OLOP Bamenda

Bamenda: Portsmouth's Sister Diocese

Were you aware that our Diocese of Portsmouth has a sister Diocese in Cameroon, Africa?

Bamenda is the Provincial capital of North West Cameroon in West Africa. In 1970 the Bamenda Diocese was created and Paul Verdzekov appointed as the first bishop. He retired in January 2006 and his successor is Archbishop Cornelius Esua.

In 1974 Bishop Derek Worlock of Portsmouth created a link between the two dioceses. Over nearly 30 years 10 Portsmouth priests and many lay people have worked in Bamenda. More than Ł800,000 from Portsmouth has been spent on projects there.

Bishops, priests and lay people continue to visit in both directions. People across Portsmouth Diocese create friendships and raise funds for projects. Our spiritual link in prayer and thanksgiving remains a living and priceless gift.