By Abongwa Fozo
Rt. Rev. Miki Hans Abia has been officially inducted as the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon (PCC) on Sunday March 16, 2025.
The outgoing Moderator, Rev. Dr. Fonki Samuel Forba handed him the pectoral cross, that symbolises the transfer of authority from him to the incoming moderator during an induction service attended by close to 10,000 Presbyterian Christians and guests at the Presbyterian Comprehensive Secondary School ((PCSS) esplanade in Buea.
The Rev. Miki Hans, now addressed as the Right Reverend, becomes the 7th Moderator of the PCC, succeeding Right Reverend Dr. Fonki Samuel Forba. Who henceforth is addressed as the Very Reverend..
The new Moderator promised to lead the church for the next five years under the theme “Strengthening; Edifying: A Call to Consolidate and Accommodate One Another.”
Reflecting from Acts 15:36-41, in his sermon, the Rt. Rev. Miki Hans Abia laid out challenges that lay ahead of him, the church, the clergy of the church and the laity for the next five years.
“A house built on a weak Foundation would not stand the test of time. But even the strongest Foundation must be prepared for new bricks or the house will never rise” he said, promising to build his tenure on the legacy of his predecessor.
There “were not going to be any radical break because the church we inherit today is our foundation.” He assured the Christians and clergy of the PCC.
He identified the “lack of a culture of maintenance” as a key problem affecting the church and Cameroon, drawing inspiration from Apostle Paul in Act 15 when he said “let’s go back and visit and see how they are doing”
Still refering to the story in Acts 15:36-41, Rt. Rev. Miki Hans explained how the early church faced deep divisions yet still used it to expand the growth of the church. He sees this as an opportunity for pastors and Christians to close ranks and work for the unity of the church.
But he reminded all that .” I am your servant but you are not my master. God is my master whom I shall render my accounts.”
He promised to tackle head on challenges in the church like the generational divide amongs pastors, backstabbing and negative criticism of the church by the laity, calling for unconditional reconciliation and constructive criticism as a way forward.
After his sermon, the Rt. Rev. Miki Hans, proceeded to induct into office, the Rev. Ayuk Solomon as, the Synod Clerk. Both men are expected to work closely for the next five years to path the way forward for the PCC.
in attendance at the induction was the governor of the Southwest Region, Okaila Bilai, and a host of administrative and government officials, senators and members of parliament, municipal and traditional authorities and religious leaders from sister churches.
