Why Rwanda?
In January 2000, the Province of Rwanda responded to a crisis of faith and
leadership in The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion by consecrating
the Rev. Chuck Murphy and the Rev. Dr. John Rodgers as missionary bishops.
Later that year, the Anglican Mission was born and began missionary outreach to “the Americas.”
Rwandan Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini felt moved to intervene because of the pain suffered in the horrific genocide in Rwanda that left one million people dead in 100 days, while the world stood by and allowed it to happen.
In his view, the US was experiencing a “spiritual genocide,” and he was unwilling to stand by and do nothing.
The Anglican Mission’s connection with Rwanda, however, is much more than oversight. It includes shared mission and ministry. The Mission continues to enjoy a strong partnership with the Province of Rwanda, fueled by passion to reach the unchurched in North America.
Anglican Mission congregations often welcome priests and bishops to preach and teach stateside, while numerous individuals and groups from Anglican Mission churches visit Rwanda. The story of forgiveness and reconciliation experienced by the people of Rwanda is compelling and presents a powerful witness for our context.
Apostles Anglican Church is both a founding member and mission partner with the Anglican Church of North America, an emerging Province recognized as co-laborers for the Gospel by the majority of the worldwide Anglican Communion. We are part of the global Anglican family, with some 77 million members worldwide.
Apostles has a very special relationship with Bishop Jered Kalimba and the Diocese of Shyogwe, in which our own sister parish in Gitarama is the hub of the most populous archdeaconry, equivalent to our Network of churches.
