Back Navigation Menu

Remembering & Celebrating Bishop John K. Yambasu

Bishop Yambasu preaching

As in baptism John K. Yambasu put on Christ,
so in Christ may John K. Yambasu be clothed with glory.

On August 16, 2020, Bishop John K. Yambasu of the Sierra Leone Area of The United Methodist Church, was killed in a motor vehicle accident.

Bishop Yambasu’s tireless dedication to Jesus Christ and the Church inspired many. As a global leader of The United Methodist Church and a national leader in Sierra Leone, he provided vision in times of crisis, brought people together through dialogue, and responded to the needs of the most vulnerable.

"Our hearts are broken, and we're devastated by the sudden departure of Bishop Yambasu. This is a great blow to the people called United Methodists! It is our hope and prayer that God will comfort the family in particular and The United Methodist family at large. May his soul rest in perfect peace."

United Methodist Bishop Samuel Quire
Liberia Episcopal Area, The United Methodist Church

Schedule of Events

A special prayer vigil will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2020, in memory of Bishop John Yambasu. File photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.
none

Who We Are

Prayer Vigil for Bishop Yambasu

A prayer vigil in memory of Bishop John K. Yambasu will be live-streamed from King Memorial UMC on Saturday, September 5, 7pm GMT.

More
A Service of Remembrance & Rites of Passage for Bishop John Yambasu will be held September 6, 2020. File photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS.
none

Who We Are

Service of Remembrance & Rites of Passage for Bishop John K. Yambasu

Service of Remembrance & Rites of Passage for Bishop John K. Yambasu can be viewed as it was livestreamed from King Memorial United Methodist Church on Sunday, September 6, 2020, 10am GMT.

More
Bishop John K. Yambasu and clergy from the Sierra Leone Council of Churches lead a procession of worshippers to an area at the bottom of Mount Sugar Loaf where hundreds of bodies that were not recovered are still buried under the rubble of a devastating landslide. A service of remembrance and thanksgiving for the victims and survivors was held at the bottom of Mount Sugar Loaf, Aug. 27, 2017. File photo by Phileas Jusu, UM News.
none

Who We Are

Tributes to Bishop Yambasu

Upon Bishop John Yambasu's death, many in The United Methodist Church paused to offer their thoughts and condolences.

More
Bishop John Yambasu's official portrait courtesy of the Council of Bishops.
none

Who We Are

Bishop Yambasu biography

Read a brief biography of the life and work of Bishop John K. Yambasu.

More

Tributes To Bishop Yambasu

  • Council of Bishops President Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, shared these words at the funeral for her colleague and friend Bishop John K. Yambasu. Screenshot by United Methodist Communications.

    Who We Are

    A Eulogy for Bishop John Yambasu by Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey
    More

  • Bishop John K. Yambasu gives the sermon during morning worship May 19 at the 2016 United Methodist General Conference in Portland, Ore. Yambasu, the Sierra Leone Area bishop, died Aug. 16, 2020, in a road accident. File photo by Paul Jeffrey, UM News.

    Bishops announce Bishop Yambasu's death
    More

  • Bishop John K. Yambasu prays during the African central conferences worship service on Sunday, May 15 at the Oregon Convention Center. Photo by Kathleen Barry, UMNS.

    Sierra Leone Conference Remembers Bishop Yambasu
    More

  • Photo courtesy of the Council of Bishops

    Bishops

    Bishop John Yambasu of Sierra Leone dies at 63
    More

Bishop Yambasu's Legacy

Back to top