Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente has called on all religious denominations to step up partnerships with government in implementation of various development programmes with an aim of improving citizens’ welfare.

Ngirente was speaking at the ceremony to enthrone the new Archbishop of the Province of the Anglican Church of Rwanda, Dr Laurent Mbanda, who replaced Onesphore Rwaje.

Rwaje retired after clocking 65 years.

The event, that was held at Kigali Independent University (ULK) stadium, was attended by top government officials, senior leaders of the Anglican Communion from all continents and top members of the clergy in the country, among others.

Addressing thousands of congregants gathered at the stadium, Ngirente highlighted the role of churches in the development of the country.

He thanked the retired archbishop for serving the church deligently as well as wished good luck to his successor.

Ngirente noted that such an event is the time to reflect on the contribution of the church in the progress of the nation.

"Specifically to the Anglican Church, we thank them for different initiatives aimed improving peoples’ welfare. For instance, the establishment of hospitals and health centres, and schools like Muhabura and Hanika polytechnics, is  commendable,” he said.

Ngirente said that a good Christian should be healthy and that government expects churches to play a big part in achieving its vision.

Churches were also urged to encourage their followers to venture into income generating projects so as to become self-reliant and also inculcate in them a savings culture.

Archbishop Mbanda, who was the Bishop of Shyira Diocese, was in January elected as the next archbishop, replacing Rwaje, who has led the church since 2011.

Handing over the instruments of power to the incoming archbishop, Rwaje promised his successor to pray for him so that he accomplishes his duties.

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

Among his priorities, the incoming archbishop said are establishment of a nursery school at every Anglican Church in the country, and an Anglican university.

He also said he would renovate the pastoral school located in Kabuga,  Kigali among others.

"I am so glad and thankful to God for my life. I thank God and church leaders who have entrusted me with the opportunity to lead the Church. Together with other church leaders, I want to commit to sustain the achievements made thus far and strive to contribute more to develop the church and its people,” Mbanda added.

Who is Mbanda?

Mbanda replaced the retired Bishop John Rucyahana, as the Bishop of Shyira Diocese in north-western Rwanda, in November 2010.

He previously served as the vice president for Africa region, Compassion International between 2004 and 2010. Prior to that, he was vice president for programme development at the same organisation from 1997 to 2004.

He holds a Ph.D. in educational studies from Trinity International University in the U.S which he obtained in 1990 and Master of Arts (M.A.) in Christian Education from Denver Seminary in the U.S, which he acquired in 1986.

He also attended Kenya Highlands Bible College.

In 2005, Bishop Mbanda moved back to Rwanda from the US to "devote his life to the recovery and reconstruction of the country”.

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