Archbishop-Elect of the Province of the Anglican Church of Rwanda, Dr Laurent Mbanda, will be receiving the responsibilities to serve the church in the new position on Sunday, June 10.

The ceremony will take place at Kigali Independent University (ULK), according to the church.

About 12 top leaders of the Anglican Communion from all continents, as well as the church’s partners worldwide and thousands of Rwandans are expected to attend the enthroning ceremony.

Mbanda, the outgoing Bishop of Shyira Diocese, was in January elected as the next Archbishop and Primate of the Province of the Anglican Church of Rwanda, replacing Archbishop Onesphore Rwaje, who retires at 65 years.

The new Archbishop will also serve as the Bishop of Gasabo Diocese.

During a news conference held on Monday at the Anglican Church Headquarters in Remera, the outgoing archbishop assured that preparations for high-level ceremony are going well and that they expect many foreign dignitaries to attend.

The enthroning ceremony will be the day for all Anglican churches to celebrate the achievements made since 2011 as Rwaje was serving the church and to welcome the incoming archbishop who will be serving the church for three years before he retires.

"Though I am retired, my calling to serve the church is beyond the age of 65. I will be serving the church all the days of my life in partnership with substantive leaders. I am passionate with leadership development and promoting peace in the community,” the outgoing Archbishop said.

Rwaje thanked the church’s leaders who helped him successfully discharge his duties of ensuring a community that is transformed both spiritually and economically.

"In all our parishes, Christians were grouped into saving groups, children were educated and parents were trained enough about parenting duties. It may happen that some church leaders become weak in their services but despite such weaknesses, the church still brings hope and consciousness to the society,” he added.

The incoming Archbishop, Mbanda, said that during his tenure, he will strive to see well- being of the community transformed.

"I am passionate to serve my country and will be happier to see my deeds impacting the community. I will work towards sustaining the achievements to ensure the church continues its contribution towards social economic development in areas like education, health, social affairs, and infrastructure development,” Mbanda said.

The newly-elected archbishop becomes the fourth Rwandan to serve the church in that capacity after Augustin Ncamihigo, Emmanuel Kolini, and Onesphore Rwaje.

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