Amid increasing concerns over ongoing violence in parts of Africa, the Africa College of Bishops of the United Methodist Church (UMC) has called on the global church to unite in prayer and advocacy for peace, healing, and reconciliation across conflict-stricken regions such as eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, northern Mozambique, Sudan, and South Sudan.
The appeal was part of a broad statement issued at the conclusion of the bishops’ recent conference held in Luanda, Angola, and signed by 17 active and retired bishops, including Bishop Mande Muyombo, President of the Africa College of Bishops.
During the gathering, the bishops who met with the President of Angola and African Union Chairperson, João Lourenço, at the Presidential Palace in Luanda, praised his leadership, especially his efforts to mediate and resolve regional conflicts. They also mentioned that discussions focused on shared goals of promoting peace and sustainable development across the continent.
The bishops, in copies of the statement made to newsmen in Taraba state, reaffirmed their commitment to a united global United Methodist Church while supporting regional autonomy and the contextualisation of ministry practices. “This approach strengthens unity by honouring diversity within the global UMC,” the bishops said, affirming the principle of regionalisation.
They also voiced continued support for the authority of Central Conferences to adapt the denomination’s Book of Discipline to local realities, stressing the importance of maintaining a balance between doctrinal integrity and cultural relevance.
Reiterating the church’s traditional view on marriage, the bishops emphasised that marriage is a covenant between one man and one woman. They stated that this position is consistent with Scripture, African cultural values, and national legal frameworks.
In a notable legal victory, the bishops celebrated a recent Liberian court ruling affirming UMC ownership of church property, calling it a “significant legal win” and pledging to protect church assets across the continent.
As part of efforts to strengthen mission effectiveness and leadership, the clerics who endorsed the creation of a new episcopal area in Nigeria and supported the redrawing of episcopal boundaries throughout Africa, also announced the formation of new episcopal areas in Tanganyika and Burundi/Rwanda and celebrated the election of nine new bishops.
The bishops underlined the importance of theological education and voiced strong support for the Central Conferences Theological Education Endowment Fund (CCTEEF), which they described as vital for developing future African church leaders. They urged episcopal areas and annual conferences to invest in income-generating ministries to ensure long-term sustainability.
“The expansion of the Church across Africa is evidence of vitality and divine blessing,” the bishops said, reflecting on the continent’s growing role in the global church. “As Africa rises, so too does our responsibility to be a light to the nations. We continue to walk forward in humility and boldness, rooted in the Word of God, led by the Holy Spirit, and united in the love of Christ.”
The conference, as gathered by The Guardian, brought together episcopal leaders from all five African Central Conferences, underscoring a shared commitment to peace, unity, and faithful service across the continent.
