Support UM News on World Press Freedom Day: Give to help sustain and expand the storytelling capacity of UM News. Your donation today will transform information into inspiration and ensure we can continue sharing stories of God’s work in the world through The UMC. Help us reach our $10,000 goal and keep this vital ministry fair, faithful, trusted and free for all!

Pension Initiative needs millions for retired pastors

For many retired United Methodist pastors serving in Africa, the Philippines and Eastern Europe, retirement often becomes "a transition to homelessness," said Barbara A. Boigegrain, chief executive of the church's Board of Pension and Health Benefits.

Boigegrain made that statement in a video during an April 26 report from the Central Conference Pension Initiative to the 2008 United Methodist General Conference, the quadrennial meeting of the church's top legislative body.

"On behalf of all our retired friends, I thank you for your contribution," says Bishop Benjamin Chamness of the Fort Worth Area.

Bishop Benjamin Chamness, Fort Worth Area, told delegates the initiative has raised $7.8 million but needs $20 million to fully fund pensions for retired pastors in areas outside of the United States. He challenged delegates to contribute to the fund while at General Conference.

"On behalf of all our retired friends, I thank you for your contribution," he said.

Bishop John Innis, Liberia, also thanked United Methodists who have contributed to the initiative. Liberia started receiving quarterly pension payments in 2007 as the first pilot pension project.

Innis reported the program is working even though many of the retired pastors can only be reached by walking six or seven hours.

"These retirees are so deserving," he said. "United Methodists, God bless you. You saw a need, and you stepped forward."

The United Methodist Church, directed by its 2000 and 2004 General Conferences, has been developing pension models to help pastors and church lay workers in annual conferences outside the United States retire with dignity, hope and an adequate income.

Even though the denomination's greatest growth is in Africa, Eastern Europe and the Philippines, pension funds are minimal or nonexistent for pastors in those areas. Many clergy have served for 20, 30, 40 or more years. When they retire, they find survival difficult.

The Central Conference Pension Initiative Committee consists of members from the denomination's Board of Pension and Health Benefits, General Council on Finance and Administration, Board of Global Ministries, United Methodist Publishing House and United Methodist Communications.

Bishop Nkulu Ntanda Ntambo, Democratic Republic of Congo, who was presiding over the meeting, also took the opportunity to thank those who have contributed.

"Thousands and thousands have no hope but today you are bringing them hope," he said. "Thousands can now die in peace knowing you are thinking of them. There are many ways to build God's kingdom, thank you."

*Gilbert is a news writer for United Methodist News Service in Nashville, Tenn.

News media contact: Kathy Gilbert, e-mail: [email protected].

Phone calls can be made to the General Conference Newsroom in Fort Worth, Texas, at (817) 698-4405(817) 698-4405 until May 3. Afterward, call United Methodist News Service in Nashville, Tenn., at (615) 742-5470(615) 742-5470.

Related Articles

General Conference headlines

Central Conference Pension Special

Agencies plan emergency pension help for central conference clergy

Bishops approve pilot program for Liberia pension

Mozambique pastors to get pensions in pilot project

Resource

General Conference 2008

Central Conference Pension Initiative

You'll need Skype CreditFree via Skype

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
General Conference
The Rev. Gabriel Banga Mususwa. Photo courtesy of the author.

An appeal to hold General Conference outside US

The United Methodist Church’s top assembly has never met in the central conferences; the decision to hold the 2028 gathering in Minneapolis should be rescinded.
Disaster Relief
Patrick Abro (left), a United Methodist missionary serving as health operation manager in the Burundi Conference, and the Rev. Cimpaye Valentine (right), Bujumbura District superintendent, hand a bag of rice to flood survivors in Cibitoke, Burundi. With financial support from the United Methodist Committee on Relief, the church helped 140 households affected by severe flooding in the district. Photo by Jérôme Ndayisenga, UM News.

Church supports flood survivors in Burundi

With financial support from the United Methodist Committee on Relief, the church has distributed food and other supplies to hundreds of flood survivors.
Disaster Relief
Children and adults cross a mud-filled street in Kasaba, Congo, where flooding has killed at least 110 people, including five United Methodists, and destroyed hundreds of homes. A local United Methodist church was destroyed by floodwaters, affecting some 300 United Methodists. Photo courtesy of the Ecclesiastical District of Fizi.

Church members among dead in Congo floods

Five United Methodists killed, a church destroyed, and hundreds of families are affected by flooding in Eastern Congo.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved