Rev. João Sambo was elected as a United Methodist bishop by the Africa Central Conference on March 15. He emphasizes empowering leadership in Mozambique and unity across Africa. After his consecration on March 16, he will oversee the Mozambique Episcopal Area amidst the splintering of the Africa Central Conference into East and Southern Africa. Sambo has a long history of service in various church roles and holds degrees in divinity and leadership.
The Rev. João Sambo, a prominent elder from Mozambique, was elected a United Methodist bishop on the 14th ballot during the Africa Central Conference in Johannesburg on March 15. He is recognized as the fourth bishop and the third graduate from Africa University to attain this position. His election follows a significant restructuring within the church, which will establish new East Africa and Southern Africa central conferences.
Upon his election, Sambo expressed humility and a sense of immense responsibility, stating, “I expected the election, but I was not sure. I am overwhelmed. I know the responsibility is huge.” His vision is centered around empowering leadership in Mozambique and promoting unity throughout Africa, while aiming to contextualize evangelism in local cultures and traditions.
Following his consecration on March 16, Bishop Sambo will oversee the Mozambique Episcopal Area, succeeding Bishop Joaquina F. Nhanala, known as the first female bishop in Africa. This episcopal area includes conferences in Mozambique and a burgeoning presence in Madagascar. In the Africa Central Conference, bishops serve a four-year term, with the potential for life-long service upon reelection.
The Africa Central Conference has now separated into the new East Africa and Southern Africa Central Conferences, each comprising various annual conferences and ministries. The East Africa Central Conference will encompass regions in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and Burundi. Conversely, the Southern Africa Central Conference will cover Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, where Sambo’s administration will be situated.
Sambo’s extensive experience includes roles as administrative assistant and episcopal secretary. Additionally, he has contributed as a correspondent for United Methodist News, facilitating communication between Portuguese-speaking United Methodists in Africa and the global church.
His journey into ministry commenced in 1985, following his conversion and baptism. Sambo holds a Bachelor of Divinity from Africa University and a Master of Divinity from Emory University. He is married to Délia Ester Matsinhe Sambo and they have four children. The United Methodist Church operates within eight central conferences globally, with the Southern and East African regions being the most recent.
Bishops within The United Methodist Church bear the responsibility of leading spiritual and temporal affairs, appointing clergy, and managing any complaints against them. They also play integral roles in governing various denomination-wide ministries.
The election of Rev. João Sambo as bishop marks a significant milestone for the United Methodist Church in Mozambique and reflects the broader administrative changes within the Africa Central Conference. His focus on empowering local leadership and promoting unity in evangelism indicates a hopeful vision for the future of the church in the region. As the newly appointed bishop, Sambo will be instrumental in fostering a culturally relevant and unified approach to ministry across East and Southern Africa.
Original Source: www.umnews.org
