The Reverend Father Humphrey Tata Mbuy, Priest of the Archdiocese of Bamenda, has begun celebrations marking 40 years of service in the Catholic priesthood with a call for deep reflection on the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on youth, the role of traditional rulers in partisan politics, and the value of African Traditional Religion.
Speaking to reporters of the radio of the Archdiocese of Bamenda after celebrating Holy Mass at one of his mission stations, Fr. Mbuy expressed profound gratitude to God for the journey thus far.
“It’s been fantastic for me. Forty years of research is not forty days, it is a whole lifespan. It’s been up and down.. I see the divine in it,” he said noting that he began his most recent assignment at an uncompleted mission church which he is committed to completing.
With additional celebrations planned in Yaoundé later this year, Fr. Mbuy noted that funds raised will go a long way in supporting the project.
Reflecting on the journey, Rev Fr. Tata Mbuy, who currently serves as Chaplain and Lecturer at a Catholic university in Bamenda, stated that the challenges he has faced have evolved over time, but his outlook has remained the same.
“I believe difficulties are bound to come. Life is about solving difficulties. Problems come when you leave difficulties unresolved. The challenges I had in 1985 are not the same as those in 2000, and they are different today,” he said.
He identified Artificial Intelligence as his most pressing contemporary concern, particularly for young people.
“My biggest worry is about youth and AI... Many young people are excited about AI but don’t understand it. AI simulates the human mind and discourages actual thinking. So many young people do not think anymore. The ethical implications are enormous, and I fear we may raise children without basic values.” he said
With a newly launched book titled Fons of the North West and Partisan Politics, Fr. Tata Mbuy has now authored 27 books, with three more expected by August the actual anniversary of his ordination bringing the total to 30.
In the book, he critiques the involvement of traditional rulers, especially Fons in the North West Region, in partisan politics.
“I completely stand against Fons being partisan. A Fon is not an individual but a whole structure, a high priest. We don’t involve high priests in partisan politics because they belong to everyone in the community,” he explained.
Rev Fr. Mbuy also used the occasion to stress the need for renewed engagement with African Traditional Religion, noting that early missionaries often mischaracterised indigenous beliefs.
“When the early missionaries came, we were told our religion was bad. Now we are beginning to realise it was more ignorance than bad faith. African scholars should resurrect African Studies,” he said.
In 2024, Rev. Fr. Humphrey Tata Mbuy earned a PhD in Cultural Anthropology, further cementing his reputation as a priest deeply engaged with both academic and spiritual work. He previously served in the Communications department of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon.
As celebrations continue, Fr. Mbuy’s reflections serve as both a celebration of priestly service and a critical lens on society, urging the Church and society to engage meaningfully with modern challenges while remaining rooted in truth and tradition.
By Bakah Derick with reports
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