Published: July 13, 2026
GBARNGA, Bong County — The Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church has elected its clergy and lay delegates to represent the conference at the upcoming West Africa Regional Conference and the 2028 General Conference, concluding a three-day Special Session focused exclusively on selecting delegates for the two major church gatherings.
The Special Session, held from July 10–12 at St. John United Methodist Church in Gbarnga City, brought together United Methodists from the Liberia Episcopal Area’s 20 districts and two circuits under the theme, “Elections for God’s Glorification,” with scripture drawn from Acts 6:1–7.
The gathering followed an announcement made in June by Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. and his Cabinet that a Special Session would be convened in conjunction with the Gbarnga District Conference solely for the election of delegates.
According to Bishop Quire, the elected delegates will represent the Liberia Annual Conference at the Special Session of the West Africa Regional Conference, expected to be held in Liberia later this year, and at the 2028 General Conference in the United States.
“This gathering is in fulfillment of an agenda item from our 193rd Annual Session. Let it be made clear that, in The United Methodist Church, the authority to call a Special Session rests with the Bishop, in consultation with the Cabinet,” Bishop Quire said.
Following the elections, Rev. Dr. David M. Tokpah, Rev. Dr. George K. Wheagba, Rev. Peter F. Kaykpah, Rev. P. Ka Gartor, Rev. Moses K. Yebleh, Rev. Decontee A. Johnson and Rev. George K. Mombo were elected as the primary clergy delegates.
The conference also elected Rev. James Fongbah, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Bropleh, Rev. Konton Brownell, Rev. Caleb Dormah, Rev. Cecilia Maploh, Rev. J. Joel Gould and Rev. P. Harvey Willie as clergy reserve delegates.
On the lay side, Cllr. Dr. Tolbert G. Nyenswah, Mot. Josephine Snorton, Fth. S. Swen Kun Jr., Cllr. Samuel T. Zonoe, Bro. Emmanuel Menyonbeh, Bro. Jonathan Siakeh and Bro. Jefferson Knight were elected as the primary lay delegates.
The reserve lay delegates are Mot. Theresa M. Davies, Mot. Pauline Doe Hilton, Bro. Debester Kpoquinyan Jr., Bro. Adophus Duplay, Bro. Allison Paygar, Dr. Joseph Boldar and Bro. Eric Drow.
During Sunday’s worship service, Bishop Quire reminded delegates and members that leadership within the Church should be rooted in service, integrity and faith rather than popularity or personal ambition.
“Elections are held in the Church of God to help advance the work and Word of God. Elections are about Christian character, not numbers alone,” Bishop Quire emphasized.
He urged those elected to embrace servant leadership and faithfully represent the people who entrusted them with the responsibility.
“Leadership is about service to God’s people. Be a servant leader. Do not seek leadership for personal benefit, but serve the people. When people are elected, God should be glorified,” he said.
The Resident Bishop also encouraged candidates who were not elected to remain committed to the unity and mission of the Church.
“Your time will come. If someone is elected before you, work together for the common good of the Church. After the election, let us join hands. The United Methodist Church must remain united,” Bishop Quire urged.
The election marks a significant milestone in the Liberia Annual Conference’s preparations for participation in the highest decision-making bodies of The United Methodist Church, where delegates will help shape policies and decisions affecting the denomination at both the regional and global levels.
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