MONROVIA, Liberia: The Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church has held a Thanksgiving Service marking the opening of the 2026 Africa College of Bishops Meeting, bringing together United Methodist bishops from across the continent for a weeklong gathering in Liberia.
The service, held at First United Methodist Church in Monrovia, brought together bishops and their spouses, district superintendents of the Liberia Episcopal Area, clergy, church leaders, government officials and ecumenical partners.
The 2026 Africa College of Bishops Meeting is being hosted in Liberia for the first time, with church leaders highlighting the country’s historic role in the establishment and growth of United Methodism on the African continent.
The meeting is being held under the theme: “Deepening Ecumenical Engagement, Expanding Continental Influence and Strengthening Institutional Sustainability,” with the biblical emphasis, “Enlarge the Space of Your Tent,” drawn from Isaiah 54:2.
The Thanksgiving Service also highlighted the longstanding contributions of The United Methodist Church to Liberia in education, healthcare, agriculture, evangelism and community development.
Bishop L. Jonathan Holston of the Alabama-West Florida Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church in the United States delivered the Thanksgiving message, urging United Methodists and other Christians to remain steadfast in their faith.
Holston encouraged worshippers to continue holding onto God’s “unchanging hands” and doing good to others, describing service to humanity as fundamental to the Christian faith.
He also urged Christians to remain mindful of the teachings of Jesus Christ and demonstrate those teachings through their interactions with others.
Liberia Praised for Historic Role
Meanwhile, Bishop Mande Muyombo, President of the Africa College of Bishops, recognized bishops from across the continent for their commitment to the work of The United Methodist Church and their efforts to transform lives through the Gospel.
Muyombo praised United Methodists in Liberia for the hospitality and warm reception extended to bishops and other delegates attending the meeting.
He described Liberia as a “mother” in the history and development of United Methodism in Africa, saying the country continues to occupy a special place in the denomination’s presence on the continent.
“We United Methodists in Africa believe in the Bible. To the Liberia Annual Conference, I know you have been tested, but never give up, because you are a mother,” Muyombo said.
He said that even when children leave their mother’s home, they can always return to recognize and pay tribute to her, drawing a comparison with Liberia’s historic relationship with United Methodism across Africa.
Muyombo also reaffirmed the importance of the Book of Discipline in guiding the life and governance of The United Methodist Church, including matters relating to marriage within Episcopal Areas.
He urged United Methodists in Liberia to remain united, faithful to Scripture and committed to the mission of the Church despite challenges facing the denomination.
Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., Resident Bishop of the Liberia Episcopal Area and President of the West Africa College of Bishops of the Regional Conference of The United Methodist Church, presided over the Thanksgiving Service.
The service was also attended by Liberia Annual Conference Lay Leader Tolbert G. Nyenswah; United Methodist Men President Samuel Swen Kun Jr.; United Methodist Women President Josephine Snorton; and representatives of the church’s youth and young adult fellowships, among others.
The Thanksgiving Service officially set the stage for the weeklong meeting, during which United Methodist bishops are expected to discuss issues affecting the denomination, strengthen cooperation among Episcopal Areas and consider ways of expanding the Church’s mission and institutional sustainability across Africa.
