The newly consecrated Bishop of Kigeme Anglican Diocese, Rev. Assiel Musabyimana, has been urged to put in more efforts to develop the body and soul of Christians.

The call was made by both government and Anglican Church leaders on Saturday during Bishop Musabyimana’s consecration and enthronement.

Kigeme Diocese is located in Nyamagabe District, Southern Province, serving over 80,000 Christians from 58 parishes.

He replaced Bishop Augustin Mvunabandi who retired at 65 as par church regulations.

Various officials urged the new bishop to build on existing partnership between the church and the government to ensure society development.

"As a new bishop you need to help build peaceful families and a society free of domestic of violence as well as drug abuse. I am optimistic we will work together to build a better country,” said Marie Rose Mureshyankwano, the Southern Province Governor, who was the chief guest.

Mureshyankwano said churches are key players to national development.

"Churches should also ensure that there is no malnutrition among families and promote hygiene as well as early childhood education,” she added.

The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Rwanda, Onesphore Rwaje, who presided over the consecration ceremony, urged the new bishop to use the Bible as a weapon that would help him succeed in leadership and God’s work.

"Use the Holy Bible as a weapon and use your leadership skills to shape good Christians, punish them whenever necessary, bring back stray sheep, and promote justice for all,” Rwaje said.

He noted that the church, just like society, needs capable leaders in the driving seat.

"We are thankful that we have good leadership in our country. We ought to be good leaders in our respective positions, in our families and elsewhere,” he said.

Rev. Musabyimana said he was excited to have been chosen as a servant of God, and pledged to serve diligently with His help.

"I am committed and pledge that I will respect the Constitution of the Church, follow Holy Bible and preach scriptures accordingly and, respect church leaders,” Musabyimana said.

He committed to maintain church principles, and promote justice.

"Today is history that will never be forgotten, it is God’s grace and the reason why God cares is because we believe He chose us to be leaders, this is not a gift but a responsibility. We will always be thankful to God and ask for His guidance in this journey,” he said.

He hailed the previous church leaders, particularly the outgoing Bishop, Augusin Mvunabanda, for laying a strong foundation he would build on to develop the diocese, both spiritually and economically.

"I was chosen from among you to be your servant, we will never hesitate to work hard, be it in infrastructure development, uplifting people from poverty, promoting education and social welfare among people around us, " he told the gathering.

Musambyimana is the third bishop of the 25-year-old diocese.

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