PHOTOS: Antoine Rutayisire retires from church leadership

Reverend Canon Antoine Rutayisire, a prominent figure in the Anglican Church of Rwanda, has retired from leadership of the Anglican Church.The famous religious leader, who recently turned 65, has been serving as the senior pastor of St Peter's Church in Remera.He was honoured for his years of dedicated service during a colourful ceremony held at the church on Saturday, June 4.The event also doubled as an occassion to celebrate the church's milestones in recent years, marked by unveiling of four commercial buildings, dubbed Union Plaza, and the inauguration of the new Church of EAR Remera Parish.Archbishop Laurent Mbanda of the Anglican Church of Rwanda presented Rev. Rutayisire with a certificate honouring his exceptional service as a pastor, while the congregation gifted him with a brand new Toyota Fortuner as a token of appreciation.The chief executive of Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), Usta Kaitesi, referred to Rutayisire as a man of great honour who had made substantial contributions to the Anglican Church of Rwanda and the country as a whole.She acknowledged his tireless efforts in guiding and inspiring both the clergy and faithful, which she said had significantly contributed to the spiritual growth and social development of the nation.During a news conference following the ceremony, Rutayisire clarified that his retirement was solely from his leadership position within the church.He expressed his intention to continue serving as a pastor and contribute in different ways as a member of the congregation.Reflecting on his 12-year tenure, he expressed gratitude to his congregation, the church, and the country for their unwavering support throughout his service.ALSO READ: Pastor Rutayisire urges Rwandans to learn from Fathers, Mothers UnionsWhen asked about the most memorable aspect of his time in leadership, Rutayisire acknowledged that every experience had been positive. Rutayisire extended his best wishes to his successor, Reverend Emmanuel Karegesa, expressing hope for his success in further developing the church. He assured Rev. Karegesa of his availability and willingness to provide assistance whenever needed, emphasising his continued commitment to the church's growth and prosperity.Born on May 29, 1958, in Gatsibo, Eastern Province, Rutayisire's educational journey includes several notable achievements.In 1977, he obtained a high school diploma from Petit Seminary Zaza before going on to earn a Bachelor's degree in languages from University of Rwanda in 1980.A victim of segregation during the Juvenal Habyarimana era, Rutayisire would later continue his academic pursuits against all odds, obtaining a Master's degree in Teaching English language from the University of North Wales, UK, in 1986. In 2008, he attained a Master's degree in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary in California, USA.He later further strengethened his theological expertise, obtaining a Doctor of Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2015.Rutayisire's pastoral journey began in December 2007 when he was first ordained as a pastor. He served as a sub-dean at Saint Etienne Cathedral from 2007 through 2011 before assuming the role of Senior Pastor at EAR Remera in 2011.ALSO READ: Antoine Rutayisire on what inspired him to write book on reconciliationAlongside his pastoral work, he has authored seven books, including Faith Under Fire: Testimonies for Christian Recovery During the 1994 Genocide, published in 1996, and his latest work, Reconciliation is My Lifestyle: A Life's Lesson on Forgiving and Loving Those Who Have Hated You, published in 2021.His books revolve around themes of religion, peace, and reconciliation.Notably, Rutayisire served as the Vice President of the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission from 2002 to 2011. Additionally, he held the position of principal at Kigali Anglican Theological College from 2010 to 2018.Throughout his illustrious career, he has been recognized as a leader, teacher, entrepreneur, preacher, and counselor within the Anglican Church of Rwanda. As he embarks on this new chapter of his journey, his contributions and dedication to his faith community continue to leave a lasting impact.

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PHOTOS: Antoine Rutayisire retires from church leadership