Africa College of Bishops
The United Methodist Church
For Immediate Release
September 4, 2025
Statement of the Africa College of Bishops - Luanda, Angola
"I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs." – Isaiah 41:18 (NIV)
We, the bishops of The United Methodist Church in Africa, after gathering in Luanda, Angola from 1 to 4 September 2025, offer this statement to our brothers and sisters across Africa, and to the global connection of The United Methodist Church. We do so with hearts full of gratitude, faith, and hope, knowing that the Spirit of God continues to move powerfully across our continent.
1. Celebration of Growth and Leadership
We joyfully celebrate the vibrant growth of The United Methodist Church in Africa, evidenced by the creation of new episcopal areas – Tanganyika, Burundi/Rwanda and the election of nine new episcopal leaders. These developments affirm the fruitfulness of our mission and the continuing movement of God’s Spirit among us.
2. Unity through Regionalization
We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the unity of The United Methodist Church. We believe that regionalization is a faithful and strategic path forward - allowing each region to carry out ministry in ways that reflect its cultural, social, and theological context. This framework upholds our unity in Christ while honoring our diversity.
3. Contextual Adaptation of the Book of Discipline
We support the authority of Central Conferences to adapt the Book of Discipline to reflect their mission context. This ability allows us to maintain doctrinal unity while engaging in ministry that is meaningful and transformative within our African realities.
4. Biblical Understanding of Marriage
We uphold our long-standing theological and cultural understanding that marriage is a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, in accordance with Scripture (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5). This view is consistent with our biblical convictions, African traditions, and the laws of our respective nations. We remain committed to practicing and teaching a holistic Christian sexual ethic rooted in Scripture and discipleship.
5. Commitment to Structural Clarity in West Africa
We recognize the urgency for the West Africa Central Conference to undertake the important work of redrawing its episcopal boundaries and creating a new episcopal area in Nigeria. We affirm this effort as vital for more effective leadership and ministry in the region.
6. Protection of Church Property
We rejoice with our brothers and sisters in Liberia following the recent court decision affirming the rightful ownership of church property. We resolve to preserve, protect, and defend United Methodist Church properties across the continent as sacred trust resources for our mission.
7. Call for Peace and an End to Violence
We strongly condemn all forms of violence, especially those rooted in ethnic, political, and religious divisions. We lament the loss of life in regions such as eastern DRC, northern Mozambique, Sudan, and South Sudan. We call upon the global Church to stand with us in prayer and advocacy, as we seek lasting peace, justice, and reconciliation.
8. Stewardship and Self-Sustainability
We affirm our commitment to connectional giving as an expression of our shared mission and responsibility. At the same time, we encourage all annual conferences and episcopal areas to increase local efforts in sustainable ministry, including the development of income- generating projects, to further the work of evangelism, education, health care, and community development.
9. Support for Theological Education
We pledge our continued support for the Central Conferences Theological Education Endowment Fund (CCTEEF). Investing in theological education is crucial for the development of faithful, well-equipped, and visionary leaders who will guide the Church in Africa into the future.
10. Gratitude to the Republic of Angola
We express our profound gratitude to His Excellency João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola and his government for graciously hosting our gathering in Luanda. We appreciate the warm hospitality and the peaceful environment provided for our deliberations.
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.
Approved and signed this 4th day of September 2025 by the Africa College of Bishops,
meeting at the Intercontinental Hotel, Luanda, Angola
1. Bishop Mande Muyombo – President of the Africa College of Bishops
2. Bishop Daniel Wandabula – President of the East Africa College of Bishops
3. Bishop Gaspar João Domingos – President of the Southern Africa College of Bishops
4. Bishop Daniel Lunge – President of the Mid Africa College of Bishops
5. Bishop Samuel Jerome Quire – President of the West Africa College of Bishops
6. Bishop Gift Kudakwashe Machinga – Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana Episcopal Area
7. Bishop Nelson Kalombo Ngoy – Tanganyika Episcopal Area
8. Bishop Mujinga Kashala – South Congo/Zambia Episcopal Area
9. Bishop Antoine Kalema Tambwe – East Congo Episcopal Area
10. Bishop Moisés Bernardo Jungo – East Angola Episcopal Area
11. Bishop James Boye-Caulker – Sierra Leone Episcopal Area
12. Bishop Ande Ikimun Emmanuel – Nigeria Episcopal Area and Mission Districts of Cameroon and Senegal
13. Bishop Emmanuel Sinzohagera – Burundi/Rwanda Episcopal Area
14. Bishop João Filimone Sambo -
Mozambique, South Africa, Eswatini, Madagascar Episcopal Area
15. Bishop Gabriel Unda – Retired – Mid Africa Central Conference
16. Bishop Owan Tshibang Kasap – Retired – Mid Africa Central Conference
17. Bishop Joaquina Nhanala – Retired – Southern Africa Central Conference
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