All active and retired UMC bishops in Africa posed for a photo at the September 2025 meeting in Luanda, Angola. The UMC Africa College of Bishops convened their official meeting in Luanda, Angola, earlier this month, during which they issued a statement addressing several issues. They added, “This view is consistent with our biblical convictions, African traditions, and the laws of our respective nations. The official statement, which also celebrated the election of nine new UMC episcopal leaders in Africa, was signed by 14 active bishops and three retired bishops. The gathering was named the African Colleges of Bishops, reflecting that each African conference — East Africa, Mid Africa, Southern Africa, and West Africa — has its own college of bishops, reported UM News.