The Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church has elected a new slate of clergy and lay delegates who will represent the church at the upcoming West Africa Regional Conference and the 2028 General Conference, following a three-day Special Session held in Gbarnga City.
The Special Session, convened from July 10–12, 2026, at St. John United Methodist Church, brought together United Methodists from the Liberia Episcopal Area’s 20 districts and two circuits under the theme, “Elections for God’s Glorification,” with scripture drawn from Acts 6:1–7.
The session was convened following an announcement made in June by Samuel J. Quire Jr. and the church’s Cabinet that a Special Session would be held solely to elect delegates. The gathering coincided with the Gbarnga District Conference.
Speaking during the opening of the session, Bishop Quire said the elections fulfilled a mandate adopted during the Liberia Annual Conference’s 193rd Annual Session and reaffirmed that only the bishop, in consultation with the Cabinet, has the authority to convene a Special Session of the Church.
“This gathering is in fulfillment of an agenda item from our 193rd Annual Session. Let it be made clear that, in The United Methodist Church, the authority to call a Special Session rests with the bishop, in consultation with the Cabinet,” Bishop Quire said.
According to the Bishop, the elected delegates will represent the Liberia Annual Conference at the Special Session of the West Africa Regional Conference, expected to be hosted in Liberia later this year, as well as the 2028 General Conference in the United States.
Elected Delegates
Clergy Delegates (Primary) include Rev. Dr. David M. Tokpah, Rev. Dr. George K. Wheagba, Rev. Peter F. Kaykpah, and Rev. P. Ka Gartor. Others are Rev. Moses K. Yebleh, Rev. Decontee A. Johnson and Rev. George K. Mombo.
Clergy Reserve Delegates include Rev. James Fongbah, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Bropleh, Rev. Konton Brownell, and Rev. Caleb Dormah. Others are Rev. Cecilia Maploh, Rev. J. Joel Gould, and Rev. P. Harvey Willie.
Lay Delegates (Primary) include Cllr. Dr. Tolbert G. Nyenswah, Mot. Josephine Snorton, Fth. S. Swen Kun, Jr. and Cllr. Samuel T. Zonoe. Others are Bro. Emmanuel Menyonbeh, Bro. Jonathan Siakeh and Bro. Jefferson Knight.
Lay Reserve Delegates include Mot. Theresa M. Davies, Mot. Pauline Doe Hilton, Bro. Debester Kpoquinyan, Jr. and Bro. Adophus Duplay. The rest are Bro. Allison Paygar, Dr. Joseph Boldar and Bro. Eric Drow.
During the closing worship service on Sunday, Bishop Quire reminded delegates and members that leadership in the Church should be rooted in faithfulness, humility and service rather than popularity or numerical support.
“Elections are held in the Church of God to help advance the work and Word of God. Elections are about Christian character, not numbers alone,” he emphasized.
The bishop challenged those elected to embrace servant leadership and remain accountable to the congregations they have been chosen to represent.
“Leadership is about service to God’s people. Be a servant leader. Do not seek leadership for personal benefit but serve the people. When people are elected, God should be glorified,” he said.
He also appealed to candidates who were unsuccessful in the elections to remain committed to the unity and mission of the Church.
“Your time will come. If someone is elected before you, work together for the common good of the Church. After the election, let us join hands. The United Methodist Church must remain united.”
The election concludes a key phase of the Liberia Annual Conference’s preparations for participation in the denomination’s regional and global decision-making bodies, where delegates will help shape policies and the future direction of The United Methodist Church.
