-Historic Ceremony to Mark New Chapter in Church Leadership Following Landmark Elections at 90th Diocesan Convention
MONROVIA, Liberia – The Episcopal Church of Liberia is preparing for a historic moment in its nearly two-century presence in the country as two newly elected bishops will be ordained and consecrated during a special service scheduled for July 19, 2026, at the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity in Monrovia.
The Reverend Canon Michael Tuan Sie, Sr. and The Very Reverend Dr. Wilmot T. Merchant II will be ordained and consecrated as Bishops-Suffragan of the Episcopal Church of Liberia following their election during the Church’s 90th Diocesan Convention earlier this year.
The consecration ceremony, which is expected to attract clergy, lay delegates, ecumenical partners, government officials, and worshippers from across Liberia and the West African sub-region, will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 19, at the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity on Broad Street in Monrovia.
The service will be led by two of the Anglican Communion’s most senior church leaders in West Africa: Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith, Metropolitan Archbishop and Primate of the Church of the Province of West Africa, and Jacques Boston, Archbishop of the Province of West Africa.
The invitation has been extended by James B. Sellee, the Standing Committee, and the Episcopal Diocese of Liberia.
Culmination of a Historic Election
The upcoming consecration follows the election of Canon Sie and Dr. Merchant during the Episcopal Church of Liberia’s 90th Convention held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Bolahun, Lofa County, in March this year. The election was widely regarded as one of the most significant decisions taken by the Church in recent years as it seeks to strengthen its episcopal leadership and expand its pastoral outreach.
Church leaders said the election reflected the confidence Episcopalians have placed in both men to help guide the future direction of the Church and support the growing demands of ministry across Liberia.
A Bishop-Suffragan in the Anglican tradition serves as an assisting bishop who supports the diocesan bishop in providing spiritual oversight, pastoral care, church administration, and missionary expansion.
Canon Michael Tuan Sie’s Journey to the Episcopate
For many Episcopalians, the consecration of Canon Michael Tuan Sie represents the culmination of decades of dedicated service to the Church.
Widely respected for his dynamic preaching, leadership abilities, and commitment to church growth, Canon Sie has served in numerous capacities within the Episcopal Church of Liberia. Over the years, he has become one of the denomination’s most recognizable and influential clerics.
Before his election, he served as Rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church and held several key leadership positions within the Church. He has also been a prominent voice on issues affecting youth ministry, evangelism, institutional development, and church renewal.
During the Episcopal Church’s 86th Diocesan Convention in Gbarnga in 2020, Canon Sie called for a rebranding of the Church and urged Episcopalians to take greater ownership of the Church’s mission and development agenda. He also championed youth evangelism and institutional reform as critical pillars for the future growth of the denomination.
His leadership qualities have long been recognized within Episcopal circles. Even before the 2022 election of a Bishop Coadjutor, Canon Sie was widely regarded as one of the Church’s most influential and forward-looking leaders.
Following his election in March, congratulatory messages poured in from Episcopal congregations across Liberia and abroad, with many describing his elevation as a testament to his years of faithful ministry and service.
Strengthening the Church’s Mission
Church leaders believe the consecration of the two bishops will strengthen the Episcopal Church of Liberia’s capacity to serve its growing membership and expand its missionary, educational, and social ministries.
Founded by Episcopal missionaries in the 19th century, the Episcopal Church of Liberia remains one of the country’s oldest Christian denominations and a major provider of education, healthcare, and social services. The Church became part of the Anglican Church of the Province of West Africa in 1982 while maintaining strong historical ties with the wider Anglican Communion.
The election and forthcoming consecration of the two bishops come at a time when the Church continues to play an important role in national development, peacebuilding, education, and community transformation.
A Celebration Beyond the Church
Organizers say the July 19 consecration is expected to be more than a church ceremony. It will serve as a celebration of faith, service, and leadership, bringing together Episcopalians and well-wishers from Liberia and beyond.
Following the consecration service, a reception will be held in honor of the bishops-elect and their families.
For Canon Michael Tuan Sie, the occasion will mark the beginning of a new chapter in a ministry that has already touched countless lives across Liberia. For the Episcopal Church of Liberia, it represents another milestone in its continuing journey of faith and service.
Follow The Liberian Post on Facebook and X (formerly twitter)
