By Joe Edward Pormai
The Moyamba West District of the United Methodist Church Sierra Leone Annual Conference (UMC-SLAC) on Friday, 27th June 2025, hosted a grand welcome for the Resident Bishop James Boye-Caulker, as the district prepared for the formal induction of Rev. Jane Ngakoh Lahai as Dean of the Bishop’s Cabinet and District Superintendent.
Held at Trinity United Methodist Church, the ceremony brought together hundreds of United Methodists, including pupils and staff from United Methodist schools, in a colorful event filled with singing, dancing, and strong messages of unity and reconciliation.
Director of Connectional Ministries, Rev. Francis Charley, praised the church for its hospitality and emphasized the district’s historical contribution to leadership in the church. He commended the Bishop’s appointment of Rev. Lahai as “strategic and forward-looking,” referencing the district’s legacy, including notable figures such as Professor Joe A.D. Alie.
Rev. Professor Edwin J.J. Momoh, who was also in attendance, welcomed Bishop Boye-Caulker back from his recent trip to the United States. In a passionate speech, he reaffirmed support for the Bishop’s leadership and called for unity. “The United Methodist Church in Sierra Leone has only one bishop and no deputy,” he said, urging all members to accept the outcome of the 7th December 2024 episcopal election in Ghana as the will of God.
During her remarks, Rev. Jane Ngakoh Lahai expressed profound gratitude for the confidence placed in her. She pledged to lead with integrity, promote unity, strengthen church institutions, and expand educational opportunities across the district.
Addressing the congregation, Bishop Dr.James Boye-Caulker expressed appreciation for the warm reception, particularly acknowledging the pupils and teachers who had waited since morning. He also noted the historic significance of Harford School in Rotifunk—his hometown—as a key part of the district’s educational heritage.
The Bishop reflected on his personal connection to Trinity UMC, describing himself as “a son of the church.” He spoke candidly about divisions following the episcopal election and expressed regret that the church missed the chance to foster internal dialogue between himself and fellow candidate Rev. Prof. Momoh. Both, he noted, are from the same church family and district. He urged members to prioritize reconciliation and healing.
The ceremony culminated in the official thanksgiving, installation, and induction of Rev. Lahai. Preaching on the theme “Take Thou Authority,” Bishop Boye-Caulker emphasized that all believers are divinely empowered to fulfill God’s mission. Speaking directly to Rev. Lahai, he said, “Your appointment did not come from man, but from God. Hold on to God in the dispensation of your authority.”
The event was attended by district superintendents, clergy, and lay members from across Moyamba West, all showing strong support and solidarity.
The day ended on a high note, filled with prayer, praise, and a renewed sense of purpose, as the church reaffirmed its commitment to mission, leadership, and unity.
Moyamba West District Welcomes Bishop Boye-Caulker Ahead of Rev. Jane Ngakoh Lahai’s Induction.
