African Methodist Bishops Back Regionalization

MONROVIA, Liberia: The Africa College of Bishops of The United Methodist Church has reaffirmed support for regionalization of the denomination, celebrated plans to elect an additional bishop for West Africa and called for consideration of Africa as host of the Church’s 2032 General Conference.

The bishops made the calls in a statement issued at the close of their 2026 meeting in Monrovia, Liberia, held from August 31 to September 4.

The gathering, hosted in Liberia for the first time, brought together United Methodist bishops from across Africa to discuss the future of the Church, regionalization, episcopal leadership, ecumenical engagement, financial stewardship, and the denomination’s global connection.

“Regionalization is now working on the continent, enabling us to practice mission and ministry within our own contexts,” the bishops said.

They said the Church in Africa is updating its regional Books of Discipline and establishing judicial courts as part of implementing the new regional structure.

According to the bishops, regionalization allows African United Methodists to pursue ministry within their respective contexts while maintaining their connection with the worldwide United Methodist Church.

The College also welcomed what it described as continued growth of the denomination in Africa, pointing to the planned election of a new bishop in December 2026 for the West Africa Regional Conference.

The bishops said the additional episcopal leadership would help address the geographical demands of a region covering Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria, as well as mission districts in Senegal and Cameroon.

The statement also said Guinea-Bissau is in the process of formally rejoining the West Africa Regional Conference and would become part of the Sierra Leone Conference.

Representatives of the Standing Committee on Regional Conference Matters also held discussions with the bishops on the feasibility of increasing the number of bishops serving Africa during the next quadrennium.

On the denomination’s General Conference, the bishops said they received an update on preparations for the 2028 gathering from Rev. Andy Call, Chair of the Commission on the General Conference, and Emily Allen, Secretary of the General Conference.

They welcomed efforts to ensure the full participation of African delegates at the 2028 General Conference but urged the denomination to consider bringing the global gathering to Africa four years later.

“We further encourage the Commission and the wider Church to consider organizing General Conference 2032 on the continent of Africa,” the statement said.

The bishops also reaffirmed their commitment to ecumenical cooperation, particularly in addressing war, violence, peacebuilding, reconciliation and public health challenges across the continent.

They said United Methodist leaders continue to participate in ecumenical organizations throughout Africa.

The opening plenary in Monrovia was attended by Liberia Council of Churches President Rev. Dr. Samuel B. Reeves, who served as keynote speaker; Roman Catholic Archbishop of Monrovia Gabriel Blamo Snosio Jubwe; and Episcopal Church of Liberia Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Dr. James Bombo Sellee.

Council of Bishops President Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. also participated in the gathering, with the African bishops saying his presence strengthened collaboration between the Africa College of Bishops and the wider Council of Bishops.

The bishops further expressed support for the African Union’s Agenda 2063, “The Africa We Want,” and called on political leaders across the continent to advance equality, justice, peace, reconciliation and the wellbeing of their citizens.

They pledged the Church’s continued partnership with governments, civil society organizations, ecumenical institutions and communities in promoting what they described as a peaceful, just, prosperous and sustainable Africa.

On church finances, the bishops reported increased giving and apportionments across episcopal areas and support for the Regional Conferences Theological Education Fund.

They called for continued transparency, accountability and responsible management of resources entrusted to the Church.

The College also thanked President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the Government and people of Liberia for hosting the gathering.

The bishops said they interacted with President Boakai and former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, whom they described as a lifelong United Methodist.

They also expressed appreciation to the Liberia National Police, ecumenical partners, United Methodists, development and institutional partners and other organizations that supported the meeting.

The Special Committee that organized the gathering was headed by Cllr. Amb. Medina A. Wesseh as chairperson, Cllr. Ruth Jappy-Samukai as co-chairperson and Jeremiah S. Swen as secretary.

The bishops concluded the meeting under the theme drawn from Isaiah 54:2, calling on the Church to “enlarge the tent” of its mission across Africa.