Leaders from the Southern Africa Regional Conference gathered for a pioneering retreat to map a way forward for The United Methodist Church in Southern Africa.
Delegates at the April meeting in Maputo established a governance model that effectively returns power and management responsibility to the region. Church leaders say the conference work could offer a model that can be replicated in other regions of the connection as United Methodists live into regionalization.
Approved by the 2024 General Conference and ratified by annual conference voters last year, regionalization gives The United Methodist Church in the U.S. and church regions in Africa, Europe and the Philippines the same decision-making authority.
Bishop João Filimone Sambo of Mozambique, secretary of the Southern Africa Regional Conference College of Bishops and host of the event, emphasized the significance and responsibility of the moment.
The Rev. John Makaniko, newly elected conference vice secretary and Harare East District superintendent in the Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Botswana Episcopal Area, said the conference reaffirmed the growth and future direction of the church in Southern Africa.
The Southern Africa Regional Conference includes the East Angola; Western Angola; Mozambique-South Africa-Eswatini-Madagascar; and the Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Botswana episcopal areas. The conference includes members who speak English, Portuguese, Shona and a variety of other African languages.
Makaniko said the retreat marked a defining moment in the life of The United Methodist Church in Southern Africa, creating a framework that is responsive to the needs of people while remaining faithful to Wesleyan theology and United Methodist polity.
Leaders Develop Budget for Strategic Plan
During the April meeting, directors of connectional ministries, project coordinators and treasurers of the annual conferences developed a budgetary and strategic roadmap for the 2026-2030 five-year period following the dissolution of the Africa Central Conference last year. The gathering continued work done during a March virtual session presided over by Western Angola Bishop Gaspar João Domingos.
Makaniko said the gathering emphasized leadership development and theological education.
The keynote speaker, Virgílio Juvane — a United Methodist, executive director of OpSec Security, UNESCO veteran and Mozambique government officer — offered a strategic vision for the church—a return to the areas where the church has historically demonstrated excellence and humanism, such as healthcare and education.
Juvane warned that the success of this transformation requires a true paradigm shift and change in mindset. He said the Southern Africa Regional Conference’s vision must be aligned with global and continental dynamics, incorporating the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 and the African Union’s “Agenda 2063.”
Beyond the intensive technical planning sessions, the retreat provided an opportunity for fellowship and communion among participants from the various annual conferences.
Your Generosity Helps Bishops Provide Mentorship and Leadership
When you support the Episcopal Fund apportionment you help pay the salaries and expenses for United Methodist Bishops and allows them to travel across their episcopal areas providing mentorship and leadership. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Episcopal Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
excerpt Benedita Penicela Nhambiu, communicator of The United Methodist Church in Mozambique and member of the United Methodist Communications board.
This story shows the impact of the Episcopal Fund—one of seven apportionment funds of The United Methodist Church—to sustain the leadership and oversight of bishops who guide our shared mission. Through this fund, the Church provides fair compensation, support, and accountability for episcopal leadership across the connection. Together, we ensure that every conference has the guidance needed to carry out ministry effectively and faithfully.
When your church supports the Episcopal Fund, you uphold the shared leadership that unites our Church in mission and ministry.
