Rev. João Sambo has been elected as a United Methodist bishop during the Africa Central Conference in Johannesburg, where he received 43 votes. He aims to empower leadership in Mozambique and contextualize evangelism. He succeeds Bishop Joaquina F. Nhanala and will oversee the Mozambique Episcopal Area as the church undergoes a restructuring into Southern and East Africa central conferences.
The Rev. João Sambo, an elder from Mozambique, has been elected as a United Methodist bishop on the 14th ballot during the Africa Central Conference. His election took place on March 15 in Johannesburg, where he garnered 43 votes, exceeding the required 40. This significant event marks him as the fourth bishop and the third graduate of Africa University to be elected in this session, which is notable as the conference prepares to split into new East and Southern Africa central conferences.
Sambo expressed his feelings regarding the election, stating, “I expected the election, but I was not sure. I am overwhelmed. I know the responsibility is huge.” His primary vision includes empowering leadership within Mozambique and fostering unity across Africa. He emphasizes the necessity for well-trained individuals and aims to contextualize evangelism to align with African culture and traditions.
Following his election, Sambo was assigned to the Mozambique Episcopal Area, succeeding Bishop Joaquina F. Nhanala, who was the first female bishop in Africa. The Mozambique Episcopal Area encompasses the Mozambique North, Mozambique South, and South Africa Provisional conferences, with a developing presence in Madagascar. Bishops serve a four-year term and may serve for life if re-elected in the Africa Central Conference.
The March 16 proceedings included a restructuring of the Africa Central Conference into East Africa and Southern Africa central conferences, facilitating a more organized approach to regional ministries. The East Africa Central Conference will cover United Methodist congregations in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and Burundi. Conversely, the Southern Africa Central Conference will govern regions including Angola, Botswana, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
Before his election, Sambo had a diverse background in various roles within the church, including service as an episcopal secretary and administrative assistant to Nhanala since 2022. He began working as episcopal secretary in 2016 and has contributed to United Methodist News as a correspondent for the Africa Lusophone region. In his early ministry, he served in myriad capacities including pastor, chaplain, and professor in Mozambique.
Sambo, who became a United Methodist after converting to Christianity in 1985, possesses extensive educational qualifications including 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 comprises eight central conferences, including the newly formed Southern and East Africa. These conferences elect bishops and adapt the church’s policies to meet their local needs. Bishops, as ordained elders, play a critical role in overseeing the church’s spiritual and operational affairs, including clergy appointments and addressing legal complaints.
In summary, Rev. João Sambo’s election as bishop marks a pivotal moment for the United Methodist Church in Mozambique and reflects a broader reorganization of the Africa Central Conference. His vision emphasizes the empowerment of local leadership and the importance of cultural context in evangelism. As the new bishop, Sambo’s responsibilities will include promoting unity within Africa and overseeing crucial church functions in his episcopal area, facilitating the mission of the church amidst its structural transformations.
Original Source: www.umnews.org
