Archbishop of Canterbury Visits Kenya and Burundi for Meetings and Installation Ceremony

Archbishop Sarah of Canterbury recently visited Kenya and Burundi, engaging in significant ecclesiastical and pastoral activities. During her visit to Kenya, she met with the Primate and Archbishop of Kenya, the Most Revd Dr Jackson Ole Sapit. The two leaders shared reflections on their shared vocation to follow Christ and proclaim the gospel. Their meeting included a symbolic act of planting a tree at the Archbishop of Kenya’s official residence, a gesture that underscores the importance of growth and stewardship in the church’s mission.

The Archbishop’s journey continued to Burundi, where she participated in the Installation ceremony of the Most Revd Eraste Bigirimana as the sixth Primate and Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Burundi. The event, held at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Bujumbura, was attended by bishops from across the Anglican Communion, clergy, lay leaders, and members of the Mothers’ and Fathers’ Union. This gathering highlighted the unity and collaborative spirit within the Anglican Communion as they support new leadership in the church.

In her sermon during the Installation service, Archbishop Sarah drew upon the book of Joshua, emphasizing the call to servant leadership and the importance of unity within the church. She urged Archbishop Eraste to remember that his ministry, like that of the entire church, rests on the call of Christ rather than personal achievement. Her message underscored the role of the church in offering hope and eternal life in a world marked by death and despair, aligning with the biblical principle found in Micah 6:8, which calls for acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.

Archbishop Sarah also presented Archbishop Eraste with a Canterbury Pectoral Cross, a symbol of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s authority and pastoral care. Additionally, she gave the Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral a pilgrim shell from her own pilgrimage, a gesture that reflects the shared spiritual journey and mutual support among church leaders. These symbolic acts reinforce the bonds of fellowship and the ongoing commitment to mission and service within the Anglican Communion.

Following the Installation service, Archbishop Sarah met with ecumenical church leaders to discuss ongoing efforts in peace and reconciliation. She also learned about the church’s work with healthcare providers and patients in local communities. These interactions highlight the Anglican Communion’s commitment to addressing social issues and providing care to those in need, embodying the biblical call to love one’s neighbor as oneself, as emphasized in Romans 12:18. Through these engagements, the Archbishop continued to foster partnerships and support initiatives that reflect the church’s broader mission of witness and service.

Source: Read the original report