The official opening of the first-ever Diocesan Synod of Buea on Monday, June 15, 2026, featured a thought-provoking reflection by the Rector of BIROCOL, Rev. Fr. Joseph Epie Ngome, PhD, who challenged delegates to focus not only on the Diocese’s past achievements but also on God’s vision for its future.
Presenting a paper titled “What Kind of Buea Diocese Do We Want After Celebrating 75 Years?”, Fr. Epie invited participants to reflect deeply on the purpose of the Synod and the responsibility entrusted to them as representatives of the People of God. His presentation was guided by the Synod theme, “Journeying Together in Faith: Building the Church We Desire After 75 Years” (Ephesians 4:15-16).
Cross section of delegates
In a compelling reflection, he warned against the danger of celebrating milestones without embracing genuine renewal. He noted that while a Church can hold meetings, produce reports, and make recommendations, true success lies in conversion, growth, and a renewed commitment to mission. He described the Synod as “a spiritual crossroads” and “an encounter with the future” rather than a mere anniversary event.
Fr. Epie paid tribute to the missionaries and pioneers who laid the foundations of the Diocese through sacrifice, faith, and dedication to the Gospel. At the same time, he cautioned against complacency, stressing that the Diocese must remain focused on evangelization and avoid becoming more concerned with maintaining structures than advancing its mission.
delegates listening to Fr Epie’s paper
The Rector challenged delegates to examine whether the Diocese’s parishes, schools, councils, and institutions are effectively fostering missionary discipleship and authentic encounters with Christ. He emphasized that the questions before the Synod may be uncomfortable but are necessary for meaningful renewal and growth.
Addressing the more than 240 delegates gathered for the Synod, Fr. Epie reminded them that they were not present as representatives of personal interests or pressure groups but as servants of discernment carrying the hopes and aspirations of the faithful across the Diocese. He called on participants to listen attentively, seek truth with humility, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide their deliberations.
He further noted that the Holy Spirit remains the principal protagonist of the Synod and may call the Diocese to greater accountability, deeper participation of the laity, renewed evangelization, and closer attention to the needs of young people. According to him, a Synod that merely confirms existing assumptions would have failed in its purpose; rather, it should help the Church discern what God is saying to the Diocese of Buea today.
Fr. Epie concluded by inviting delegates to move beyond the question, “What kind of Buea Diocese do we want?” and instead ask the more profound question, “What kind of Buea Diocese does Christ desire?” He expressed hope that the Synod would mark not simply the end of 75 years of history but the beginning of a new chapter of faith, unity, mission, and growth for the Diocese of Buea.
