Manasseh Gahima, the newly installed Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Rwanda, has pledged to strengthen unity within the church, improve financial sustainability and expand its contribution to national development.
Gahima made the commitments on Sunday, October 25, during his installation at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village, where he formally succeeded Laurent Mbanda, who completed his eight-year tenure.
The new archbishop said his leadership would focus on strengthening fellowship among Christians, building the capacity of church workers, improving financial accountability and supporting initiatives that address challenges facing young people and communities.
“My leadership will be characterised by reverence for God, hard work, transparency, accountability, consultation, attentive listening and collective decision-making,” Gahima said.
He outlined five priorities for his tenure: promoting spiritual revival, strengthening church unity, developing church workers, improving financial sustainability and accountability, and transforming the lives of young people and the wider population.
Gahima also pledged to strengthen cooperation between the Anglican Church, other religious institutions and the government, particularly in areas that contribute to national development and citizens’ welfare.
“We will also work to maintain good relations and cooperation between the Anglican Church of Rwanda, other faith organisations, the Catholic Church and the government, because we all share the responsibility of building our country,” he said.
Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva, government officials and Anglican bishops from different countries attended the ceremony.
Building on his predecessor’s legacy
Gahima said he would build on the foundation laid by Mbanda while consulting bishops, clergy and Christians on the church’s priorities.
He said a consultative meeting would be convened to help establish a shared vision and identify ways to address the church’s challenges.
“We must take ownership of this work as a Church,” he said, stressing the importance of cooperation and faith in achieving the goals.
Gahima praised Mbanda for strengthening the church during his tenure and said he intended to seek his advice and support.
“You leave us with a strong foundation upon which to build,” he said, thanking Mbanda and his wife for their service.
Before his installation, Gahima said he planned to visit all dioceses to listen to church leaders and members, assess their needs and agree on priorities.
“Church members have great ideas, and we shall listen to them, consider their suggestions and agree on the way forward,” he said.
He also identified pastoral care and Bible teaching as central to his responsibilities, saying he wanted to support Christians facing difficulties and encourage the church’s continued growth.
Experience in diocesan leadership
Gahima, 56, was elected archbishop on September 11. He previously served as Bishop of Gahini Diocese and president of the Council of Protestant Churches of Rwanda.
During his eight years leading Gahini Diocese, he said, the church built 18 churches and launched commercial agriculture and an irrigation project aimed at strengthening its financial sustainability.
He said those experiences would inform his approach to managing the wider church.
During his installation, Gahima pledged to serve with humility and signed an oath affirming his commitment. Mbanda handed over the pastoral staffs and formally presented his successor to the congregation, marking the transfer of leadership.
Gahima also thanked the country’s leadership for creating opportunities for Rwandans to contribute to national development, saying the Anglican Church would continue cooperating with the government where their responsibilities overlap.
His challenge now will be to translate his priorities into practical programmes that strengthen the church’s unity, financial management and engagement with the communities it serves.
