GENERAL STATISTICS | WEST AFRICA CLINICS INITIATIVE | READING LIST | LOCAL INITIATIVE

Clinics: SIERRA LEONE AND LIBERIA

METHODISM AND WEST AFRICA

Methodism and the missionary movement in West Africa began in the 1850s in response to the Amistad incident where slaves from Sierra Leone were freed after overpowering their captors and standing trial in America. The Amistad event in history was a turning point in the spirit of freedom and empowerment in West Africa. The roots of Methodism began with the sending of missionaries, the start of clinics, school, and churches. The Sierra Leonean and Liberian Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church were born. In 1855, the first missionaries for the United Brethren Church were sent to Sierra Leone. Today, The United Methodist Churches of West Africa are working with members of communities to help bring healing to this nation through schools, churches, clinics, and advocacy.

West Africa
Sierra Leone and Liberia are located on the West Coast of Africa, both bordered by Guinea. Sierra Leone had been a British colony gaining independence in 1971, while Liberia received independence from America in 1847. Life in West Africa has been filled with political corruption, military coups, poverty, malnutrition, health concerns, and lack of economic opportunities. In times of conflict, rebels have destroyed or vandalized parsonages, churches, schools, clinics, and other institutions; and the people of Sierra Leone and Liberia have faced soaring food shortages and a health crisis. The residents of West Africa live in extreme poverty, creating a challenging health situation that includes endemic levels of malaria and malnutrition. All of this being true, the people of Liberia and Sierra Leone are also a people of hope, smiles, joy, faith, and empowerment. They desire the same things that we do for our children: safety, education, happiness, and opportunities.

Now at a time of peace in both countries, new positive leadership, and with the history of The United Methodist Church we in the East Ohio Conference have the opportunity to help rebuild a nation, communities, and people’s lives. The church can play a critical role in conflict resolution, health care, community based health programs, HIV/AIDS awareness, education, evangelism, and pastoral care.