The Anglican Church of Rwanda (EAR) has officially consecrated and enthroned the Most Rev. Dr. Manasseh Gahima as its new Archbishop and Primate, marking a new chapter in the leadership and mission of the Church. He succeeds the Most Rev. Dr. Laurent Mbanda, who served as Archbishop and Primate for eight years.
The consecration and enthronement ceremony took place in Kigali on Sunday, 25 October 2026, bringing together senior government officials, religious leaders, Anglican clergy, Christians from across the country and international guests.
Dr. Gahima was elected as the new Archbishop on 11 September 2026. Before his election, he served as Bishop of Gahini Diocese. In addition to his responsibilities as Archbishop and Primate, he also assumes leadership as Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Gasabo.
His appointment represents an important transition in the leadership of the Anglican Church of Rwanda, as the Church looks towards strengthening its spiritual foundation, institutional governance, unity and contribution to national development.
A New Chapter in the Leadership of the Anglican Church of Rwanda The enthronement of the Most Rev. Dr. Manasseh Gahima as the fifth Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Rwanda marks the continuation of the Church’s episcopal leadership and its commitment to fulfilling its mission of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The ceremony was attended by several senior government officials, including the Prime Minister of Rwanda, Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva; the Minister of Local Government, Dominique Habimana; the Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana; and the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Consolée Uwimana.
Religious leaders from different denominations, representatives of the Anglican Church, members of the clergy, Christians and international visitors also attended the historic occasion.
Their presence reflected the importance of the Anglican Church within Rwanda’s religious and social landscape and the significance of the transition in its national leadership.
Archbishop Gahima Outlines His Vision for the Church In his inaugural address, the Most Rev. Dr. Manasseh Gahima expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Anglican Church of Rwanda for the confidence placed in him through his election. He also thanked the Government of Rwanda for creating an environment in which religious institutions can fulfil their responsibilities and contribute to the well-being of society.
He acknowledged the support of his family and recognised the importance of cooperation, encouragement and collective commitment in fulfilling the responsibilities of his new office.
Presenting his vision, Archbishop Gahima emphasised his desire to build a Christ-centred Church that promotes spiritual growth, unity, good governance, financial sustainability and meaningful transformation in the lives of Rwandans.
He explained that the Church should be firmly rooted in Christ, spiritually mature, united in its mission and equipped with the resources and institutional capacity necessary to fulfil its responsibilities.
He stated that he wants to lead a Church that transforms society and responds to the challenges facing Rwandans, emphasising that achieving this vision will require God’s guidance and the support of the entire Anglican community.
His vision places particular importance on ensuring that the Church remains relevant to the spiritual and practical needs of the people it serves.Good Governance, Accountability and Financial Sustainability One of the major priorities outlined by the new Archbishop is strengthening governance and institutional accountability across the Anglican Church of Rwanda.
He highlighted the importance of leadership founded on respect for God, transparency, commitment, accountability, consultation and active listening.According to his vision, effective Church leadership should involve working collaboratively with clergy, lay leaders and other stakeholders to ensure that decisions are informed by shared understanding and collective responsibility.He also emphasised the need to improve the management of Church resources and establish a clear institutional direction that will accelerate the Church’s development.
Financial sustainability is another important priority. Archbishop Gahima expressed his commitment to strengthening the Church’s capacity to generate and manage resources effectively, enabling it to implement its programmes and ministries without unnecessary financial constraints.This approach is expected to support the continued development of the Church’s institutions, including its dioceses, parishes, schools, healthcare facilities and community development initiatives.
Promoting Christian Unity and Preserving Anglican Values Archbishop Gahima also identified Christian unity and the preservation of Christian values as central pillars of his leadership.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening relationships among Christians, promoting cooperation within the Anglican Church and maintaining constructive relationships with other Christian denominations.The Anglican Church of Rwanda has, in recent years, taken significant decisions concerning its international church relationships, particularly its position on theological disagreements with the Church of England regarding biblical teachings and contemporary church practices.
In this context, the new Archbishop assumes leadership at a time when questions of biblical faithfulness, Anglican identity, unity and the future direction of the global Anglican Communion remain important matters of discussion.
His stated commitment to preserving Christian values and strengthening the Church’s spiritual foundation will therefore be an important part of his leadership.
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining positive relations between the Church and government institutions, recognising that cooperation can contribute to addressing social challenges and improving the well-being of communities.
Acknowledging the Service of Archbishop Laurent Mbanda The transition also provides an opportunity to recognise the contribution of the outgoing Archbishop, the Most Rev. Dr. Laurent Mbanda, who served as Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church of Rwanda for eight years.
During his tenure, the Church strengthened its institutional identity, expanded its engagement with international Anglican networks and made important decisions concerning its theological position and relationships within the global Anglican Communion.
His leadership also provided an opportunity for dioceses across Rwanda to strengthen their ministries, partnerships and contribution to community development.
Kigeme Diocese joins the wider Anglican Church of Rwanda in expressing appreciation for Archbishop Mbanda’s service, pastoral leadership and dedication to the Church.
His farewell pastoral visit to Kigeme Diocese provided an opportunity for Christians and diocesan leaders to express their gratitude for his leadership and to reflect on the progress achieved during his tenure.
Looking Ahead: The Mission of the Anglican Church of Rwanda As the Most Rev. Dr. Manasseh Gahima begins his ministry as Archbishop and Primate, the Anglican Church of Rwanda enters a new period of leadership with renewed expectations and responsibilities.
His vision presents an agenda centred on spiritual renewal, unity, good governance, accountability, financial sustainability and social transformation.
For dioceses, parishes, clergy and Christians across Rwanda, the new leadership offers an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and renew their commitment to the mission of the Church.
Kigeme Diocese congratulates the Most Rev. Dr. Manasseh Gahima on his consecration and enthronement as the fifth Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church of Rwanda. The Diocese wishes him God’s wisdom, strength and guidance as he assumes this important responsibility of shepherding the Church and leading its mission.
May God bless his ministry and grant him the grace to lead a Christ-centred, united, accountable and transformative Church that continues to proclaim the Gospel and serve the people of Rwanda.
