Africa-Press – Liberia. The Resident Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC), Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., has called for stronger collaboration and humility among development partners as key drivers for sustainable transformation.
Bishop Quire made the call recently during the launch of the Competence Partnership in Development Seminar 2025, held at the Creed Lodge along the Marshall Highway in Margibi County. The five-day event brings together church and development leaders from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Norway, and Zimbabwe under the Partnership in Development (PID) framework.
This year’s seminar, themed “Daring to Surrender: Exploring the Dilemmas of Locally Led Development,” focuses on promoting trust, shared leadership, and community ownership in faith-based development work.
In his keynote address, Bishop Quire described Liberia as “a land rich in history, hope, and hospitality,” urging participants to draw inspiration from the nation’s resilience and ongoing journey of peace and renewal.
“Liberia’s story is not only one of struggle but of strength, a testimony to what faith and perseverance can achieve,” Bishop Quire said. “As we engage in dialogue this week, may this land remind us that transformation begins when people are trusted to lead their own change.”
He emphasized that true partnership requires humility and respect rather than control, noting that sustainable development is achieved when local communities are empowered to take ownership of their progress.
“Development work that ignores local wisdom is development that cannot last,” he stressed. “Real transformation happens when faith and community guide people to lead their own future.”
Bishop Quire also commended Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) and other PID partners for their ongoing commitment to advancing locally driven initiatives to address poverty, inequality, and social justice.
He reaffirmed the UMC Liberia’s dedication to fostering ethical, inclusive, and faith-based approaches to development that prioritize service over competition.
“This seminar is not just another meeting — it is a sacred space for reflection and renewal,” he said. “When we come together in humility and unity, guided by the love of Christ, we find strength to heal communities and transform nations.”
The Competence Seminar, established to promote mutual learning and leadership development among churches and mission organizations, has grown into a key platform for cross-continental collaboration between African and European partners.
Throughout the week, participants will engage in panel discussions and workshops on faith and social transformation, ethical leadership, climate justice, and sustainable community engagement.
Bishop Quire officially opened the Competence Seminar 2025, urging delegates to leave with renewed commitment to the shared vision of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
The event is jointly hosted by The United Methodist Church of Liberia and the Liberia United Methodist Development Services (LUMDS), in collaboration with the Partnership in Development (PID) network.
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