Newly enthroned Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Rwanda (EAR), Manasseh Gahima, says he will rely on the church’s constitution and established internal conflict-resolution procedures to address disagreements within the institution. ALSO READ: Archbishop Gahima sets goals for unified Anglican Church In an interview with The Context Podcast by The New Times, Gahima, who was installed as archbishop last month, succeeding Laurent Mbanda, talked about some of his priorities, including promoting unity within the church and preaching a gospel that transforms people's lives. He said he wants Christians to read the Bible, pray, practise their faith and contribute positively to the country. He also plans to engage church members through mentorship programmes and workshops, drawing on the experience of people with expertise in conflict resolution. He dismissed suggestions that the church had neglected issues such as family breakdown and addiction, arguing that its work with families often receives less attention than negative stories about the institution. As an example, he cited a programme run in partnership with World Vision in Gahini Diocese, which helped reunite 327 families within a year through home visits and Bible teachings. Misconceptions about the faith Gahima also addressed what he described as misconceptions about Christianity, including the perception that Christians lack sound judgement or withdraw from everyday life. He argued that faith should not prevent people from participating actively in society. He urged Christians not to use prayer as an excuse to neglect work, education or other responsibilities. While acknowledging that God can heal people without medical intervention, he encouraged those who fall ill to seek medical treatment. The archbishop also expressed concern about religious practices in which some leaders misuse the Bible to mislead believers, including persuading people to starve or burn themselves in the belief that doing so would help them reach heaven. He welcomed government requirements governing religious leaders and places of worship, but cautioned that academic qualifications alone were not enough to protect believers from being misled. A journey shaped by public service Gahima said he never expected to become a church leader. In 1997, when he was 26 and working as a secondary school head teacher in Kigali, he was “a nominal Christian” who knew little about Jesus. From Kigali, he moved to Karangazi in the Eastern Province to help resettle people after the area was demarcated from Akagera National Park. There was no electricity or running water. He first lived in a tent before moving into a modest mud-brick house. While upcountry, held local government positions, including mayor and district executive secretary. A turning point came in 2001, when a candle caused a fire accident at his home. After the accident, he asked a church minister to pray with him and he gave his life to Jesus. “I was a very good religious man, but on the lips, not on the heart,” he said. He began reading the Bible and praying. In January 2006, he joined the Diocese of Gahini at the invitation of its then bishop, Alexis Bilindabagabo. He initially planned to help with administrative work before returning to his career. When the bishop suggested he become a priest, Gahima declined. “I can’t be a priest,” he told him. Later, he changed his mind and began training towards becoming a priest. He began serving as diocesan secretary and archdeacon before becoming Bishop of Gahini in 2019. Gahima said local government prepared him for church leadership because both involved serving communities. Rwanda’s position on GAFCON Gahima said Rwanda’s position on the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) had not changed. He rejected the suggestion that GAFCON had broken away from the Anglican Church, noting that those who departed from biblical teaching were the ones who had left. He said GAFCON upholds scripture, including the teaching that marriage is between a man and a woman. Those who had departed would be welcomed back if they repented and returned to biblical teaching.
