WCC mourns passing of Very Rev. Dr Festus Ambe Asana, former moderator of Presbyterian Church in Cameroon

He guided the church as its 5th moderator between 2009 and 2014.

During his four-year leadership, he was widely known for promoting discipline, transparency, accountability, and respect for church laws and regulations.

WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, in tribute to Asana’s life and legacy, cited Revelation 14:13, “Blessed are the dead who from now on die in the Lord. They will rest from their labours, for their deeds follow them.”

Asana’s passing represents a great loss to his family and all who loved him, Pillay reflected, yet his work will carry onward through those he guided over many decades of a long and blessed life. 

“As we mourn, we also praise God for Dr Asana’s legacy, and for his ministry that will remain a guidepost for churches and communities not only in Cameroon but all over the world,” said Pillay.

Church members and colleagues remember him as a calm but firm leader who worked tirelessly to strengthen the administration of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, one of the largest Protestant churches in Cameroon. His tenure was marked by efforts to improve governance within the church and encourage ministers and Christians to uphold high moral and spiritual standards.

A trained theologian and respected church educator, Asana also played an important role in theological training and leadership development. Many pastors and church workers benefited from his guidance and mentorship over the years.

Under his leadership, the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon’s flagship university, Cameroon Christian University was born. It has since become Cameroon Christian University Institute.

Even after leaving office, Asana remained active in church affairs, often offering advice on important institutional matters and speaking out on issues affecting the church. He was a strong defender of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon Constitution and consistently encouraged unity and respect for established church structures.

Since news of his passing became public, tributes have continued to pour in from church leaders, former colleagues, pastors, and Christians across Cameroon and the diaspora. Many have described him as a man of faith, wisdom, integrity, and service whose contributions helped shape the modern Presbyterian Church in Cameroon.

Religious observers note that Asana belonged to a generation of church leaders who guided the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon through important periods of growth and social change. His influence extended beyond the pulpit, as he frequently encouraged Christians to contribute positively to society through education, peacebuilding, and community development.

“The Very Rev. Asana was a committed church leader and ecumenist who devoted his ministry to Christian unity, dialogue, and the common witness of the churches in Africa and beyond,” said Rev. Dr Ibrahim Yusuf Wushishi, WCC programme executive for Peacebuilding in Africa and coordinator of the WCC Africa Regional Programme Office in Abuja, Nigeria. “As a member of the WCC central committee, he served with wisdom, humility, and deep pastoral commitment, contributing significantly to the fellowship’s work for peace, justice, and reconciliation.”

Wushishi added that Asana embodied the church’s calling to be a sign of unity and hope. “His faithful service and dedication will continue to inspire generations to come,” said Wushishi.