Bibi’s statement that he consciously believes President Paul Biya won the recent elections based on official results from ELECAM and the Constitutional Council.

The priest questions whether relying solely on government-declared results reflects the duty of a shepherd to listen to the cry of his flock — especially in a context where protesters were arrested, wounded or killed contesting the legitimacy of the vote.

“Did he reach out to them and publicly address the ills while things were critical?” Fr. Muma asks.
“Or does he truly believe the results he got… were authentic while the voices of the masses… were not?”

He also recalls the earlier remark by Archbishop Samuel Kleda, who declared before the polls that results were largely predetermined — a claim that heightened public distrust.

Not an Attack, Priest Says — But a Call for Reflection

Fr. Muma clarifies he writes not to discredit Bishop Bibi, but to voice concerns shared by many Catholics who believe the Church has been too silent in the face of injustice.

“This note is not a personal attack,” he concludes, “but addresses concerns of the voiceless with regard to the Church’s role in the midst of injustice and oppression.”

His message ends with “Advent blessings” — a reminder that this debate emerges during a season of reflection, waiting and moral introspection.

A Growing Conversation in Cameroonian Christianity

The priest’s response highlights a widening internal conversation within the Church in Cameroon — particularly over whether moral authority requires distance from political decision-making or deeper involvement in it.

As the country continues to wrestle with tension, contested elections, inequality and state repression, the question remains:

Should the Church merely speak — or should it step into the streets with the people?

For Fr. Muma Sama, silence, however well-phrased, may no longer be enough.

MMI News