African bishops to discuss dev’t

KIGALI - TWELVE Rwandan Bishops will, next week join about 500 Anglican bishops from Africa to discuss the development challenges that Africa faces. The conference, which will be held under the theme; “Securing our future; Unlocking our potential,” is scheduled to take place in Kampala, Uganda from August 23 - 28. Kigali’s Provincial Secretary, Reverend Emmanuel Gatera, said the Rwandan representative will comprise 10 diocesan bishops and two coadjutor (assistant) bishops. “It will be a good opportunity for us (African bishops) to meet and discuss the success and challenges registered so far as well as chart the way forward,” he said in a phone interview, yesterday. According to the organizers, the conference will lay emphasis on peace, reconciliation, compassion, good governance and poverty eradication. The first conference was held in Lagos, Nigeria in 2004 under the theme, “Africa has come of age.” “Our biggest interest is to compare notes when we meet, but there are also other pertinent issues that will be presented,” Gatera added. The chairman of the conference’s Organizing committee, Edward Gaamuwa, had told journalists earlier that the bishops will explore ways of restoring compassionate and accountable leaders on the continent. Gaamuwa said the event also aims at exposing church leaders to various resource models, investment and management, and creating a platform for networking. The clerics are also expected to tackle obstacles to Christianity, conflict, poverty, diseases, corruption, poor leadership, restlessness and hopelessness. Ends

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African bishops to discuss dev’t