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WORLD
COUNCIL OF CHURCHES 9TH ASSEMBLY IN
BRAZIL
Transformation
was the central focus of the Assembly that provided an
opportunity for the 691 delegates representing 348 member
churches to pray, reflect, and dialogue on the theme, “God, in
your grace, transform the world”. Archbishop Bernard
Ntahoturi, together with Josephine Bigari and Edmond Bayisabe,
represented the Province, with
Edmond
also attending the pre-Assembly youth event.
Youth
had a full part in the Assembly and were involved in the
business of shaping the vision and priorities for the future.
Key issues on the agenda included global economy, violence,
climate change, HIV/AIDS, and ecumenism.
Archbishop
Bernard, who was once again elected to serve on the Central
Committee, said of the event, “As the theme was in the form of
a prayer I found that this first assembly of the 21st
century was a call to churches and all Christians to renewal and
transformation. We cannot expect the world to be changed unless
we are first transformed by God’s grace and so become God’s
instruments for God’s work in God’s world.” |
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WITH
SYMPATHY
The
Province extends sympathy to Archbishop Bernard and his family
on the death of his father, and to Rev. Harold Adeney on the
death of his wife Isobel who worked with him in
Burundi
for 30 years. |
50TH
SESSION OF UNCSW
Claudette
Kigeme and Emilienne Ruzobavako attended the 50th
Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
in
New York
from 27 Feb. – 10 March. They engaged with issues that face
women around the world. Central to their discussions were
enhanced participation of women in development and equal
participation of women and men in decision-making processes at
all levels. Claudette spoke at a luncheon arranged by ERD and at
a side event organised by Mothers’
Union
. On both occasions she shared about how the EAB is empowering
women through the literacy and development programme and the
micro credit programme for victims of HIV/AIDS.
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VISIT
OF STEPHEN BURGESS
The Province welcomed Stephen Burgess,
Regional Manager, Mid-Africa Region, Church Mission Society, at
the beginning of March. He visited all six dioceses in order to
become familiar with the work of the Province and to discover
ways of strengthening the partnership between the EAB and CMS.
He also had an opportunity to meet up with Roger and Miranda
Bowen and Sheena McBain who are currently working as CMS mission
partners in Matana and
Bujumbura
dioceses respectively.
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NEWS
IN BRIEF
§
Thanks
is extended to all those who have responded to the appeal for
funds to assist those suffering from the recent drought.
§
The
Province also wishes to express thanks to
Trinity Church
,
New York
for assisting with the provision of communication network
facilities.
§
Archbishop
Bernard and other Church leaders met with the UN Working Group
who visited
Burundi
recently to discuss with the Government and NGOs mechanisms for
setting up the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and a Special
Tribunal for
Burundi
.
§
“Youth
for Peace in Burundi” will be held 17th-22nd
April and provide an opportunity for youth from the dioceses to
engage with issues relating to peace and reconstruction in a
post conflict situation in order to build mutual respect and
trust. We thank WCC for their financial support.
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