By: Gbayor Charles Gbayor | UM News
Freetown, Sierra Leone: In a momentous occasion that marked the beginning of a new chapter for the United Methodist Church in Sierra Leone, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., the Resident Bishop of the Liberia Episcopal Area and President of the West Africa College of Bishops, officiated the induction of Bishop James Boye-Caulker as the new Resident Bishop of the Sierra Leone Episcopal Area. This historical event took place on Sunday, March 2nd, 2025, at the King Memorial United Methodist Church in Regent Road, Freetown, and was a highlight of the ongoing 145th Annual Session of the Sierra Leone Annual Conference.
The ceremony, filled with joy and celebration, marked the official beginning of Bishop Boye-Caulker’s leadership of the Sierra Leone Episcopal Area following his election in December 2024 during the 10th quadrennial session of the West Africa Central Conference (WACC) in Accra, Ghana. The United Methodist community in Sierra Leone had eagerly anticipated this moment after a long period without a resident bishop following the tragic passing of the late Bishop Dr. John K. Yambasu.
Bishop Quire’s induction service was not only a formal occasion but also a symbolic gesture of unity between the Sierra Leone and Liberia Episcopal Areas, emphasizing the strong bond within the larger West African Methodist community. Speaking during the induction, Bishop Quire highlighted the important role Bishop Boye-Caulker would play in steering the church toward continued growth, renewal, and unity. “This is a historic and joyful occasion,” Bishop Quire remarked. “We are united in the spirit of Christ, and we look forward to working together to build the church and further the mission of the United Methodist Church in Sierra Leone.”
The new Resident Bishop’s installation was warmly received by the United Methodist community, with many clergy and lay members expressing their excitement for the leadership transition. Rev. Sahr Edward K. Fallah, the Acting Superintendent of the Western District and the host district for this year’s conference, echoed the sentiment of joy, saying, “United Methodists across Sierra Leone are filled with a renewed spirit. We are ready to work together under the guidance of our new bishop to build the church and spread Christ’s love throughout our nation.”
The induction service set the tone for the 145th Annual Conference, a 6-day event from March 4th to 9th, 2025, where delegates from Sierra Leone’s districts and international guests from the West Africa Central Conference (WACC) and the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) are gathering for sessions focused on spiritual growth, fellowship, and mission. This year’s conference is centered around the theme “That they all shall be one” (John 17:21), reflecting the church’s commitment to unity and collaboration in the work of making disciples of Jesus Christ.
As Bishop Boye-Caulker takes the helm of the Sierra Leone Episcopal Area, the conference will include daily devotions, fraternal greetings, and thematic nights, with dedicated sessions for youth, women, and men. The event will culminate with a Thanksgiving and Ordination Service on Sunday, March 9th, 2025, marking a successful and inspiring conclusion to a week of reflection, prayer, and unity.
Under Bishop Boye-Caulker’s leadership, the United Methodist Church in Sierra Leone looks forward to continuing its long-standing mission of not only addressing the spiritual needs of the people but also making a lasting impact in the areas of education, healthcare, and community development. The church remains deeply committed to uplifting the Sierra Leonean people through its extensive network of schools, hospitals, clinics, and community development projects.
As the theme of the 145th Annual Conference suggests, the United Methodist Church in Sierra Leone is stronger than ever, bound together in faith and purpose. With a renewed sense of unity and direction under Bishop James Boye-Caulker’s leadership, the church will continue its important mission of service, outreach, and transformation in Sierra Leone and beyond.
The 145th Annual Session of the Sierra Leone Annual Conference was filled with meaningful events, starting with an Executive and Lay Session on March 4th, followed by a procession and formal opening of the Conference Session. The conference will continue throughout the week with daily devotions, fraternal greetings, and thematic nights celebrating various groups in the church, including youth, women, and men. The event will culminate with a Thanksgiving and Ordination Service on Sunday, March 9th, 2025.
In addition to the spiritual focus of the conference, the United Methodist Church in Sierra Leone remains committed to addressing the social, educational, and healthcare needs of the country. The church operates two campuses in Freetown, the Bishop Wenner School of Theology and the Siaka Stevens School of Transformative Education, as well as a network of schools, hospitals, and clinics across the country. Through various community development projects, the church is dedicated to meeting the physical and spiritual needs of the Sierra Leonean people.
As Bishop Boye-Caulker takes the helm of leadership in Sierra Leone, the 145th Annual Conference stands as a reminder of the enduring strength, unity, and mission of the United Methodist Church. With the theme of unity echoing throughout the conference, the church looks forward to a future of continued growth and service under the leadership of Bishop James Boye-Caulker, as it strives to fulfill its calling to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
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