Rev. João Sambo Elected Bishop of United Methodist Church in Mozambique
Rev. João Sambo was elected a United Methodist bishop by the Africa Central Conference on March 15, securing 43 votes. He aims to empower leadership in Mozambique and contextualize evangelism within African culture. After being consecrated, he assumes his role in the newly established Southern Africa Central Conference, succeeding Bishop Joaquina F. Nhanala. Sambo has a robust background in church leadership and education, positioning him well for this pivotal role.
The Rev. João Sambo, an esteemed elder from Mozambique, was elected as a United Methodist bishop during the Africa Central Conference held on March 15. This election took place after 14 ballot rounds, where he secured 43 votes from a total of 60 valid votes, surpassing the requirement of 40 votes. Sambo, at 53 years of age, is notable for being the fourth bishop elected and the third graduate from Africa University.
Following his election, Rev. Sambo expressed his commitment to empower leadership in Mozambique, emphasizing the necessity for well-trained individuals in various domains. He highlighted his vision for unity across Africa, intending to contextualize evangelism to respect the region’s diverse cultures and traditions. Sambo’s election comes at a crucial time as the Africa Central Conference is set to undergo a significant restructuring.
On March 16, 2023, Sambo was consecrated and assigned to the Mozambique Episcopal Area, succeeding the retiring Bishop Joaquina F. Nhanala, who was historically the first female bishop in Africa. The Mozambique Episcopal Area encompasses three conferences and extends to the growing United Methodist community in Madagascar. The newly established Southern Africa Central Conference will include multiple regions, reflecting the church’s broader outreach efforts.
Sambo’s contributions to the church prior to his bishopric are extensive; he has held roles such as administrative assistant, episcopal secretary, and correspondent for United Methodist News since 2018. His background includes serving as a pastor and youth chairman, alongside academic appointments at the Cambine Theological Seminary in Mozambique. He is a United Methodist since his baptism in 1985 and possesses an impressive educational background including degrees from Africa University and Emory University.
The United Methodist Church currently has eight central conferences, with the Southern and East Africa conferences being the most recent. These conferences are vital in defining the church’s mission and adaptations to its policies based on regional contexts. Bishops within the United Methodist Church play a crucial role in overseeing spiritual and administrative matters, as well as in appointing clergy and managing church law complaints.
In summary, Rev. João Sambo’s election as a bishop signifies a pivotal development in the United Methodist Church, particularly within Africa. His commitment to promoting leadership, training, and unity in Mozambique and the broader region underscores the church’s mission. As the faith community stands poised for growth and restructuring, Sambo’s leadership will be instrumental as it navigates new challenges and opportunities in the Southern Africa Central Conference.
Original Source: www.umnews.org
