Published: October 31, 2025
Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. of the United Methodist Church of Liberia speaks at the launch of the Competence Partnership in Development Seminar 2025
MONROVIA — The Resident Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., has described Liberia as “a land rich in history, hope, and hospitality,” while officially launching the Competence Partnership in Development Seminar 2025, a global faith-based forum promoting collaboration, humility, and locally led transformation.
The five-day seminar, underway at the Creed Lodge along the Marshall Highway in Margibi County, has drawn participants from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Norway, and Zimbabwe, representing churches, mission agencies, and development organizations working under the Partnership in Development (PID) network.
This year’s gathering, themed “Daring to Surrender – Exploring the Dilemmas of Locally Led Development,” challenges development partners to reexamine power dynamics, rebuild trust, and promote shared leadership in global mission work.
In his keynote address, Bishop Quire emphasized that sustainable development cannot thrive without humility and respect for local knowledge.
“True partnership is not about control; it is about respect, humility, and the courage to let others lead,” he said. “Development work that ignores local wisdom is development that cannot last. Real transformation happens when local people, guided by faith and community, are trusted to lead their own change.”
The Bishop said the Competence Seminar has, for over a decade, served as a platform for mutual learning and faith-driven collaboration among development actors across continents. “Competence stands as a beacon of partnership and shared vision, where nations, churches, and communities unite to uplift the poor and empower the marginalized,” he said.
He described the gathering as an opportunity to pause, reflect, and renew a commitment to mutual respect, accountability, and shared leadership, values he said are essential in balancing global solidarity with local empowerment.
Bishop Quire urged international participants to draw lessons from Liberia’s resilience, noting that the country’s history of endurance and renewal mirrors the faith required for transformative development.
“Liberia’s story is not just one of struggle but of strength, a testimony to what faith and perseverance can achieve,” he said. “As you engage in dialogue, may this land inspire you to see beyond challenges and focus on possibilities.”
He welcomed delegates on behalf of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC) and the Liberia United Methodist Development Services (LUMDS), expressing appreciation to the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) and other partners within the PID family for their ongoing support of locally led initiatives that combat poverty and promote social justice.
The Resident Bishop emphasized the critical role of faith-based institutions in shaping ethical, inclusive, and sustainable development models.
“This seminar is not just another meeting,” he said. “It is a sacred space for transformation, of minds, systems, and hearts. When we come together in humility, guided by the love of Christ, we find new energy to heal communities and transform nations.”
Throughout the week, participants will explore themes such as faith and social transformation, the ethics of partnership, capacity strengthening, climate justice, and sustainable community engagement, drawing on practical experiences from multiple countries.
Founded more than a decade ago, the Competence Partnership in Development initiative promotes knowledge sharing, leadership development, and cross-continental collaboration among churches and mission organizations. Over time, it has become a key forum for discussing the intersection of faith, development, and local empowerment.
As the seminar progresses, delegates are expected to suggest practical strategies for enhancing collaboration between churches and development agencies, emphasizing solutions that are driven by local context and owned by the community.
Reaffirming the United Methodist Church’s mission of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,” Bishop Quire called on participants to carry the spirit of service and unity beyond the seminar walls.
“As we declare the Competence Seminar 2025 officially launched, may we do so in the spirit of collaboration and service to humanity,” he declared.
The Competence Seminar 2025 is jointly organized by the United Methodist Church of Liberia and the Liberia United Methodist Development Services (LUMDS), in collaboration with the Partnership in Development (PID) network. The event runs throughout the week with keynote speeches, workshops, and cultural celebrations that highlight faith, diversity, and a shared global mission.
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