Reeves Urges Stronger African Church Institutions

By Stephen G. Fellajuah

MARGIBI COUNTY, Liberia, September 1, 2026: Liberia Council of Churches President Rev. Dr. Samuel B. Reeves has called on African church leaders to strengthen institutions, promote unity and give greater attention to youth empowerment as the Church expands its role across the continent.

Reeves made the statement Monday, August 31, while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Africa College of Bishops Meeting at the Farmington Hotel in Margibi County.

The meeting, organized by the Liberia Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church, is being held under the theme, “Deepening Ecumenical Engagement, Expanding Continental Influence and Strengthening Institutional Sustainability.”

His keynote address, titled “Enlarge, Engage, and Endure,” urged church leaders to move beyond preserving existing structures and prepare for what he described as a broader future for Christianity in Africa.

The meeting began Sunday, August 30, and marks the first time Liberia has hosted the Africa College of Bishops. It brings together senior church leaders from across the continent to discuss episcopal leadership, theological issues and the future of the Church’s mission in Africa.

Drawing from Isaiah 54, Reeves said the biblical call to “enlarge the tent” offers a lesson for Africa, which he said has experienced conflict, displacement, loss, reconstruction and social transformation.

He said the African Church is growing through expanding congregations, emerging young leaders, women’s participation, scholarship and entrepreneurship.

Reeves said the issue is whether the Church has developed a broad enough vision to respond to that growth.

“Africa is not merely receiving Christianity’s future. Africa is helping to shape it,” Reeves said.

He called for investment in theological education, emerging leaders and women’s participation, and urged stronger cooperation among Christian institutions.

He also urged churches to expand their work in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, peacebuilding, governance and human development.

Reeves cautioned that expansion should not be pursued only for institutional growth, but to support evangelism, youth development and underserved communities.

On ecumenical engagement, Reeves said Christian unity must be reflected in practical action addressing Africa’s social and economic challenges.

He said poverty, violence, migration, climate vulnerability, youth unemployment and human suffering cross denominational lines and require joint responses from churches.

The LCC president called for stronger partnerships in peacebuilding, education, humanitarian assistance, climate resilience, youth development, reconciliation, research and ethical governance.

He proposed that churches move from conversation to collaboration, then coordination and collective action, saying such an approach would strengthen the Church’s credibility and influence.

Reeves said church leaders should measure influence by the transformation they create in communities.

He placed particular emphasis on young people, saying young Africans are already shaping the continent through technology, business, science, education, culture, politics, media and civil society.

He urged the Church to prepare young people for worship as well as professional and civic responsibilities.

Reeves called for leaders who can think critically, govern competently, communicate effectively and innovate responsibly while remaining rooted in Christian values.

He also called for more opportunities for women to lead and greater participation by lay professionals in ministry and mission.

Also speaking, Catholic Archbishop of Monrovia Gabriel Blamo Jubwe described the theme of the bishops meeting as timely as Africa undergoes transition.

Jubwe said the Church has a responsibility to preserve and pass on the faith it inherited while keeping evangelization and salvation relevant to future generations.

Bishop James B. Sellee of the Episcopal Church of Liberia, speaking on behalf of the Liberia Council of Churches, said ecumenism remains one of the major needs of the Church and the wider world.

Sellee said Liberia’s participation in the gathering demonstrates the country’s commitment to promoting ecumenism, expanding continental influence and strengthening institutional sustainability.

Speaking on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh said Liberia was proud to host the Africa College of Bishops.

Tweh said Liberia occupies a special place in the history of The United Methodist Church and praised the Church’s contribution to national development.

He said the Church’s work extends beyond spiritual service to education, healthcare, agriculture and social welfare programs.

The Justice Minister urged the bishops and other church leaders to expand their vision of inclusivity, justice and grace while strengthening the Church’s contribution to Liberia and Africa.

The Africa College of Bishops Meeting is expected to continue discussions on peace, justice, leadership development, education, healthcare, agriculture and sustainable community development across Africa.