The United Methodist Church is welcomed four new bishops in March, during the Africa Central Conference session in Johannesburg, South Africa. Three of the Bishops are Africa University Alumnus.
Your support of the Africa University Fund apportionment supports the general operating expenses of Africa University including faculty and staff salaries and vital infrastructure.
Bishop Thomas Bickerton and Bishop LaTrelle Easterling were the presiding officers on behalf of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church.
They are:
Bishop Sinzohagera, 50, the former dean of the Cabinet and speaker of the Senate in Burundi, was elected on the first ballot in the session. He noted that his vision for Burundi is to remain in The United Methodist Church and to offer hope for love and service and continued ministry in Burundi. Bishop Sinzohagera was assigned to the Burundi-Rwanda Episcopal Area.
He has previously served as local church pastor, district superintendent, deputy legal representative and conference secretary. He is the founder of the Burundi United Methodist Development Agency.
Bishop Jungo, 59, was elected on the ninth ballot and noted that his goal was to promote unity in the church, developing institutions of higher learning and sustainability. He called for ratification of regionalization amendments passed by the General Conference last year. Bishop Jungo was assigned to the East Angola Episcopal Area.
Bishop Jungo has previously served as president of the West Angola Conference board of ordained ministry, chair of the conference research committee and president of holdings and investments for the conference.
Bishop Machinga, 61, was elected on the 12th ballot he called on both clergy and laity in Zimbabwe to journey with him as “we take The United Methodist Church to another level.” Bishop Machinga was assigned to the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area.
Bishop Machinga has previously served as local church pastor, district superintendent, conference secretary, chair of the board of ordained ministry, and chair of the board of discipleship. He is a board member of Africa Upper Room Ministries and the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters.
Bishop Sambo, 53, was elected on the 14th ballot. He called for the church in Africa to be united and to continue to contextualize evangelism in the African culture and tradition. Bishop Sambo was assigned to the Mozambique Episcopal Area. He has served as assistant and episcopal secretary to Bishop Joaquina F. Nhanala in the Mozambique episcopal area. He has also served as Africa Lusophone correspondent for United Methodist News.
The gathering also marked the last session of the Africa Central Conference, which has been divided into the East Africa Central Conference and the Southern Africa Central Conference.
Bishop Daniel Wandabula was named as the president of the College of Bishops for East Africa Central Conference while Bishop Gaspar Domingos was named the president of the College of Bishops for the Southern Africa Central Conference.
excerpt from a story by Rev. Dr. Maidstone Mulenga, Director of Communications - Council of Bishops
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Africa University Fund transforms Africa by educating and empowering students from across the continent through Africa University, the first fully accredited, United Methodist-related educational institution on the continent. The Africa University Fund supports the general operating expenses of Africa University including faculty and staff salaries and vital infrastructure. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Africa University Fund at 100 percent.
