As the United Methodist Church Liberia Annual Conference (LAC/UMC) prepares for its 2026 General Conference in January, the leadership of the Connectional United Methodist Women’s Organization (CUMWO) has embarked on a nationwide regional outreach campaign. The initiative aims to reinforce unity, provide reassurance, and deepen the commitment of women church members amid recent internal divisions and evolving church dynamics.
Leading the effort is Interim President Josephine D. Snorton, who has prioritized visiting all districts across Liberia to ensure that United Methodist women remain spiritually grounded and actively involved despite recent institutional challenges.
Speaking after a recent gathering in region 1, MTh. Snorton explained, “This regional meeting is part of a broader strategy to reach every district before the General Conference. We divided this region into three, and we’ve already visited the Southeast Region two and Region 3. Seven churches participated today, and we’re happy with the turnout.”
The outreach reflects CUMWO’s deliberate effort to rally its members during a time marked by declining attendance in some congregations and rising internal discontent. Nonetheless, Snorton expressed optimism about the organization’s ability to overcome setbacks.
“In ministry, people come and go, but we are not discouraged. Our focus is on retaining and empowering our women so they can serve God where He has called them,” she said.
A key feature of the regional meetings has been open and transparent discussions about progress, setbacks, and ongoing challenges faced by various districts.
“We gave updates from the women’s office and listened to reports from each district. At the end, we all reaffirmed our commitment to stay united and work for the growth of our church,” Mth. Snorton added.
When asked about specific steps to address district-level challenges, including delays in acquiring conference kits, she emphasized proactive support and the avoidance of blame.
“We urged districts to secure their materials promptly and carry them to their areas. We also encouraged everyone to avoid finger-pointing, to pray for each other, and to keep our Methodist identity intact.”
Unity emerged as the clear theme of the meetings. “The outcome of this meeting is unity. Unity today, unity tomorrow, unity forever. This is the only church we know. The United Methodist Church is our home,” Snorton affirmed.
Looking ahead, the leadership plans a major gathering in September at the CUMWO central office, where all district presidents and deans will convene to finalize preparations for the 2026 General Conference.
At the Region 1 meeting, Jamesetta Reeves, CUMWO Coordinator for Grand Bassa District, shared her reflections on recent church closures and leadership uncertainties that had sown discouragement among members.
“I was very worried about the state of our churches. Things were not clear, and it affected us deeply,” Reeves admitted. “But the visit from our interim president changed things. She encouraged us and helped restore our hope.”
Reeves highlighted church closures as a significant source of anxiety but sees the outreach as a turning point.
“To those who left or are thinking about returning, I say this: the church still stands. Our doors are open. Come back. Let’s worship and rebuild together,” she urged.
St. John Rive District Superintendent, Decontee A. Johnson praised CUMWO’s efforts to unify the women’s group and underscored the enduring nature of the United Methodist Church despite challenges.
“The church will always be here. The ability of CUMWO to reunite the women again will make the United Methodist Church great again,” she said.
Rev. Johnson called on all members to remain steadfast. “Don’t be moved by what people may say about the United Methodist Church. We are going to remain UMC,” she declared.