It is with deep pain that IMBISA received the news of the passing on of His Eminence Cardinal Richard Kuuia BAAWOBR, Bishop of the Diocese of Wa, in Ghana and President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).
His Eminence Cardinal BAAWOBR was a very dedicated and optimistic pastor. Upon his election as President of SECAM he soon revealed his focus on promoting synodality in the church in Africa. He leaves a legacy for us who are still pilgrims on earth.
As one of the prefaces of the Dead says, “If the certainty of death makes us sad, the promise of immortality comforts us”. We are sure that the Lord, the giver of life, will welcome him into His Glory because he does not disappoint those who believe in him.
IMBISA offers its most heartfelt condolences and expresses its closeness and comfort to the people of God in the Diocese of Wa, whom he served unreservedly; to the Episcopal Conference of Ghana, where he leaves a void, and to SCEAM who lost its clairvoyant leader. Be assured of our prayers as the Imbisa Region in these difficult moments so that the Lord may forgive him all his sins, grant him the well-deserved rest and comfort also all those who are mourning.
May the Lord give him eternal rest!
RIP
Harare, November 30, 2022
Archbishop José Manuel Imbamba, Archbishop of Saurimo and Vice-President of IMBISA