Eastern Congo Episcopal Area

United Methodist Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda prays for peanuts produced during the last growing season in Kindu, Congo. With an estimated 27 million people facing food insecurity in the country, the East Congo bishop has called for redoubling efforts to combat hunger through agriculture. Photo by Chadrack Tambwe Londe, UM News.

Church responds as famine threatens Congo

United Methodist Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda, East Congo Episcopal Area, calls for amplifying agricultural activities to fight food insecurity.

Social Concerns

United Methodist Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda urges the church to help seek the restoration of peace in Eastern Congo during a “peace caravan” in Tunda, Congo. As part of its 100-year celebration, the church organized a caravan of peace to reflect on the Social Principles and encourage peace in the region. Photo By Philippe Kituka Lolonga, UM News.

United Methodists organize peace caravan in the Congo

Participants laud the church’s acceptance of all people, regardless of tribal affiliation.

Mission and Ministry

United Methodist Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda (right) leads the procession to the 100th anniversary celebration for Methodism in Congo. The celebration was held in Tunda, site of a former Methodist mission station and hospital. Photo by Philippe Kituka Lolonga, UM News.

Celebrating 100 years of mission in Eastern Congo

United Methodist involvement started in a tiny village with a small number of faithful, said Bishop Mande Muyombo, and now Eastern Congo has more than a million members.

Church History

East Congo Episcopal Area Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda (center left, in blue suit) and his wife, Dr. Marie-Claire Diandja (to his left), gather with clergy and lay leaders of the Tunda District on a tree-lined street leading to the local church. This year, United Methodists of the East Congo Episcopal Area are joyfully commemorating the centennial of the church in eastern Congo. Photo by Chadrack Londe, UM News.

Church in East Congo celebrates 100 years of existence

The first American missionaries, led by Ansel Lynn (alias Uwandji Lupungu), made a covenant with local residents in February 1922.

Sign up for our newsletter!

UMNEWS-SUBSCRIPTION