Brother Phillip K. Tlhage, 18th Episcopal District President

Greetings in the joy of knowing Jesus Christ the Saviour.  I pass my greetings from the 18^thEpiscopal District. 

The Episcopal team of the 18^th ED is Presiding Prelate Rev. Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper, Sr., and Supervisor Rev. Dr Joanne W Cooper.

The 18^th ED is situated on the African continent and comprises five annual conferences in four countries, namely Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Mozambique. The country Lesotho has two annual conferences: Lesotho and North East. 

The four countries use different currencies. In some instances, political instabilities are making it difficult to meet either physically or virtually. The District has a diverse and rich culture, and that is why we are the elite Episcopal District. 

BOTSWANA 

Botswana attained its independence in 1966 and was colonised by Britain. The population of Botswana is approximately 2.5 million people. There are two official languages: English and Setswana. The country has three Districts: Hukuntsi, Lobatse, and Gaborone. 

ESWATINI 

Eswatini attained its independence in 1968 and was colonised by Britain. The population of Eswatini is approximately 1.2 million people. There are two official languages: English and Seswati. The country has three districts: Central, Hhohho, and Shiselweni. 

LESOTHO 

Lesotho attained its independence in 1966 and was colonised by Britain. The population of Lesotho is approximately 2 million people. The official languages are English and Sesotho. The country has two annual conferences. The Lesotho Annual Conference has three districts: North, Central, and South. The North East Annual Conference has two districts: Buthabuthe and Mogatlhong (Nightingale). 

MOZAMBIQUE 

Mozambique attained its independence in 1975 and was colonised by Portugal. The population is approximately 34 million people. Mozambique is divided into two parts, and South Mozambique forms part of the 18^th ED. It has approximately 5 million people. It has only one annual conference. The official language is Portuguese. 

CHALLENGES

One thing common across the District is that the churches are not up to standard. They need to be renovated and others to be rebuilt.  

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people attending church has declined. The majority of people attending churches are unemployed, making it a bit difficult to raise funds in churches. 

Many of the church members have not joined the organised Lay Organisation.

WAYFORWARD

The ED is to solicit and raise funds to make improvements to the churches so that they become attractive.

The Lay Organisation leadership at all levels has to intensify recruitment and retention of the organised Lay members. The Lay Organisation has to do a lot of community outreach. The organisation has to be seen. 

We appeal for assistance from the entire African Methodist Episcopal Church in any way possible. 

The 18^th District Lay Convention is planned for 5^th and 6^th December 2025, at Lesotho, Maseru. Fundraising dinner tickets are being sold at R500.00, equivalent to $30.00.