The United Brethren in Christ Sierra Leone Conference has entered a historic chapter with the consecration of Reverend Elizabeth Eleanor Wuyah Sowa as its first-ever female bishop, marking a transformative moment in the life and leadership of the church.

Reverend Elizabeth Eleanor Wuyah Sowa was formally consecrated on February 15, 2026, in a spiritually uplifting and well-attended ceremony following her landmark election on October 10, 2025, at the Henrietta School Compound in Kenema City. Her victory was declared after what observers and stakeholders described as a free, fair and credible electoral process, underscoring the transparency and integrity of the Conference.

The consecration service attracted ministers, delegates, ecumenical partners and dignitaries from across Sierra Leone. Representatives from the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone, the Evangelical Fellowship of Sierra Leone, the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone, sister denominations and members of the wider Christian community gathered in unity to witness what many described as a divine appointment and a new dawn for the church.

Her election shattered a longstanding glass ceiling within the Conference and has been widely celebrated as a monumental milestone for gender inclusion in church leadership. For many within the denomination, the moment signaled not only progress but a reaffirmation of the church’s commitment to recognizing God’s calling irrespective of gender.

Prior to her elevation to the episcopacy, Bishop Elizabeth Eleanor Wuyah Sowa served faithfully as pastor of Faith UBC Church in Freetown, where she distinguished herself through dedicated pastoral care, dynamic preaching and servant leadership. She brings to the office of bishop a wealth of ministerial experience, marked by humility, compassion and an unwavering commitment to advancing the Gospel.

In her remarks during the consecration ceremony, Bishop Elizabeth Eleanor Wuyah Sowa expressed profound gratitude to God and appreciation to the Conference for the trust reposed in her. “I give all thanks and praise to God Almighty for this historic moment,” she declared.

She paid tribute to the outgoing bishop, Reverend John Momoh Pessima, acknowledging his leadership and service to the church. She also extended appreciation to her colleagues and delegates for their cooperation and support throughout the transition process.

Emphasizing unity and collective responsibility, Bishop Elizabeth Eleanor Wuyah Sowa called on members of the United Brethren family to work together in harmony. “We can only achieve our shared goals through unity and teamwork,” she stated, urging the church to remain focused on its spiritual mandate and mission.

In a spirit of reconciliation and sisterhood, she reaffirmed her respect for her electoral opponent, describing her as a beloved sister in Christ. She encouraged the entire church body to move forward together in faith, purpose, and service, putting aside divisions and embracing a shared vision for the future.

The consecration of Bishop Elizabeth Eleanor Wuyah Sowa represents not only a personal milestone in her ministerial journey but also a defining breakthrough for the United Brethren in Christ Sierra Leone Conference. It signals the beginning of a new era characterized by inclusive leadership, renewed vision and strengthened commitment to spiritual growth and national impact.

With the Conference entering a new chapter under her leadership, many within the Christian community remain hopeful that her tenure will inspire transformation, strengthen unity, and advance the Church’s mission across Sierra Leone and beyond. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/a-new-dawn-for-ubc-sierra-leone-rev-elizabeth-e-w-sowa-consecrated-as-first-female-bishop/