Bishop Paul and his wife Rosemary have recently returned from a two week visit to Burundi and Rwanda where they have longstanding links.
In Burundi, amongst a wide number of visits, they were able to spend time at Bujumbura Christian University. Some across the Diocese have supported students there through ‘Love Burundi’. This support is hugely important not simply to the students but to the dioceses who subsequently ordain them, and in which they serve.
(Photo above: Students at Bujumbura Christian University).
Rumonge Diocese was celebrating its 10th anniversary with a weekend of events. Bishop Pedaculi and his wife Anatolie visited our Diocese before the Lambeth Conference last summer. Bishop Paul was the preacher at the five-hour long anniversary service on the Sunday (followed by a two-hour reception).
(Photo above: Central nave of Rumonge Cathedral during anniversary service).
(Photo above: Outside the Cathedral after the anniversary service).
The growth of this diocese over the past ten years is impressive; it is growth in number, depth of discipleship and engagement with the community (especially in healthcare, education and relief of poverty).
(Photo above: A new health centre built by the local community in a rural parish in Diocese of Rumonge).
(Photo above: Rosemary visiting a new paediatric ward at Amahoro Birimba Hospital, Rumonge).
It was then on to Gitega to lead three days of retreat for the Burundian House of Bishops and their spouses. Bishop Seth Ndayikure and his wife Yvette - who also stayed with us in Durham before the Lambeth Conference last year - were there.
(Photo above: Lunch with the Burundi bishops).
As ever, we heard of the wonderful work being done by the Mothers’ Union in each diocese. There are two great reports on this work available at present from Mothers’ Union and Five Talents – well worth a read!
(Photo above: Rosemary with Claudette Kigeme (MU Provincial Coordinator), Yvette Ndayikure & Emilienne Nyaboho)
Then, with a brief stop in Buhiga Diocese to help lay a Foundation Stone for a new Community Hall (photo below), it was on to Rwanda.
This included catching up with Rwandan friends, attending the wedding of Bishop Emmanuel Ngendehayo, Bishop of Byumba, and a short visit to Byumba Diocese where Bishop Paul is a Canon of the Cathedral. It was fascinating hearing how the Covid pandemic had impacted the diocese, and what recovery mechanisms they have used.
(Photo above: Rosemary and Bishop Paul with the Byumba Archdeacons.)
Burundi is one of the poorest nations on earth. It faces huge challenges. The Church is a key leader in seeking to improve the life of the nation in every way. This includes a strong commitment to sharing the good news of Jesus in word and deed.
Rwanda has made an astonishing recovery and development from the horrors of the 1994 genocide. It also continues to face deep challenges. Unfortunately, Bishop Paul was not able to visit the facility intended to receive UK ‘asylum seekers’, although he had asked if he could. On that particular policy we will wait to see what the Supreme Court has to say.
It was a very rewarding trip. Bishops Seth and Pedaculi with Yvette and Anatolie send their greetings to all whom they met last summer – they loved their days in Durham.
Pray for God’s church in its Anglican form in Burundi and Rwanda.