Archbishop-elect Manasseh Gahima says he will lead the Anglican Church of Rwanda (EAR) with humility, prayer and a willingness to listen to bishops and Christians as he prepares to succeed Archbishop Laurent Mbanda.

ALSO READ: "He is humble, relates well with people”: Mbanda on Archbishop-elect Gahima

Gahima, 56, was elected on Friday, September 11, after serving as Bishop of Gahini Diocese and president of the Council of Protestant Churches of Rwanda.

In an interview with Inkoramutima TV on September 20, Gahima spoke about his election, his plans for the church and what he expects from his new responsibility.

Building a united church

Gahima said he was surprised by the election because he had not expected to become archbishop. He said candidates do not solicit votes for the position and that when God gives someone a responsibility, they have to have hope in where He takes them because He uses them.

He said the position is a huge responsibility, that God’s work is not easy, and that he is looking forward to being led by God.

Gahima said his eight years in Gahini had been marked by efforts to build unity among Christians and improve the diocese.

During his tenure, 18 new churches were constructed, while the diocese also started commercial agriculture and an irrigation project to improve its financial sustainability. The irrigation project is still ongoing, and Gahima said he would work with his successor to keep it going.

He said the diocese has enough land to generate income and reduce financial pressure.

He has plans to visit all dioceses, listen to bishops and Christians and work with them on priorities for the church.

The bishop explained that he wants Christians to contribute ideas to the church’s programmes and activities, and bishops ought to meet regularly to discuss challenges facing their dioceses and agree on the way forward.

"Church members have great ideas, and we shall listen to them, consider their suggestions and agree on the way forward. As bishops, we also need to sit together, discuss the challenges we face, pray and plan how to address them.”

Succeeding a strong leader

Taking over from Mbanda will not be easy, Gahima said, given the foundation the outgoing archbishop has built during his eight years in office.

"Succeeding Archbishop Mbanda is hard. In a short time, he was an archbishop in the Anglican Church, he has changed so much, especially the capability of the church. He has left a strong foundation that I will build on,” he said.

Mbanda is due to retire on October 25 but will continue serving the Global Anglican Communion. Gahima said he will continue to seek his predecessor’s advice and support after the handover.

"I will continue to seek his advice because he has done a lot for the church. I cannot put him on the side. He is a smart person; he thinks big and knows how to bring people’s efforts together. A good leader uses everyone’s strength.”

Gahima recalled travelling to Israel with Mbanda for a conference shortly after he became archbishop, saying the trip gave him a closer look at his predecessor’s character. He said Mbanda helped the bishops with their luggage and made sure everyone had collected theirs.

Mbanda also arranged for the group to stay two extra days so they could see more of the city, paying for their food and accommodation.

"He is a listener who weighs what he hears and tells you how he understands it. He is so down to earth,” Gahima said.

He credited Mbanda with advancing the church’s development projects, improving its financial sustainability and building relationships that attracted support for its programmes.

His priorities for service

Gahima said his own priorities would include pastoral work, teaching the Bible and supporting the development of the church.

"I love praying. I will teach God’s people His word and help those who are struggling to do better, while also pastoring people and supporting the development of the church,” he said.

He added that his approach to leadership has been shaped by his personal journey, which began with growing up as a refugee in Uganda.

"I grew up as a poor person. I was a refugee. I am a product of God’s mercies and grace. I needed to be humble. I am a person who listens to what God wants me to do and does it,” he said.

Gahima said he wants his family life to demonstrate the values he preaches, particularly prayer and service.

"I have shown my children a good example. How can they see me kneel and pray, set aside time for prayer, and then go off track? It is impossible. As for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord. He does not leave us,” he said.

The archbishop-elect noted that his motivation to continue serving comes from his faith and a desire to see the church fulfil its mission.

"I just tell God, You started your church, let it give You the glory,” he said.

Who is Gahima?

Gahima was born on December 12, 1970. He is the seventh of nine siblings and grew up in Uganda, where he attended Kasonga Primary School in Hoima, Kololo Secondary School and St Andrea Kahwa’s College.

He obtained a Diploma in Secondary Education from NTC Kakoba campus of ITEK Kyambogo, followed by a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Umutara Polytechnic, now part of the University of Rwanda.

He later earned a Master of Arts in Human Resource Management from Kabale University and a Master of Theology from Wycliffe University, where he completed a PhD in Theological Studies in 2018.

Gahima has worked in administration since 1996 and served in various capacities in the Diocese of Gahini before being consecrated assistant bishop in 2017. He later became Bishop of Gahini Diocese.

He is married to Rose Dusenge Gahima, and they have eight children.