The Africa College of Bishops of the United Methodist Church (UMC) has appealed for global solidarity as violence continues to plague regions such as eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, northern Mozambique, Sudan, and South Sudan.
The call came at the conclusion of the bishops’ recent conference in Luanda, Angola, where 17 active and retired bishops, including Bishop Mande Muyombo, President of the Africa College of Bishops, signed a joint statement urging prayers, advocacy, and action for peace, healing, and reconciliation.
During the gathering, the bishops met with Angolan President and African Union Chairperson João Lourenço at the Presidential Palace, commending his mediation efforts to resolve regional conflicts. Discussions also focused on promoting peace and sustainable development across Africa.
The bishops reaffirmed their commitment to a united global UMC, while backing regional autonomy and the contextualisation of ministry practices. They reiterated support for Central Conferences’ authority to adapt the church’s Book of Discipline to local realities, stressing a balance between doctrinal integrity and cultural relevance.
On doctrine, the bishops maintained the church’s traditional stance that marriage is a covenant between one man and one woman, aligning with Scripture, African cultural values, and national legal frameworks.
They also welcomed a Liberian court ruling affirming UMC ownership of church property, calling it a “significant legal win” and pledging to safeguard church assets continent-wide.
As part of expanding mission effectiveness, the bishops endorsed the creation of a new episcopal area in Nigeria, supported redrawing episcopal boundaries, and announced new episcopal areas in Tanganyika and Burundi/Rwanda, alongside the election of nine new bishops.
The conference also underscored the importance of theological education, highlighting the Central Conferences Theological Education Endowment Fund (CCTEEF) as vital for developing African church leaders. Bishops urged annual conferences to invest in income-generating ministries for long-term sustainability.
“The expansion of the Church across Africa is evidence of vitality and divine blessing,” the bishops said. “As Africa rises, so too does our responsibility to be a light to the nations… rooted in the Word of God, led by the Holy Spirit, and united in the love of Christ.”
The event brought together episcopal leaders from all five African Central Conferences, reinforcing a shared commitment to peace, unity, and faithful service across the continent.
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