Livinus Tal Bam 
The Bishop of Kumbo, Mgr George Nkuo recently convened a meeting with the Religious Men and Women in his Diocese to ensure an effective take off of his Pastoral Ministry and know the various congregations within his diocese. The meeting, which took place on the 7th of October, was also in line with the homily delivered by the Archbishop of Douala, Christian Cardinal Tumi, during the Episcopal Ordination of Mgr George Nkuo in September.
Speaking during the meeting, Bishop George expressed his joy to the participants for responding on time to his invitation.
He pointed out that the coming together would help him to know the various institutes of consecrated life working in his new Diocese. As one who believes in collaborative Ministry, Bishop George further expressed his delight to all the Men and Women Religious because wherever he lived and worked as a priest, he grew to know how important it is to collaborate with Religious.
Reflecting from the Cardinal?s homily, during his consecration as Bishop, he could still remember within the lines, what the Cardinal told him. With the memory still fresh in his mind, he quoted: "George you will need the help of men and women Religious in Kumbo Diocese. They can be of great help to your pastoral Ministry; in the education of the young, in social work etc.
Religious congregations are there to serve the Church. That is why they are founded?" With the powerful reflection of the bishop drawn from the theology of communion, a framework has been drawn as the main guide to influence and maintain a good Pastoral relationship with the Religious Men and Women in the Diocese of Kumbo.
To this effect, the bishop called on all Religious living and working in his Diocese to orientate themselves on the current aspects of the life of the Church, being the true living example of the Gospel and Spiritual communion through their interactions.
He reiterated the fact that relationship between the bishop and Religious must be characterised by the spirit of communion with the intension to share a common spiritual experience towards holiness "We need to be a home and school of communion without safeguarding prestige as bishop and autonomy as a congregation. First place should be given to God."
He further expounded on the need of collaborative ministry, stressing that there are two ways to foster effective collaboration - information and dialogue. He said if the roles of being informed and dialogue were settled on, there will be no room for problems and conflicts.
The Religious men and women cried out the need for the bishop to know the various congregations existing in his diocese. To ease the bishop's getting to know them; a booklet dealing with the congregations and their history was prepared and given to him.
He also exhorted and encouraged all the congregations that are not living up to the norms of their religious movement. They advocated transparency, love and openness to dialogue to ensure cordial relationship with their new bishop.
Concerning dialogue, participants were urged to get into dialogue with one another with free minds, listening with the heart and not with the mind. Bishop Nkuo thanked and congratulated all the Religious men and women and promised to do his best.
He declared his trust to all the Religious men and women and asked them to all fall behind him and cooperate with him in the building of the diocese. "I remain one of you."
http://www.leffortcamerounais.com/2006/10/bishop_george_n.html