MBRACE AND CAPA

The Most Rev. Bernard Ntahoturi attended the Mbrace event – part of CMS Ireland’s ongoing programme for addressing the challenges of mission in the world today.

There were opportunities to visit parishes, share the work of the EAB, and learn from the experiences of others.

The Archbishop then proceeded to the General Assembly of the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA) and was joined by Rev. Pedaculi Birakengana, Provincial Secretary, and Claudette Kigeme, Coordinator for Mothers’ Union .

On his return Archbishop Bernard said, “The Church in general and mission agencies in particular are called to embrace God’s agenda because mission is at the heart of God. The 10^th Council of CAPA was an event of hope. We were reminded that we are called to a life of faithfulness so our Gospel message may be relevant to our mission.”

APJN/IAWN

The Anglican Peace and Justice Network brought together delegates from 18 countries for meetings in Rwanda and Burundi at the end of September. Prior to the APJN Claudette Kigeme and Rev. Jeanne-Francoise Ndimubakunzi attended the consultation on violence against women and peace building from the grassroots organised for Anglican women in the Great Lakes region by the International Anglican Women’s Network. It was held in Kigali, Rwanda, and provided opportunity to visit the genocide memorial site and hear testimonies from survivors. After the conference Claudette said, “During armed conflicts as well as in peaceful times, women are subject to violence of different kinds. It is time for the church to break the silence and address the issue seriously as the consequences affect the whole community. It is time also for women to use their power as mothers to transform the next generation.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

- Rev. Pedaculi Birakengana attended the Provincial Secretary’s Conference in Hong Kong at the end of August, designed to further professional development, encourage faith and ministry, and raise awareness of the challenges of other Provinces of the Anglican Communion. He was able to brief other Provinces on the work and ministry of the EAB.
- The Pan Africa Christian Police Associations Conference was organised by the Christian Police Association of Burundi towards the end of September. It was formally opened by the Minister of Interior and Public Security and the Director General of the National Police.
- Mothers’ Union training on gender and development took place recently in collaboration with ACCORD.
- Bujumbura diocese thanked and said farewell to Sheena McBain who has been a CMS mission partner based at Shombo Health Centre, near Muramvya, for 2 years.
- The EAB continues to receive back schools from the government. In August 30 primary schools and 3 secondary schools were received.
- The Kirundi version of “Great Truths from God’s Word” by Dr. Leonard Sharp was launched on September 24th by the International Bible Society, Bujumbura. The first version in Kirundi was written by Dr. Sharp at Matana in the 1930s and early 1940s for evangelists. An enlarged English version was then produced in the 1970s to assist Bible teaching and support the work of pastors from which this latest Kirundi version has been translated. At the launch Church leaders expressed their thanks to Dr. Sharp’s daughter, Mary, whose vision led to the work being undertaken.