The 145th session of The United Methodist Church Sierra Leone Annual Conference gathered from March 4 to March 9, 2025, at Brown Memorial United Methodist Church, Kissy Old Road, Freetown. The gathering brought together clergy, laity and church leaders under the theme “That They May Be One” (John 17:21).
The conference was officiated by Bishop James Boye Caulker (Sierra Leone Episcopal Area), supported by Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel (Nigeria Episcopal Area) and Bishop Samuel J. Quire (Liberia Episcopal Area).
Among the notable guest speakers was the Rev. Shekdankey B.E.B. Johnson of New Harvest Ministries, who congratulated Caulker on his election as resident bishop of the Sierra Leone Episcopal Area. Speaking on the conference theme, he encouraged delegates to embrace unity and steadfastness in faith, assuring them that God will provide for their needs.
Bishop John M. Pessima of the United Brethren in Christ Church also addressed attendees, commending The United Methodist Church for its global impact. He emphasized that the theme highlights the church’s identity and called for reconciliation, urging members to work together in rebuilding the church after the recent elections.
Additionally, the Rev. Judy Chung, executive director for missionary service at the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, expressed gratitude to Bishop Caulker for the invitation and for allowing the commissioning of Global Mission Fellows in Sierra Leone during the 145th session of the conference. She highlighted the importance of mission work and the transformative role of the church worldwide.
Bishop Emmanuel highlighted the remarkable unity in Sierra Leone, stating, “One good thing we have learned here is: Sierra Leone is 100% United Methodist — no noise here. Thanks to Bishop James Boye-Caulker and your team for standing for the unity of the UMC.”
Similarly, Bishop Quire expressed his joy at witnessing the love and togetherness in the conference. “I am overwhelmed with the joy, love and unity I see in The United Methodist Church Sierra Leone Annual Conference after the elections. The United Methodist Church should be one in love and unity,” he declared.
Key actions and decisions:
The conference took several significant actions, including:
- Voting on the proposed constitutional amendments passed by General Conference, including regionalization, intended to ensure alignment with the broader United Methodist Church governance. (UM News is not reporting on ratification votes at annual conferences. To be ratified, the amendments must win at least two-thirds of the aggregate vote at annual conferences. The Council of Bishops expects to tally all votes and certify any amendment ratifications at its fall meeting in early November.)
- Approval of a budget increase from $6,624,957.22 in 2024 to $7,877,946.52 in 2025 to support church growth and mission initiatives.
- Ordination, commissioning and associate membership of 28 clergy members, with an age range of 32-54.
- Recognition of one retiring clergy member.
While the conference did not approve any redistricting, mergers or church closures, it reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening existing churches and missions.
The Sierra Leone Annual Conference reported steady growth and engagement across various aspects of church life:
- Membership increased to 115,921, up from 115,671 the previous year.
- Worship attendance stands at 66,012.
- Church school attendance stands at 12,200.
- Professions or reaffirmations of faith increased to 27,534 from 26,433 in 2023.
- Worshippers engaged in mission rose to 12,200, up from 11,000 the previous year.
As the conference came to a close, Bishop Caulker delivered a powerful message of faith, unity, and renewal. He urged all United Methodists to embrace the spirit of oneness and go forth in mission.
“As we come to the close of the 145th Session of the Sierra Leone Annual Conference, I thank God for bringing us thus far in strength, peace and love. Now is the time to stand together, hand in hand, as one body in Christ. Let us cast aside division and work tirelessly to build a church that reflects the unity and love of Jesus Christ.
“United Methodists, go forth and make disciples, transforming lives and communities through faith, compassion, and unwavering commitment. Thank you for your dedication and support. May God bless you all abundantly and keep you in His infinite grace. Amen!”
The Sierra Leone Annual Conference is actively planning new initiatives to further its mission, though no special annual conference has been scheduled. The leadership remains focused on fostering unity and strengthening the church’s presence in the region.
— Joe Edward Pormai, communications director for the Sierra Leone Conference