GRADUATIONS

Three students, one from each of the dioceses of Makamba, Matana, and Muyinga, graduated from the Theological Institute at Matana on 15^th June having completed 3 years of study. They were presented with their diplomas during a service in St Peter’s Cathedral at which the Bishop of Muyinga, the Rt. Rev. Eraste Bigirimana, preached.

At the reception that followed they received several resource books that were donated by Hilfe für Brüder , Germany , and other friends and partners.

The Province, staff of the Institute, partners, and local congregations were thanked for their support of the Institute.

VISITORS

Muyinga diocese recently welcomed Peter Sanders, Project Director from The Kepplewray Project, along with Stephen Mcllhenny. The Kepplewray Project challenges exclusion by making outdoor activities available to disabled and non-disabled people as equal partners. Ideas and vision for a similar project in Burundi are being explored.

SYMPATHY

The Province expresses sympathy to the family of the late Venerable Canon Japhet Ruracenyeka who died at the age of 87 yrs. Before his retirement he served as Archdeacon of Rumonge, Bujumbura diocese. He will be remembered for his commitment to Church planting and his sheltering of people from different backgrounds during the civil war.

GAFCON AND LAMBETH CONFERENCES 

The Rt Rev. Martin Nyaboho and the Provincial Secretary, Rev. Pedaculi Birakengana, are representing the Province at the GAFCON Conference in Jerusalem. The House of Bishops and their spouses will be attending the Lambeth Conference in Canterbury from 16th July - 4th August.

FIELD VISIT TO KENYA

A delegation from the Province led by the Rt Rev. Martin Nyaboho, Bishop of Makamba and Chair of the Commission for Development, made a field visit to the Province of the Anglican Church of Kenya.

Their varied programme included visiting a housing project, Church Army projects, an orphans’ project, an environment programme involving tree planting, and work of the Mothers’ Union . They joined the congregation at Naivacha parish, in the diocese of Nakuru, for Sunday worship.

They were impressed by the organization and schemes for income generation throughout the Province, and the priority given to education, water harvesting, and activities to impact communities. The delegation expresses their thanks for all the kindness and help they received.

PEACE IN BURUNDI

On the 26^th May the Government and a delegation of the PALIPEHUTU FNL, the last active rebel group, signed a cease-fire renewing hopes that the 15-year long civil war might finally be over. These hopes were strengthened by the return four days later of Agathon Rwasa, the FNL’s leader, from 20 years of exile. Whilst seen as a positive step towards peace it has been acknowledged that there is much to be achieved before lasting peace and stability are consolidated in Burundi . Continue to pray that progress is made.