The Inspiring Journey of Fr. John Berinyuy: From Captivity to Auxiliary Bishop

Newly Appointed Auxiliary Bishop Of The Bamenda Archdiocese 


By Anne-Vallien Berinyuy

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Reverend Father John Berinyuy Tata as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bamenda. The announcement was made on Friday, February 13th, 2026, during a come together at St. Joseph Metropolitan Cathedral, attended by clergy, religious leaders, and members of the Christian community.

This news has excited many across the North West Region, as people see it as a powerful testament of faith, resilience, and divine care.

Father John Berinyuy’s journey to becoming a bishop has been filled with both hardship and service. In November 2025, he was reportedly kidnapped by separatist fighters while returning from the opening ceremony of a Catholic university in Ndop. This incident shocked the local church and the wider public.

After his abduction, Archbishop Andrew Nkea of Bamenda wrote a strong letter urging the Catholic community to take urgent action and show support. 

He gave the kidnappers a short deadline to release the priest and ordered that all Catholic churches and institutions in the Ndop area be temporarily closed. 

He called on priests, religious workers, and laypeople to unite and demand the safe return of Father Berinyuy.

The Archbishop’s bold response received national attention and sparked discussion about the Church’s role in dealing with the ongoing crisis in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions.

Many observers viewed the Church’s intervention as a sign of deep concern for the worsening security situation and the risks faced by religious leaders and civilians.


Celebrations After The Announcement 

Today, just months after that troubling incident, the elevation of Fr. John Berinyuy Tata to Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bamenda represents a significant moment for the local Church. For many, it symbolizes hope, renewal, and the victory of faith over hardship.

Church leaders will share more details about his ordination and pastoral responsibilities soon. For now, Catholics in Bamenda and beyond are celebrating what many see as an inspiring journey, from captivity to a higher calling in the Church.

Fr. John Now Auxiliary Bishop When He Was In Captivity 

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