The Anglican Church of Rwanda (EAR) will hold elections on September 11 to choose the archbishop who will succeed Archbishop Laurent Mbanda, who is due to retire.

Mbanda announced the new date for election on Sunday, September 6, and urged Christians to pray for the Church as it prepares to choose his successor.

ALSO READ: As Anglican Church prepares for new archbishop, here’s what to know about the selection process

Mbanda, 71, has led the Church since 2018. He was due to retire at 65, but his tenure was extended, allowing him to remain in office beyond the usual retirement age.

The Church’s House of Bishops, which brings together bishops from its 13 dioceses, has held several meetings to prepare for the election of the next archbishop.

The election is traditionally conducted in a private meeting in which the bishops vote from among themselves before the winner is announced.

Three bishops currently meet the requirements to contest for the position: Bishop Manasseh Gahima of Gahini Diocese, Bishop Nathan Rusengo of Kigali Diocese and Bishop Assiel Musabyimana of Kigeme Diocese.

To qualify, a candidate must be between 55 and 60 years old and must have served as a diocesan bishop for at least five years.

Archbishops and bishops are ordinarily required to retire at the age of 65, unless an exception is granted.

The reasons for extending an archbishop’s tenure are not necessarily made public. Such extensions may be granted to allow an archbishop to complete important projects or responsibilities.

In the case of Mbanda, he also serves as chairman of the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), a position he assumed in April 2023. His current term as GAFCON chairman runs until 2028, although it is not clear whether this played a role in the decision to extend his tenure as Rwanda’s archbishop.

Mbanda was elected Archbishop of Rwanda in 2018 after serving as Bishop of Shyira Diocese. He succeeded Archbishop Onesphore Rwaje, who had retired from the position.

Before becoming archbishop, Mbanda served as vice president of Compassion International.