Africa College of Bishops Concludes Historic Meeting in Liberia, Renews Commitment to Growth and Mission of the African's Church

MONROVIA, LIBERIA — September 6, 2026: The 2026 Africa College of Bishops Meeting of The United Methodist Church has successfully concluded in Liberia following several days of prayer, fellowship, reflection, dialogue and strategic engagement on the future of the Church and its mission across the African continent.

Hosted for the first time by the Liberia Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church, the gathering brought together active and retired United Methodist Bishops and church leaders from across Africa, along with the President of the Council of Bishops, Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., and other staff persons from the General Board of Global Ministries, GBGM as well as some ecumenical partners.

The historic gathering was held under the theme, “Deepening Ecumenical Engagement, Expanding Continental Influence and Strengthening Institutional Sustainability,” with text drawn from Isaiah 54:2 providing the biblical call: “Enlarge the Space of Your Tent.”

During the meeting, the bishops reflected on the growing role of the African Church within global Christianity and The United Methodist connection. The discussions focused on strengthening episcopal leadership, expanding the church’s mission, developing sustainable institutions, deepening ecumenical relationships, empowering young people and women, and enhancing the Church’s contribution to healthcare, education, agriculture, peacebuilding and community development.

The gathering also provided an opportunity for the bishops to strengthen relationships among Episcopal Areas and prayerfully consider the opportunities and challenges facing The United Methodist Church in Africa. The deliberations reaffirmed the importance of unity, collaboration, contextual ministry and faithful Christian witness as the Church responds to Africa’s rapidly changing social and spiritual landscape.

BISHOPS REAFFIRM SUPPORT FOR LIBERIA’S DEVELOPMENT

During their stay in Liberia, United Methodist bishops from across the African continent and the United States were privileged to meet with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. at the Executive Mansion, where they reaffirmed The United Methodist Church’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s development agenda.

The bishops pledged their continued partnership with the Liberian government, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, agriculture, food security, the rule of law and other critical sectors aimed at improving the lives of the Liberian people.

Speaking during the meeting, Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., President of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church, assured President Boakai of the Church’s willingness to work alongside the government in advancing Liberia’s development.

“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,” Bishop Saenz said.

He emphasized that The United Methodist Church views its relationship with Liberia as a partnership in service to the people, stressing the importance of government and faith-based institutions working together to address the country’s most pressing challenges.

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

Bishop Quire noted that The United Methodist Church in Liberia will continue to uphold the rule of law and respect the laws of the land. He further assured President Boakai that the Church would continue to buttress government efforts to provide essential services to the Liberian people, particularly through its longstanding programs in health, education, agriculture and humanitarian assistance.

The meeting underscored the longstanding partnership between The United Methodist Church and Liberia, highlighting the Church’s role as a development partner and its commitment to contributing to the country’s growth and well-being.

SIRLEAF HIGHLIGHTS UMC’S CONTRIBUTION TO LIBERIA

Speaking at a dinner held in honor of the Africa College of Bishops, former President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf welcome the bishops and recognized the historic contribution of The United Methodist Church to Liberia’s 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 noted that the Church’s schools, health facilities and congregations have played an important role in serving Liberians and providing hope, particularly during some of the country’s most difficult periods. Madam Sirleaf also emphasized the importance of collaboration between governments, churches and civil society in addressing 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 President further 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 stressed that peace must go beyond the absence of conflict, adding: “Peace is not simply the absence of war; peace must be built through justice, inclusion, dialogue, and opportunity.”
Sirleaf encouraged the Africa College of Bishops to continue using the influence of the Church to build bridges across communities and nations.

The engagement also provided an opportunity for the bishops to express their solidarity with the Liberian people and encourage continued collaboration among the government, religious institutions and development partners in building a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable Liberia.

GRATITUDE TO THE PEOPLE OF LIBERIA

The Resident Bishop of the Liberia Episcopal Area, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., described the successful hosting of the gathering as a significant moment for Liberia and The United Methodist Church, noting that it demonstrates Liberia’s continued contribution to the life and mission of the Church in Africa.

The Liberia Annual Conference expresses profound gratitude to the President of the Africa College of Bishops, the President of the Council of Bishops, all bishops and delegates, ecumenical leaders, government officials, partners, clergy, laity and members of the Liberian Church for their participation and support.

The Liberia Annual Conference also extends appreciation to the Government and people of Liberia for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to the visiting bishops and participants. The gathering has strengthened Liberia’s place as a platform for Christian fellowship, dialogue, reconciliation and continental engagement.

As the bishops return to their respective Episcopal Areas, the Liberia Annual Conference calls upon United Methodists across Africa to translate the spirit and lessons of the gathering into renewed action, stronger partnerships and greater service to God’s people.

The 2026 Africa College of Bishops Meeting has ended with a renewed commitment to enlarge the Church’s tent and strengthens its witness, deepens its partnerships and as well expands its service to Africa and the world.