The United Methodist Church has announced the appointment of the Reverend João Filimone Sambo as Bishop responsible for episcopal oversight of Mozambique, South Africa, ESwatini and Madagascar.

The announcement was made in a statement quoted by "O País" and the decision will come into effect on April 1, 2025 and marks Sambo's ascension as the fifth native bishop of the Church in Mozambique.

Bishop João Filimone Sambo brings with him a vast ministerial and academic experience, consolidated over decades of service to the Church, the statement from the Methodist Church said.

He was born in the district of Panda, in the province of Inhambane. Sambo stood out for his academic career and his resilience in the face of adversity, such as the civil war that marked his youth.

The new Bishop's education includes a diploma in General Mechanics from the Maputo Industrial Institute and a degree in Theology from Africa University in Zimbabwe. Sambo also holds a Master of Divinity degree, specializing in Church and Community Leadership, from Candler School of Theology in the United States. He also holds a certificate in Old Testament from the Methodist University of São Paulo in Brazil.

His career in the United Methodist Church includes roles as professor and chaplain at Cambine Theological Seminary, Episcopal Coordinator for Relief and Emergencies, Episcopal Secretary since 2016 and Administrative Assistant to Bishop Joaquina Nhanala since 2022. Since 2018, he has also been the communications correspondent for Portuguese-speaking African countries.

The statement also highlights the international relevance of his work, with participations in Church meetings in the United States, Nigeria, South Africa and Madagascar. Sambo's leadership is seen as a continuation of the pastoral vision of historic leaders such as Bishop João Somane Machado, who was one of his main mentors.

The appointment of Bishop João Filimone Sambo is part of the United Methodist Church's strategy to promote local leadership capable of facing contemporary social and spiritual challenges. This new stage is seen as an opportunity to strengthen the Church's mission in the four countries under his episcopal supervision.

The communiqué also highlights the central role of the new Bishop in consolidating the Church's activities, both at community level and in strengthening ties between the congregations in the region.