The Mozambique Southeast Annual Conference convened Dec. 3-4 in Vilanculos, Inhambane Province. The conference theme was “Foste Salvo, portanto vá e testemunhe” (“You were saved; therefore, go and witness”). Mozambique Area Resident Bishop Joaquina Filipe Nhanala officiated.
COVID-19 continues to affect the conference. Many delegates, both lay and clergy, did not attend the in-person gathering; however, they were encouraged to participate virtually. A serious network problem exists in some settings, even in Mozambique’s capital city of Maputo. In semiurban and rural areas, the situation is worse.
The conference passed several resolutions, ordained deacons and elders, honored a church member who has been vital in ministry for many years and approved a 20% salary increase for all paid church employees.
Church members were advised to comply with biosafety measures against COVID-19 at all times because the disease is not yet eradicated in the world. Although coronavirus is still present, some restrictions have been eased. Next year’s conference session will be held over two days.
No churches disaffiliated or left the conference.
General Conference delegates are the Rev. Hortencia Americo Langa Bacela (clergy) and Jose Gume (lay). Fourteen deacons and three elders were ordained. Their average age is 35. One clergy retired.
Statistical report:
- Membership: 54,958
- Worship attendance: 210
- Church school attendance: 30
- Professions or reaffirmations of faith: 18,901
—Joao Sambo, Lusophone correspondent in Africa for United Methodist News.