African Methodist Bishops End Liberia Meeting

MONROVIA, Liberia, September 8, 2026 — The 2026 Africa College of Bishops Meeting of The United Methodist Church has concluded in Liberia, with bishops renewing their commitment to strengthening the Church’s mission across Africa and supporting development initiatives in Liberia.

The gathering, hosted for the first time by the Liberia Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church, brought together active and retired bishops and other church leaders from across Africa.

Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., President of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church, also attended, along with representatives of the General Board of Global Ministries and ecumenical partners.

Held under the theme, “Deepening Ecumenical Engagement, Expanding Continental Influence and Strengthening Institutional Sustainability,” the meeting focused on the future of the Church and its role in addressing social and development challenges across Africa.

Discussions centered on strengthening episcopal leadership, expanding the Church’s mission, building sustainable institutions, deepening ecumenical relationships and empowering young people and women.

The bishops also discussed the Church’s contribution to education, healthcare, agriculture, peacebuilding and community development.

Participants reaffirmed the importance of unity and collaboration among Episcopal Areas as the denomination responds to changing social, economic and spiritual conditions across the continent.

Bishops Pledge Support to Liberia

As part of their activities, the bishops met President Joseph Nyuma Boakai at the Executive Mansion, where they pledged continued partnership with Liberia in education, healthcare, agriculture, food security and the rule of law.

Speaking during the meeting, Bishop Saenz said The United Methodist Church was prepared to work with the government in areas aimed at improving the lives of Liberians.

“If this government invests in agriculture, we will invest with you. If you invest in health, we will invest with you. If you invest in the rule of law and education, we will invest with you,” Saenz said.

He described the Church’s relationship with Liberia as a partnership centered on service, saying cooperation between government and faith-based institutions could help address some of the country’s development challenges.

Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., President of the West Africa Regional Conference and Resident Bishop of the Liberia Episcopal Area, also reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to Liberia.

Quire said The United Methodist Church in Liberia would continue to respect the laws of the country and support government efforts to deliver essential services.

He pointed to the denomination’s longstanding involvement in health, education, agriculture and humanitarian services as areas in which it would continue contributing to Liberia’s development.

Sirleaf Urges Church to Promote Peace

Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, speaking at a dinner in honor of the bishops, highlighted The United Methodist Church’s historical contribution to Liberia, particularly in education, healthcare, agriculture and community development.

“The United Methodist Church has a long and distinguished history in Liberia,” Sirleaf said. “For generations, the Church has contributed to education, healthcare, agriculture, community development, and the spiritual formation of our people.”

She said Methodist schools, health facilities and congregations have played significant roles in communities across Liberia, including during periods of national crisis.

Sirleaf also called for stronger collaboration among governments, religious institutions and civil society in tackling Africa’s development challenges.

“Governments cannot do it alone. Churches cannot do it alone. Civil society cannot do it alone. We must work together,” she said.

The former Liberian leader challenged African church leaders to use their influence to promote peace, reconciliation, human dignity and opportunities for young people.

“Liberia knows the value of peace,” Sirleaf said. “We have experienced conflict, but we have also demonstrated that reconciliation is possible.”

She added that lasting peace requires more than the absence of armed conflict.

“Peace is not simply the absence of war; peace must be built through justice, inclusion, dialogue, and opportunity,” Sirleaf said.

She urged the bishops to continue using the Church’s influence to build bridges across communities and countries.

Liberia Conference Hails Gathering

Bishop Quire described Liberia’s hosting of the meeting as significant for both the country and The United Methodist Church, saying it demonstrated Liberia’s continuing contribution to the denomination’s mission in Africa.

The Liberia Annual Conference thanked the bishops, delegates, ecumenical leaders, government officials, clergy, laity and other partners for supporting the gathering.

It also expressed appreciation to the Liberian government and people for hosting the visiting church leaders.

As the bishops return to their respective Episcopal Areas, the conference urged United Methodists across Africa to translate the discussions into stronger partnerships and expanded service.

The meeting concluded with the bishops renewing their commitment to strengthening the Church’s institutions, expanding its mission and increasing its contribution to communities across Africa.