The Mozambique South Annual Conference gathered Dec. 10-11 in Xai-Xai, Gaza Province. Officiating Bishop Joaquina Filipe Nhanala encouraged delegates and visitors to find wisdom in 1 Corinthians 15:58. “Christians of Mozambique South,” she said, “let us be firm and constant, even in times of difficulties.”
COVID-19 continues to affect conference attendance, and many lay and clergy delegates chose to participate virtually. In many parts of the country, including the capital city of Maputo, however, network problems are serious. In semiurban and rural areas, internet connections are even worse.
On the agenda were conference resolutions, ordination of deacons and elders, honoring of longtime church members and founding of the UMC School of Music. Salary increases of 20% for all paid church employees were approved.
Regarding COVID-19, church members were advised to comply with biosafety measure at all times. The 2023 annual conference will be held over two days.
There were no resolutions or actions related to the postponed 2020 General Conference, now set for 2024. No congregations disaffiliated from The United Methodist Church in the conference. During the clergy session, no openly gay candidates for ministry were approved.
Representing the annual conference at the next General Conference will be the Rev. Mauricio Samussone Chichava and layperson Leonarda Simbine Sambo.
One deacon, Rabino Sá dos Santos Macuácua, and three elders were ordained. Elders included Paulo Ismael Simão, Lurdes Amone Armando and Alfeu Lucas Mujongue. Their average age was 35. No clergy retired.
The statistical report listed the following:
- Membership, 19,045
- Worship attendance, 180
- Church school attendance, 20
- Professions or reaffirmations of faith for 2021, 8,300.
—Joao Sambo, Lusophone correspondent in Africa for United Methodist News.