Religion and Race Commission Convenes Roundtable with African Bishops

Meeting in Burundi Addressed Equity, Tribalism, and the Future of the Church

by

Global UMC

General Commission on Religion and Race | March 19, 2026

BUJUMBURA, Burundi — The General Commission on Religion and Race convened a roundtable gathering of active United Methodist bishops from across the African continent on March 11-15, 2026 in Bujumbura, Burundi, creating space for reflection, dialogue, and collaboration around strengthening the church's witness in matters of equity, reconciliation, and intercultural engagement.

The gathering brought together episcopal leaders representing multiple regions of Africa to engage GCORR's ministry model, which focuses on Vital Conversations, Institutional Equity, and Intercultural Competency. Through prayer, storytelling, and structured dialogue, the bishops reflected on the realities facing their regions and the opportunities for strengthening the church's ministry across the continent.

Conversations during the roundtable addressed themes that emerged from the bishops' shared experiences, including education, tribalism and racism, financial transparency, leadership formation, and the strengthening institutional processes within the life of the church.

In his opening remarks, Rev. Dr. Giovanni Arroyo, General Secretary of GCORR, reminded participants that the church is called to engage difficult realities with courage and faith.

"The work of the church has always been to witness to the dignity of every person created in the image of God," Arroyo said. "In moments of complexity and change, we are called not to retreat from difficult conversations, but to engage them faithfully—building a church that reflects equity, accountability, and a deep commitment to reconciliation."

The roundtable was designed to deepen relationships between GCORR and African episcopal leadership while also creating a shared space to listen to the lived realities shaping ministry across the continent. Participants engaged in facilitated conversations exploring both the challenges and opportunities facing the church as it continues its mission in diverse cultural contexts, including equity challenges present within their regions.

During the gathering, participants also had the privilege of making a courtesy visit with His Excellency Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi. The visit offered an opportunity to share the purpose of the roundtable and the church's commitment to strengthening equity and reconciliation across communities. 

The conversation also affirmed the church's ongoing commitment to peacebuilding and reconciliation throughout the region, reflecting the historic role faith communities have played in promoting dialogue, healing, and stability in societies facing division. The time together concluded with a moment of prayer for President Ndayishimiye's leadership and for continued peace and stability in Burundi and across the African continent.

As the roundtable concluded, bishops identified several areas where deeper collaboration between GCORR and African episcopal leadership could strengthen the life and witness of the church.

One of the key next steps emerging from the conversations is the establishment and training of Commission on Religion and Race committees within episcopal areas across Africa. These committees will serve as regional partners, helping contextualize GCORR's work and supporting conferences as they address matters of equity, cultural engagement, leadership development, and education.

Participants also affirmed the need to develop a mediation and reconciliation initiative that will train a cadre of leaders across the continent to assist episcopal areas, conferences, and congregations in navigating conflict and fostering reconciliation. The program will focus on equipping leaders with skills in mediation, restorative practices, and culturally informed approaches to conflict resolution. GCORR will engage Africa University as a partner in this initiative.

Together, these efforts aim to strengthen the church's capacity to address complex challenges while nurturing communities marked by justice, belonging, and mutual respect.

"The Africa College of Bishops is grateful to GCORR for organizing this roundtable in Burundi," said Bishop Mande Muyombo of the North Katanga–Tanzania Episcopal Area. "In many of our contexts, intense tribalism has contributed to inequality, political instability, and violent conflict, while also weakening social cohesion. It can also fuel corruption and nepotism when tribal loyalty suppresses merit and hinders economic development. As a College of Bishops, we hope that concrete training and education will help strengthen merit-based systems and encourage dialogue that bridges the gaps between tribal groups within our communities."

GCORR will continue working with episcopal leaders across Africa to develop these initiatives and provide resources, leadership formation opportunities, and collaborative programs that support the church's mission throughout the global connection.

At the conclusion of the roundtable on Saturday, participants visited Musenyi Refugee Camp, where approximately 22,000 Congolese refugees are currently living. The gathering concluded on Sunday with a joint worship service at Nyabugogo Parish in Gitega, offering a moment of prayer, joyful singing, and renewed commitment to the church's ongoing mission.

The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) is an agency of The United Methodist Church committed to challenging racism and promoting equity, inclusion, and intercultural competency across the denomination and throughout the world. GCORR equips leaders and congregations through education, advocacy, and resources that help build communities grounded in love, justice, and mutual accountability.

Jeehye Kim is Senior Director of Communications and Marketing for the General Commission on Religion and Race. This article was also distributed in French and Portuguese, widely spoken in Africa and two of the six official languages of The United Methodist Church