Rev. João Sambo Elected as United Methodist Bishop, Focusing on Empowerment and Unity

Rev. João Sambo has been elected a United Methodist bishop during the Africa Central Conference, marking a historic moment as he is the fourth bishop and third graduate of Africa University. His election occurred on March 15, 2023, and he will be assigned to the Mozambique Episcopal Area, succeeding Bishop Joaquina F. Nhanala. The conference also announced its split into East Africa and Southern Africa central conferences to enhance localized ministry efforts.

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 in Johannesburg. His election occurred on the 14th ballot, where he garnered 43 out of 60 votes, exceeding the 40 votes necessary for election. This marks him as the fourth bishop elected and the third graduate of Africa University since the 1972 formation of the central conference.

Sambo expressed mixed emotions upon his election: “I expected the election, but I was not sure. I am overwhelmed. I know the responsibility is huge.” His vision focuses on empowering local leadership and promoting unity across Africa, emphasizing the need for well-trained individuals to drive contextualization of evangelism.

Upon consecration on March 16, Sambo was assigned to the Mozambique Episcopal Area, succeeding retiring Bishop Joaquina F. Nhanala, the first and only female bishop in Africa. This episcopal area comprises the Mozambique North, Mozambique South, and South Africa Provisional conferences, as well as the expanding United Methodist presence in Madagascar.

The Africa Central Conference also made significant structural changes, splitting into two new entities: the East Africa and Southern Africa central conferences. The East Africa Central Conference will encompass United Methodist groups in several countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, while the Southern Africa Central Conference will cover regions such as Angola and Zimbabwe, to which Sambo’s area belongs.

Before his bishopric, Sambo held numerous roles within the church, including administrative assistant and episcopal secretary since 2022. He was also a correspondent for United Methodist News, contributing to the connection between Portuguese-speaking United Methodists and their global counterparts. Sambo’s church background includes appointments as a pastor and professor, further underscoring his extensive involvement with the community.

A devoted member of the United Methodist Church since his baptism in 1985, Sambo has a strong academic foundation. He graduated from Africa University and Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, equipping him with valuable skills for his leadership role. He resides in Mozambique with his wife, Délia Ester Matsinhe Sambo, and their four children.

In summary, the election of Rev. João Sambo as a United Methodist bishop underscores a significant transition in church leadership within Africa. His commitment to empowering local leadership and fostering unity in the region is poised to influence the church’s mission substantially. Additionally, the establishment of the East Africa and Southern Africa central conferences represents a pivotal restructuring aimed at addressing regional needs more effectively.

Original Source: www.umnews.org