Henry Town, Liberia – The Resident Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr., has officially launched the Competence Partnership in Development Seminar 2025, calling on participants to embrace humility, collaboration, and locally led development as key ingredients for building a just, compassionate, and sustainable world.
The five-day seminar, which is currently being held at the Creed Lodge along the Marshall Highway in Margibi County, brings together participants and facilitators from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Norway, and Zimbabwe, representing a diverse partnership of churches, development organizations, and mission agencies working within the Partnership in Development (PID) framework.
This year’s edition of the Competence Seminar is being held under the theme: “Daring to Surrender – Exploring the Dilemmas of Locally Led Development.” The theme challenges both local and international development partners to reflect deeply on the dynamics of power, trust, and collaboration in global mission and development work — emphasizing the need to empower local actors to take greater leadership in shaping their communities’ futures.
In his opening address, Bishop Quire expressed profound gratitude to God for the gathering and lauded the spirit of unity that continues to strengthen the relationship among churches and development partners across the continents.
“For more than a decade, Competence has stood as a beacon of partnership and shared learning within the Partnership in Development family,” Bishop Quire said. “It has been a platform where nations, churches, and communities come together — bound by a common vision to uplift the poor, empower the marginalized, and build a more just world.”
He noted that the Competence Seminar has become an important space where partners can pause, reflect, and renew their commitment to mutual respect, accountability, and shared leadership. The Bishop added that such gatherings are essential in helping the church and its partners find balance between global solidarity and local empowerment.
“True partnership is not about control; it is about respect, humility, and the courage to let others lead,” Bishop Quire emphasized. “Development work that ignores local wisdom is development that cannot last. Real transformation happens when local people — guided by faith and community — are trusted to lead their own change.” Bishop Quire lamented.
Bishop Quire described Liberia as ‘a land rich in history, hope, and hospitality.’ He encouraged participants to learn from the Liberian people’s resilience and to draw inspiration from the nation’s long journey toward peace, unity, and renewal.
“Liberia’s story is not just one of struggle but of strength — a testimony to what faith and perseverance can achieve. As you engage in dialogue, may this land inspire you to see beyond challenges and focus on possibilities,” Bishop Quire told the participants.
He warmly welcomed all international guests on behalf of the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church in Liberia (UMC), the Liberia United Methodist Development Services (LUMDS), and all development partners.
The resident bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church expressed gratitude to the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) and other members of the PID family for their continued partnership in supporting locally driven development initiatives that address poverty, inequality, and social justice.
He further underscored the role of faith-based institutions in shaping ethical and inclusive models of development. He reminded participants that genuine development must be rooted in relationships of trust, faith, and service, rather than in competition or dominance.
“This seminar is not just another meeting,” he said. “It is a sacred space for transformation — of minds, systems, and hearts. When we come together in humility, guided by the love of Christ, we find new energy to heal communities and transform nations.”
Throughout the week, participants will engage in a series of panel discussions, workshops, and case studies highlighting successful examples of locally led initiatives from different countries. Topics will include faith and social transformation, the ethics of partnership, capacity strengthening, climate justice, and sustainable community engagement.
The Competence Partnership in Development initiative was founded to promote knowledge exchange, mutual learning, and leadership development among mission and development organizations. Over the years, it has become an important forum where partners from Africa and Europe explore the challenges and opportunities in faith-based development work.
As the seminar progresses, delegates are expected to develop practical recommendations for strengthening collaboration between churches and development agencies, with a renewed focus on context-driven and community-owned solutions.
Bishop Quire reaffirms the Liberia Annual Conference’s commitment to the vision of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” He called on all participants to carry forward the spirit of service, humility, and partnership that defines the United Methodist Church’s approach to mission.
“As we declare the Competence Seminar 2025 officially launched, may we do so in the spirit of unity, collaboration, and service to humanity,” Bishop Quire declared.
The Competence Seminar 2025 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. The event continues through the week with a lineup of keynote speakers, learning exchanges, and cultural events celebrating the diversity and shared mission of all partners involved.
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