Impact Of Regionalization On The UMC Underscored
GANTA —The Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC) has ended a day-long training on Peace and Reconciliation and Regionalization in the northeastern Nimba County.
It brought together several members of the Gompa District Conference of the LAC/UMC from local churches within the district.
“Regionalization allows United Methodists throughout the worldwide denominational connection to best serve their unique communities as they share the love of God, make disciples and transform the world. Nine regional conferences comprise The UMC: One in the U.S. and eight in Africa, Europe and the Philippines. Each region of the church can make decisions that will best support outreach and ministry efforts in their specific context.” Regionalization | UMC.org
The training workshop was held at the Suasan Potter Hall in Ganta, Nimba County, within the facility of the Ganta United Methodist Mission Station and brought together United Methodists from churches in the Gompa District Conference of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Facilitators included Bro. Jefferson B. Knight, Director of Human Rights Department LAC/UMC, Rev. Agripa Hinneh, Vice President for Administration at the College of West Africa, and Bro. Charles Gbayor, Press Secretary to Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
They mounted the podium and presented on topics that educated attendees about Peace and Reconciliation Through Effective Communication, dismantling disinformation and misinformation, the impact of Regionalization on United Methodists in Liberia, and Peace and Reconciliation.
According to Bro. Jefferson B. Knight, lead facilitator, Regionalization has generally birthed a new pathway for African churches within the United Methodist Church. He said it is encouraging that United Methodists in Liberia can worship God according to the Holy Scriptures, the church constitution, while strongly considering their marriage laws, traditions, and customs.
Knight further noted that peace and reconciliation remain central to the mission of the church, especially during moments of transition and important discussions within the denomination.
He encouraged participants to use effective communication as a tool for unity rather than division, stressing that misinformation and disinformation have the tendency to create fear, confusion, and unnecessary conflict among believers.
District Superintendent of the Gompa District Conference, Rev. Patrick Lougan, expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church for organizing such a timely and impactful training for members of the district.
He lauded the participants for their active engagement, commitment, and willingness to promote peace, reconciliation, and unity within the church and their various communities.
Rev. Lougan emphasized that the training came at a crucial moment in the life of the church, especially as members continue to seek deeper understanding about Regionalization and its significance to The United Methodist Church in Liberia and Africa at large.
He encouraged participants to become ambassadors of peace and responsible communication by helping to dismantle misinformation and disinformation that often create confusion and division among church members.
The District Superintendent further urged attendees to return to their local churches and communities with the spirit of reconciliation, mutual respect, and Christian love, reminding them that the mission of the church can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and unity.
Bro. Benedict Domah, Mission Station Superintendent of the Gompa United Methodist Mission Station, thanked the facilitators and leadership of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church for bringing the training to Ganta, Nimba County.
Domah described the workshop as meaningful and educational, noting that the knowledge shared on peacebuilding, reconciliation, and Regionalization would help strengthen unity among members of the church within the district and beyond.
Another participant at the training also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage in discussions surrounding effective communication, misinformation, disinformation, and the future of The United Methodist Church in Liberia.
Many described the sessions as enlightening and timely, while pledging to return to their respective local churches as advocates for peace, reconciliation, and responsible sharing of information within their congregations and communities.