Gathering theme: “Christians of Mozambique South, I know the plans I have for you!” Jeremiah 29:11
Officiating bishop: Bishop João Filimone Sambo
Guest speakers:
- Rev. Eduardo Filipe Âmgelo, chaplain
- Margarida Sebastião Mapandzene Chongo, governor of Gaza Province
Highlights of the episcopal message:
- Overcoming challenges in class meetings and at local church, pastoral charge, district and annual conference levels;
- Enhancing new leadership for mission and action;
- Training more quality disciples of Jesus Christ, empowered to courageously lead communities and the people of God;
- Practicing John Wesley’s principles: do no harm, practice good stewardship and praise the Lord;
- Being gracious, strengthening each other with humanism, elegance and dignity, with constructive ideas to edify the church of God.
Main actions enacted by the conference:
- New internal church-to-church partnerships were established for prayers and financial support to enhance church growth.
- Children of deceased clergy should be first priority to be granted scholarships.
- Placement of plaques in church properties (chapels, wells and other projects), as strategy for evangelization.
- Conducting mass evangelism campaigns and personal evangelism aimed at gaining 30 souls per year in each district.
- Elevation of the Malenza community in the Maputo West District to Extension of Evangelization.
- Elevation of the community of Boquisso in the Maputo West District to Bishop João Somane Machado de Boquisso Pastoral Charge;
- Elevation of the Evangelization Extension of Marracuene in the Maputo North District to Marracuene Pastoral Charge;
- Division of the Maputo West District into two: Maputo West and Maputo Southwest;
- Harmonization of the age of young adults to 26 to 35;
- Approval of the 2025-2028 strategic plan;
- That the studies taught in the discipleship training held in Beira be replicated;
- Establishment of new communities, especially in areas of expansion (at least one community per district);
- The Publications Committee prioritize the analysis and decision on the publication of books by Mozambican clergy, already financed;
- Creation of a United Methodist publishing house in Mozambique (through end of quadriennium);
- Encouragement and facilitation for the publication of Christian booklets by lay and clergy people;
- Encourage or train pastors and lay people in the production of lectionaries and educational books;
- All probationers and deacons appointed to special services must be supervised by an elder (who has at least five years of experience) in a pastoral service close to their residence.
New initiatives planned:
- Continuing projects to sustain churches and communities;
- New church-starts from local churches;
- Build decent chapels and parsonages in growth areas;
- Care for vulnerable and orphan children and elderly people.
Did the conference take any action related to the recent General Conference?
- Yes. Voting session for the constitutional amendments approved by the 2024 General Conference, including regionalization.
What budget did the conference pass and how did it change from last year?
- Budget approval for the year 2026, in the amount of 9,466,871.01 Mt.
Other resolutions adopted by the conference:
- Pastor’s salary readjustments depending on level of education and isolation;
- Continuous education to clergy and laity;
- The next venue for the conference session will be in Maputo.
Three clergy ordained; average age 35:
- Caetano Salazar
- Carolina Caetano
- Afonso Luisa Rungo
One clergy member retired:
- Viriato Nhalungo
Membership stands at 19,836 people.
Worshippers engaged in mission for 2024: 16,520
- Compiled by Ezequiel Marcos Nhantumbo, UM News/UMCom Africa Lusophone correspondent based in Maputo.