Manasseh Gahima was installed as the new Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Rwanda (EAR) on Sunday, October 25, succeeding Laurent Mbanda, who completed his eight-year tenure.

The ceremony took place at Camp Kigali and was attended by Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva, other government officials, and Anglican bishops from different countries around the world.

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Mbanda formally handed over leadership to Gahima through a series of religious rites, including the transfer of pastoral staffs, the new archbishop’s oath and his seating in the bishop’s chair.

Gahima, 56, was elected archbishop on September 11, having served as Bishop of Gahini Diocese and president of the Council of Protestant Churches of Rwanda.

Gahima becomes the fifth bishop of the Anglican Church of Rwanda and the third bishop of the Diocese of Gasabo, according to the installation proceedings.

The ceremony began with Gahima knocking to request entry, introducing himself and being welcomed inside. The church’s chancellor then formally approved his election.

During the proceedings, Mbanda expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to lead the church and handed over his responsibilities to his successor.

He said he was relinquishing the episcopal office willingly and with joy, while emphasising that stepping down from leadership did not mean leaving Christ or the Church of God.

Gahima subsequently took an oath, pledging to serve the church faithfully and with humility, before signing the document to confirm his commitment.

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The outgoing archbishop handed him the pastoral staff of the Diocese of Gasabo before the new leader was formally seated in the bishop’s chair, marking his assumption of leadership.

Mbanda also handed over the pastoral staff of the Anglican Church of Rwanda and presented Gahima to the congregation alongside other bishops.

Following his installation, Gahima was welcomed by pastors, who received him in his new role. He was also presented with the church’s insignia, marking his formal recognition as the church’s new leader.

Gahima’s priorities

Ahead of his installation, Gahima said he intended to lead the church through prayer, humility and consultation with bishops and Christians.

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In September after his election, he said he planned to visit all dioceses, listen to their leaders and members, and work with them to identify priorities and address challenges.

"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,” he said in an interview with The New Times.

Gahima also identified pastoral work, Bible teaching and the development of the church as key areas of focus.

"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.

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He acknowledged that succeeding Mbanda would be a significant responsibility, citing the foundation his predecessor had built during his tenure.

"Succeeding Archbishop Mbanda is hard. In a short time that he was the 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,” Gahima said.

He added that he would continue seeking Mbanda’s advice and support after the handover.

During his eight years as Bishop of Gahini, he said, the diocese constructed 18 churches and started commercial agriculture and an irrigation project aimed at strengthening its financial sustainability.

He has said he intends to build on the outgoing archbishop’s work while strengthening unity and encouraging Christians to contribute to the church’s programmes and activities.