MONROVIA–Bishops of The United Methodist Church in Africa have concluded a 5-day meeting in Monrovia, celebrating the growth of the Church on the continent and progress with regionalization, while calling for greater peace, justice, and stewardship across Africa.
The Africa College of Bishops gathered in Liberia from August 31 to September 4, 2026, the first time the College has met in the country, and the meeting ended with a call to “enlarge the site of your tent” based on Isaiah 54:2.
In a press statement, the bishops said regionalization is “now working on the continent,” enabling the Church to practice mission and ministry within local contexts. They noted the Church is updating regional Books of Discipline and establishing judicial courts.
Apart from updates provided by general agencies including GCFA, Global Ministries, UMCOR, Wespath, and Africa University, the body announced a planned December 2026 election for a new bishop in the West Africa Regional Conference.
The conference covers Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Mission Districts in Senegal and Cameroon. Guinea-Bissau is also in the process of formally rejoining through the Sierra Leone Conference.
The bishops said the new episcopal leadership will help serve the vast geographical area. The Standing Committee on Regional Conference Matters also discussed the feasibility of adding more bishops in Africa during the next quadrennium.
The College celebrated the continued growth of United Methodism in Africa. It also reaffirmed ecumenical engagement on issues including war, violence, peace, reconciliation, and pandemics. The bishops specifically mentioned the recent Ebola outbreaks that claimed lives in DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan.
During the opening plenary, ecumenical guests including Rev. Dr. Samuel B. Reeves, President of the Liberia Council of Churches, Catholic Archbishop of Monrovia, Rev. Gabriel Blamo Snosio Jubwe of the Episcopal Church of Liberia, Rt. Rev. Dr. James Bombo Sellee were featured.
The bishops also aligned the Church’s work with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
They urged political leaders to advance equality, justice, peace and the wellbeing of citizens, and reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to partner with governments and civil society for a “peaceful, just, prosperous, and sustainable Africa.”
The College received updates on the 2028 General Conference from Rev. Andy Call and Emily Allen. The bishops appreciated commitments to ensure full African delegate participation and encouraged the Church to consider hosting General Conference 2032 in Africa.
They also thanked Council of Bishops President Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. for his participation and guidance.
The bishops commended United Methodists across Africa for increased giving, apportionments, and support for the Regional Conferences Theological Education Fund.
They called for continued accountability and transparency in managing Church resources.
Special gratitude was extended to the Government and people of Liberia for hosting the meeting. The bishops noted interactions with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. and former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, described as “Africa’s first elected female president and a lifelong United Methodist.”
The Special Committee to Host the 2026 meeting, chaired by Cllr. Amb. Medina A. Wesseh, also thanked the Liberia National Police, ecumenical partners, sponsors, and all who provided support.
“As we return to our respective episcopal areas, we do so with renewed commitment to the mission of Jesus Christ, strengthened fellowship, and a shared determination to enlarge the tent of God’s mission across Africa,” the statement concluded.
The meeting brought together bishops from across the continent to pray, fellowship, and discern the future of The United Methodist Church in Africa.
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