ACNS - Burundi: Anglican church celebrates 75 years

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

> Burundi: Anglican church celebrates 75 years

> Posted On : August 20, 2010 4:26 PM
> Posted By : Webmaster
> ACNS: http://www.aco.org/acns/news.cfm/2010/8/20/ACNS4723
> Related Categories: Burundi

The Anglican Church of Burundi kicked off its 75th anniversary
celebrations during the Aug. 14-15 weekend with a service of
thanksgiving and prayer at St. Luke's Cathedral in Gitega and a
service of Holy Communion at St. Peter's Church in Buhiga.

Bishop Nathan Kamusiime Gasatura of the Diocese of Butare in the
Anglican Church of Rwanda reminded the congregation in Buhiga that
"there was cause for celebration because of the dedication,
commitment, and witness based on the Word of God of the first
Christians. They set an example for future generations to follow,"
according to a press release from the Anglican Church of Burundi.

During his sermon in Gitega, Bishop Geoffrey Rwubusisi of the Diocese
of Cyangugu, Rwanda, asked the congregation to stand in silent prayer
and thanksgiving for the early pioneers "who sacrificed much to bring
the Gospel of God's saving and reconciling love to Burundi. Such love
and unity should characterize the church of the future," the release 
said.

The first Anglican missionaries, under the auspices of the Rwanda
Mission, crossed over from Rwanda into Burundi in 1935. Among them
were two medical doctors, Len Sharp and Algie Stanley Smith, and an
evangelist and church planter, the Rev. Kosiya Shalita.

Mission stations were set up at Matana and Buhiga initially, and then
at Buye. "In each place a church, a hospital, and a school was built
reflecting the three-fold vision of evangelism, ministry to the sick
and needy, and provision of education," the release said. In 1936, the
first Christians were baptized.

During the weekend, Archbishop Bernard Ntahoturi of Burundi
acknowledged the first missionaries' "call and vision as they crossed
into Burundi looking for suitable mission sites with a longing in
their hearts to see its people reached with the Gospel," the release
said. He also called on the church to look to the future, saying that
"there would be many challenges, not least in raising the next
generation in God's ways."

The weekend's celebrations also marked the 25th anniversary of the
Gitega diocese.

Bishop John Nduwayo of Gitega recalled the beginnings of the diocese,
expressing gratitude to those who had worked hard over the years,
especially in the areas of evangelism, health, and education, and to
partners from around the world who had given their support. Gifts were
presented to members of parishes in the diocese who were aged 75 
years or more.

The ceremonies were attended by the Burundian Minister of Good
Governance, representing the country's president; Archbishop Emmanuel
Kolini of the Anglican Church of Rwanda, accompanied by a delegation;
and representatives from the Presbyterian Church of Rwanda, the
National Council of Churches in Burundi, Christian Aid, Scripture
Union, Church Mission Society (CMS) UK, CMS Africa, CMS Ireland, and
Anglican churches in the U.K. and France.

In the coming months, several celebrations are planned in the six
dioceses that make up the province.

Although the origins of the Anglican Church of Burundi date back to
1935, the province didn't become autonomous until 1992, following
several decades as part of the Francophone Province of Rwanda,
Burundi, and Boga-Zaire.

Today, the church's main concerns focus on conflict resolution, peace
building and reconciliation, HIV/AIDS and malaria, conservation and
care of the environment, gender issues, repatriation of refugees and
displaced people, community development, literacy and education, the
release said.

> Article from ENS