Sam (Center) is led forward by two bishops to make his vows

Sunday was a remarkable day in Musanze as the whole area came together to consecrate Rev. Sam Mugisha as the new bishop of the Anglican Shyira Diocese. Bishops represent not only leadership and authority in the church, but also community life and social stability and health in a region like Musanze, that while mostly rural, has around 2 million inhabitants. Accordingly, church representatives, local government officials and even the country’s Prime Minister participated.
Bishops are selected according to the canons (or laws) of a Diocese, and become not only the spiritual head of the church, but in areas like this, also a key development officer for education, clean water, nutrition, etc. Shyira has over 100,000 Anglican Christians in 341 congregations, many schools and programs, and ongoing evangelism and growth initiatives. So a bishop must lead and care for the flock in wholistic ways.
At Sunday’s event all eleven Rwandan bishops came together to bless Sam and his wife, Jackie, as they step into new roles. The 5 1/2 hour service included holy communion for the roughly 5,000 present (scriptural allusions noted) and representatives from various churches and Dioceses in the West, including a spokesman from the Archbishop of Canterbury’s office.  It was a personal joy to connect again with Pastor Agnes, the Priest of our sister-parish, St. Michael’s, as well as clergy I have worked closely with in the past, both in Rwanda and the US.
Bishop Sam will serve as Co-Adjutor (or co-bishop) with Bishop Laurent Mbanda until the latter’s retirement in 2018, learning all facets of Diocesan leadership and getting a real feel for the work going forward. Archbishop Rwaje affirmed this process, declaring that “Success with no successor is a total failure”, and rejoicing at the success of this plan to keep the Diocese vibrant, healthy and faithful to God’s vision.
Given Redeemer’s long-standing partnership with Shyira (going back to our founding as a church in 1998) it was an honour to be present and represent our congregation at the launching of new leadership that will carry things forward for the next 20 years. Let’s be praying for the Bishops of Shyira, and all bishops and clergy, and those who lead in the church of God around the world.

Canon Jay and other clergy at consecration