United Methodist bishops in Africa are celebrating the growth of the church on the continent, including the creation of two new episcopal areas and a new central conference.
The bishops expressed joy at the election of nine new episcopal leaders and affirmed their support for regionalization, a package of amendments to the denomination’s constitution approved at General Conference, that, if ratified, would strengthen central conferences’ authority to set their own policies and practice ministry in their context.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the unity of The United Methodist Church. We believe that regionalization is a faithful and strategic path forward and this framework upholds our unity in Christ while honoring our diversity,” the bishops said.
Central Conference Encouraged to follow Book of Discipline
The bishops encouraged the central conferences to adapt parts of the Book of Discipline, the denomination’s governing document, to suit their context.
The bishops reaffirmed that marriage on the African continent is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman.
Last year’s General Conference affirmed that central conferences can establish their own ordination and marriage policies in line with local laws.
Bishops Make Pledges Support and Calls for Peace
They also called for peace in countries affected by conflict; pledged support for the Central Conferences Theological Education Endowment Fund; stated the need to redefine episcopal boundaries in West Africa; and encouraged economic self-sustainability. The statement was signed by all 14 active bishops and three retired bishops in attendance.
Bishop João Filimone Sambo of the Mozambique-South Africa-Eswatini-Madagascar Episcopal Area was elected in March. He said he learned a lot at his first Africa colleges gathering.
Sierra Leone’s Bishop James Boye-Caulker, who was elected in December, was another first-time attendee.
Bishop Nelson Kalombo Ngoy of the newly established Tanganyika Episcopal Area said it was inspiring and exciting to meet his colleagues on the African continent. He was elected to the episcopacy in July.
Bishop Emmanuel Sinzohagera, who also was elected in March and leads the new Burundi-Rwanda Episcopal Area, said the gathering offered a platform to interact and discuss issues affecting the church on the continent.
The continent’s sole active female episcopal leader, Bishop Marie-Jeanne Mujinga Kashala of the South Congo Zambia Episcopal Area who was elected in July, said she felt comfortable among her colleagues.
After the meeting, Bishop Gaspar Domingos of West Angola expressed concern at conflicts in some parts of the continent. “Without peace and stability, the African population will never experience development,” he said.
At the close of their statement, the African bishops shared their hopes for the future.
“We continue to walk forward in humility, boldness, rooted in the Word of God, led by the Holy Spirit and united in the love of Christ. As Africa rises, so too does our responsibility to be a light to the nations.”
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 from a story by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News correspondent based in Harare, Zimbabwe.
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.
