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!

United Methodist bishop to lead Congo ecumenical organization

Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda has been elected moderator of the ecumenical organization Eglise du Christ au Congo, a Protestant ecumenical group of 95 denominations in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Unda, who leads the East Congo Area, was elected Aug. 15, joining the legislative committee of the association. He chaired the session that elected the group’s current leaders.

“The position is no different from being a bishop,” said Unda. “It is my duty to lead the assembly, which is a national organization covering the whole country.”

Unda’s election was an expression of confidence in the leadership ability of the United Methodist bishop to steer the ecumenical body.

Bishop Mande Muyombo of the North Katanga, Tanganyika and Tanzania Episcopal Area said Unda plays an important role as he convenes all the major meetings of the organization.

“The ECC is the largest protestant ecumenical body in the DRC, which has given its members a voice on issues of peace, human rights, development and health. Over the years, it has become a very influential organization, not only as part of civil society, but also in the religious community,” said Muyombo.

“The United Methodist Church is one of the founding members of the 48-year-old organization, but for some time, the church has not been part of the top leadership,” he said.

Eglise du Christ au Congo is a member of the All Africa Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches. 

“Bishop Unda’s elevation in the national body will give voice to the UMC position on key issues and transform the organization,” Muyombo said.

In the past, the ecumenical body has pushed for democratization of the DRC, dialogue during the years of civil strife and helped maintain peace and stability. Eglise du Christ au Congo is currently working with the country’s electoral commission in ensuring the next elections in the Congo are free and fair. 

The organization facilitates capacity building with emphasis on training leaders, youth and women.  Muyombo said the organization has received support from United Methodist Global Ministries for training, health and relief efforts.

Unda’s election was one of the joys celebrated by the Africa College of Bishops at the Learning Retreat held at Africa University Sept. 3-8.

Chikwanah is a communicator of the Zimbabwe East Annual Conference. News media contact: Vicki Brown, news editor, [email protected] or 615-742-5470.

To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free Daily or Weekly Digests. 


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 Church
The Council of Bishops and Connectional Table have collaborated in developing a new vision statement for the denomination: The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections. Earth image by NASA Space Observatory; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News.

Bishops unveil vision for United Methodist Church

United Methodist bishops — in collaboration with the Connectional Table — have adopted a vision that says United Methodists “love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously.”
General Church
In her presidential address, Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone outlines the challenges facing United Methodists — including the need to rebuild after church disaffiliations and take on the rise of cruelty and erosion of human rights. Malone, who also leads the Indiana Conference, was speaking to bishops meeting in Chicago this week. Photo by Paul Gómez, United Methodist Communications.

Bishops urged to confront rising cruelty

As The United Methodist Church rebuilds, Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone challenged her fellow bishops to address inhumanity and act with the compassion of Christ.
General Church
A procession of United Methodist bishops leads opening worship at the 2024 United Methodist General Conference on April 23, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. The board of The United Methodist Church’s finance agency voted to give bishops a 3% retroactive salary increase. The move comes after bishops in December asked to forgo a raise in 2025 amid tight budgets denomination-wide. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Bishops given 3% retroactive pay hike

The board of The United Methodist Church’s finance agency voted to give bishops a salary increase that starts at the beginning of this year.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved