“To have Christians who engage in political life, that people register, that we can participate in the elections while avoiding violence. We can change something without necessarily being in the dynamic of violence,” he said.
The February 24-27 meeting is bringing together Catholic communicators from across Cameroon to participate in the dynamics of the Church's 2025 Jubilee Year and to promote a climate of peace in the Central African nation.
In the interview with ACI Africa, Bishop Bayemi also reflected on his personal approach to communication, describing it as a grace of God that allows him to be close to all people.
“One of my gifts is to be simple, to be near to every person, not despising anybody. I feel at ease with everybody, rich people and poor. It is a gift from the Lord,” he said.
He shared his joy in reaching out to all members of society, particularly the elderly, saying, “I find it a great joy, for example, to embrace old mothers. I know that few people do that. And it gives me immense joy. And I try to do it as a communicator, to be close to each one of you.”
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Bishop Bayemi reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Catholic communication efforts despite financial constraints, expressing confidence in divine providence.
Reflecting on his 10 years at the helm of the Communication Commission of NECC, the Bishop of Obala said, “It’s 10 years of service, but 10 years of learning, 10 years of deepening, 10 years of understanding the mystery of the Church when it must be communicated. It is also 10 years of learning the use of communication tools to announce Christ, to say who Christ is.”
Bishop Bayemi acknowledged the growing role of digital platforms in evangelization, stressing the need for Catholic communicators to adapt to new media, including the internet and social networks.
He said his experience in both Priestly and Episcopal Ministry has reinforced his commitment to the Church’s teaching mission.
“It is imperative for the Church to adapt to the modern communication system,” the Cameroonian Catholic Bishop said.
Looking ahead, the Catholic Bishop expressed hope that Catholic communicators will build on past efforts to strengthen and professionalize Church media.
“The seed has been sown. It is now about continuing to improve what has been done. One of the things that I pray the Lord to grant to our Church is a national television, which can allow us to say who we are, what we do, to present the point of view of the Church to our world,” he said.
He also called for the establishment of a strong radio network and a digital platform that would enable Dioceses across the country to collaborate more effectively.
“If we put into practice that common experience, that common wisdom—united we stand, divided we fall—having a national television will make us stronger,” he said.
Bishop Bayemi encouraged Catholic communicators to remain committed to their mission, ensuring that the “Church’s voice remains clear and influential in an ever-changing media environment.”
Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.
