Published: February 4, 2026
FISH TOWN, River Gee County — The Conference United Methodist Women (UMW) Organization of the Liberia Annual Conference has concluded its 79th annual assembly and anniversary celebration, capping five days of worship, reflection and leadership transition in southeastern Liberia.
The gathering, held Jan. 28–Feb. 1 at the First United Methodist Church in Fish Town, was hosted in collaboration with the Gee River District United Methodist Women Organization. Church leaders said the decision to take the assembly to River Gee County underscored a renewed commitment to inclusion, regional participation and women’s empowerment across the Liberia Annual Conference.
Acting Conference UMW President Mother Josephine D. Snorton said the southeastern location was chosen deliberately to strengthen unity and visibility among women in districts that are often underrepresented.
“Bringing the assembly to southeastern Liberia is part of our effort to promote inclusion, expand economic empowerment and continue making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,” Snorton said.
The assembly was held under the theme “Turn It Up: Our Faith at Work,” drawn from James 2:14–18, emphasizing practical expressions of Christian faith through service and advocacy. Organizers said the theme reflects the Conference UMW’s broader push to reinvigorate women’s ministry ahead of the Liberia Annual Conference session traditionally held each February.
Hundreds of delegates from 20 districts and two circuits attended, alongside senior leaders of the church. Among those present were Conference Lay Leader Cllr. Dr. Tolbert Nyenswah; Associate Lay Leader Mother Theresa M. Davies; Mother of the Church Richlian N. Quire; several district superintendents; and Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., resident bishop of the Liberia Episcopal Area.
A key outcome of the assembly was the election of a new leadership team to guide the Conference United Methodist Women Organization through the next quadrennial.
Those elected were Mother Josephine D. Snorton, president; Paulina Doe Hilton, vice president; Sayblee J. Crayton, secretary; Catherine D. Nyenawo, financial secretary; Ida Reeves, communications officer; Weata N. Sangala, treasurer; and Mother Zoe A. Dormah, leadership chairperson.
The newly elected officials were immediately sworn into office by Cllr. Dr. Nyenswah, who urged them to lead with integrity and fidelity to church doctrine.
“Use both the Holy Bible and the Book of Discipline as your guide,” Nyenswah said. “Defend the Cross and Flame, protect the code of conduct of the Conference United Methodist Women Organization, and let your resilience and service change the old narratives.”
District presidents presented annual reports highlighting progress made during the year, along with persistent challenges, including uneven participation from some local churches.
In a collective statement, the women expressed appreciation to the interim leadership and partner organizations for sustained support toward empowerment programs and skills training.
“We are grateful for the immense contributions of our interim leaders and partners whose support continues to transform women through empowerment initiatives,” the leaders said.
In her report to the assembly, Snorton said the organization recorded measurable gains in advocacy, outreach and women’s economic empowerment nationwide. She cited regional meetings hosted by the Gee River, Gbarnga, Tappita, Gompa and St. Paul River districts as evidence of continued commitment, despite limited engagement in some areas.
Snorton also highlighted proposal-funded empowerment initiatives that enabled skills training in Bong, Nimba, Grand Bassa and Montserrado counties. Women from districts including Kokoya, Gbarnga, Weala, Ganta, Gompa, St. John, Rivercess and Kakata Farmington River were trained in soap making, tie-and-dye and baking.
She reported that the Conference UMW strengthened partnerships with national, regional and international women’s bodies, cleared outstanding dues, and remained active in evangelism, prayer services and pastoral visitations, reinforcing unity across the conference.
Delivering the keynote sermon, Bishop Quire challenged the women to translate faith into tangible action, warning that belief without service is hollow.
“Faith that does not act is meaningless,” Quire said. “The United Methodist Women have shown that faith becomes powerful when it is expressed through helping others.”
He pointed to the Rescue Daughters Rehabilitation Center in Upper Caldwell, which supports the recovery of drug users, as a concrete example of faith in action. The bishop urged the women to deepen their commitment to the poor, live lives of holiness, advocate for peace and treat everyday spaces as mission fields.
“Let your kitchen become a mission field,” Quire said. “When people are hungry, do not refuse to share. Put your faith into action.”
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