By Dadson A. Musa

The United Brethren in Christ (UBC) Mission in Sierra Leone has made history by electing its first female bishop, Mrs. Elizabeth Sowa. The election took place on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

The UBC, which was once amalgamated with the United Methodist Church (UMC) under the name Evangelical United Brethren (EUB), separated years ago due to differences in doctrine and practice. Founded by missionaries from the United Kingdom and the United States, the mission established its base in the Bonthe District, Southern Sierra Leone, where it built schools, health centers, and other community development institutions.

When the missionaries began handing over leadership to Sierra Leonean nationals, challenges such as corruption, mismanagement, and internal conflicts emerged within the mission. This led to calls for reform and a renewed commitment to accountability and inclusivity within the church’s leadership.

One of the major outcomes of these reforms has been the inclusion of legally married women in clerical leadership roles. In the just-concluded election, two female clergy members Rev. Juliana Walker and Rev. Elizabeth Sowa contested for the position of bishop. The election, conducted by officials from the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone, was described as free and fair.

Rev. Mrs. Elizabeth Sowa secured 35 votes against Rev. Mrs. Juliana Walker’s 30 votes, earning her the position of Bishop-elect of the United Brethren in Christ Mission.

An observer at the election remarked, “With a female leader, integrity and transparency are expected to return to the mission.”

The election brings to an end months of internal wrangling within the church. As Bishop-elect, Mrs. Sowa now faces the crucial task of restoring unity, rebuilding trust, and steering the UBC Mission toward a more transparent and inclusive future.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 17th October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)