wfn.org | ACNS Inauguration of new Diocese New Bishops for Burundi

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

ACNS 4069     |     BURUNDI	|     9 NOVEMBER 2005

Inauguration of a new Diocese and Consecration of two Bishops for the
Anglican Church of Burundi

The 5-6th November 2005 was a memorable and historic weekend for the
Anglican Church of Burundi as the new diocese of Muyinga was inaugurated
and two new bishops were consecrated. The Rt Rev Eraste Bigirimana was
consecrated and installed as Bishop of Muyinga. The Rt Rev Sixbert
Macumi was consecrated and installed as Bishop of Buye.

The colourful and joyful ceremonies for the consecrations and
inauguration of Muyinga diocese took place on Saturday 5th November in
the stadium at Muyinga.

The Archbishop of Burundi, the Most Rev. Bernard Ntahoturi, presided,
along with Rt. Rev Samuel Ndayisenga, retiring Bishop of Buye diocese,
Rt. Rev John Nduwayo, Bishop of Gitega, Rt. Rev Pie Ntukamazina, Bishop
of Bujumbura, and Rt. Rev Martin Nyaboho, Bishop of Makamba.

A high point in the ceremonies was when the Archbishop and gathered
Bishops laid their hands on Rev. Eraste and Rev. Sixbert. Each received
the symbols of office - a Bible, a cross, a ring, and, as they were
installed, a staff. As Archbishop Ntahoturi presented Bishop Eraste and
Bishop Sixbert to the congregation there was spontaneous applause and
drumming. Songs from various choirs added to the celebrations.

In his sermon based on Jesus' encounter with Simon Peter after the
resurrection, Archbishop Ntahoturi spoke of Simon's call and the
transformation that that call entailed as Simon became Peter, the Rock,
an Apostle challenged to love Jesus completely, and commissioned to take
care of the flock of Christ. He said that for Bishop Eraste and Bishop
Sixbert the challenge and commission are the same. They should also
endeavour to be channels of living water even in difficult
circumstances. Their work must include the ministry of healing and
reconciliation. Calling on the congregation to support the new bishops
the Archbishop said, "It is time that every Christian from every
congregation knows that they have been called to be harvesters in God's
harvest. This is a call to the priesthood of all believers."

The new diocese of Muyinga is the sixth diocese in the Province of the
EAB and will serve the parishes in the north-eastern areas of Cankuzo
and Muyinga that stretch to the border with Tanzania. It is a
predominantly rural area and consists of 10 parishes and numerous
sub-parishes.

Asked about his thoughts on becoming the Bishop of the new diocese,
Bishop Eraste admits that he faces a big task but he knows that God will
help him. "It is a calling, a blessing from God", he says. Among his
priorities are the training of pastors and the building of a Bible
School. He is also looking forward to working with all people,
especially the pastors and lay Christians of the diocese.

The installation of Bishop Sixbert as Bishop of Buye took place on
Sunday 6 th November in the Cathedral of All Saints in Buye. In his
sermon the Bishop of Gitega, the Rt. Rev. John Nduwayo, expressed thanks
for the ministry of Bishop Samuel Ndayisenga. He reminded the
congregation of the importance of prayer and their responsibility to
pray for their leaders and to serve God. He encouraged Bishop Sixbert
that he has received his authority from Jesus who has promised to be
with him always

and whose power is unlimited. He said, "Feel that God will always be
with you, be it in difficult or easy times."

Bishop Sixbert becomes the third Bishop of the oldest diocese in the
Province of the EAB. Buye diocese was inaugurated in 1965. Asked about
his vision for the diocese, he says that he wants to give priority to
evangelism. He is realistic, however, about the many challenges that
include extreme poverty, AIDS, the results of the war, and the affects
of the recent drought in the northern part of the diocese.

"I want to see in Buye diocese a Church that serves God, His people, and
the whole world, so that it may become God's Kingdom. Being a Bishop is
to be a servant or a shepherd and to show the love of Christ, who died
for us, towards those for whom I have responsibility."

Reviewing the weekend, Archbishop Ntahoturi said, "It has been a great
weekend for the Province, and we thank God. We need however to continue
to pray for the whole Church, and especially for the work of
reconciliation."

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