New Liberian bishops calls for supplementing pastor salaries

Liberia’s new United Methodist bishop said the church will explore ways to supplement pastor’s salaries and will work on identifying and assessing all its properties.

Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., who was elected bishop during the West Africa Central Conference meeting, said during his induction service on Dec. 31, 2016, that he wants to ensure that the church’s resources — natural, human, spiritual and financial — benefit all members.

“We will explore means of augmenting pastor salaries, especially our rural pastors that have little or no support from their congregation,” Quire said. He said church leaders also will strengthen the local churches by providing spiritual as well as psychological and moral support for pastors and their families.

“We must continue to develop and improve the resources, so that when we have to give an account to God, we will show how we have multiplied what we have,” he said.

Quire said he is especially interested in locating properties pledged by individuals when the Liberia United Methodist Empowerment Foundation was launched in 2001 by Bishop John Innis, who retired in 2016. The foundation was launched with the goal of raising needed funds that would support the ministries of the church, including paying pastors’ salaries and educating them theologically.

 “We will identify and assess all church properties and real estate with legal documents and those that require processing in every district of The United Methodist Church in Liberia,” he said.

In his first address to the nation on Jan. 1, 2017, the new bishop called on all Liberians, especially United Methodists, to support Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in her quest to turn over power smoothly in the country. Sirleaf is herself a United Methodist.

“Let our peaceful election at the West Africa Central Conference in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, serve as a model for the national election in 2017,” Quire said in urging United Methodists to champion the cause of a peaceful church and nation.

The theme of his address was “A New Heart for a New Church.” The new bishop said United Methodists must learn to love each other and work for the common good of the church.

He challenged United Methodists to make the church a place fit for all to dwell and warned, “there will not be room for any divisive maneuvering in my leadership.”

Interim Bishop Arthur Kulah challenged United Methodists to join ranks with Bishop Quire in serving the church with credibility, integrity, honesty and faithfulness. He added, “we want him to be able to leave behind some positive legacies for others to build upon.”

Kulah was called out of retirement a second time to lead Liberia after Innis retired and until Quire was elected. He was called out of retirement earlier to serve in the Nigeria Episcopal Area after the death of Bishop Kefas Kane Mavula in 2007 until Bishop John Yohanna was elected in 2012.

Kulah returns to retirement and the Gbarnga School of Theology, where he is the bishop in residence.

Swen is a communicator in Liberia. News media contact: Vicki Brown, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or [email protected].


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Bishops
The Rev. Nelson Kalombo Ngoy receives congratulations from Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone after being elected a United Methodist bishop during the Mid Africa Central Conference in Kitwe, Zambia, on July 12. Ngoy, a Congo native who currently leads a multiracial congregation in New York, was unanimously elected on the sixth ballot. Photo by Chadrack Tambwe Londe, UM News.

Nelson Kalombo Ngoy elected as bishop

The pastor, who currently leads a multiracial congregation in New York, was elected a United Methodist bishop at the Mid Africa Central Conference.
Bishops
Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone (right) congratulates the Rev. Mujinga Kashala after her election as a United Methodist bishop on July 12 during the Mid Africa Central Conference in Kitwe, Zambia. Kashala is the second woman elected a United Methodist bishop on the African continent and the first in Mid Africa. Photo by Chadrack Tambwe Londe, UM News.

Mujinga Kashala elected as bishop

The district superintendent and pastor in South Congo is the second woman elected as a United Methodist bishop on the African continent and the first in Mid Africa.
Bishops
The Rev. Antoine Kalema Tambwe receives the United Methodist episcopal pin from Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone after his election on July 12 during the Mid Africa Central Conference in Kitwe, Zambia. The longtime district superintendent is the first of three bishops to be elected at the conference, formerly the Congo Central Conference. Photo by Priscilla Muzerengwa, United Methodist Communications.

Antoine Kalema Tambwe elected as bishop

The veteran district superintendent and General Conference delegate was elected a United Methodist bishop at the Mid Africa Central Conference, formerly the Congo Central Conference.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved