February 7, 2012

BUJUMBURA, Burundi – "Harnessing our unity to unlock our potential and secure our future" The Most Rev. Bernard Ntahoturi continued reflections on the life of Peter from John 21 v 15-19 focusing on the "double call" of Jesus to follow and be trained by Him. Jesus transformed Peter from fisherman to shepherd and called him to servant leadership. As followers of Jesus we need to remain rooted in Christ through prayer and the Word of God and move outwards in self-giving love so that the lives of individuals, local Churches and local communities are impacted and strengthened.

The review of the CAPA Constitution was presented by the Rt. Rev. Trevor Mwamba from Botswana diocese, the Province of Central Africa. It was agreed that the current Constitution should remain in place so that further discussion can take place in the Provinces.

A delegation from the Council was received by the President of Burundi, His Excellence Peter Nkurunziza. The Most Rev. Bernard Ntahoturi introduced the Chair of CAPA and thanked the President for meeting with the delegation. The Most Rev. Ian Ernest explained the work and purpose of CAPA and introduced the delegates. The President expressed pleasure that the Council was meeting in Burundi at this particular time and welcomed the participants. He shared his vision for a united, peaceful and developed Burundi and shared some of the achievements, for example in the areas of education and health. He laid emphasis on the importance of prayer and the need to depend on God for the governing of the country.

Following the visit the Council was asked to continue to pray for Burundi and the Archbishop of Burundi was asked to pass on thanks and congratulations to the President.

Resolutions were passed, and a communiqué drafted along with an appeal for harmony in and greater understanding between Muslim and Christian communities. These will be released shortly.

The Most Rev. Ian Ernest thanked everyone for their support during his term of office, especially the General Secretary, the Rev. Canon Grace Kaiso and the CAPA secretariat. He wished the newly elected Chair, the Most Rev. Bernard Ntahoturi, Archbishop of Burundi, and Vice Chair, the Most Rev. Albert Chama, Archbishop of Central Africa, and other elected officers and Standing Committee members well and assured them of his support in the future.

It was decided that the next CAPA Council would be held in DR Congo.

The 11th CAPA Council formally ended with a Service of Holy Communion and Commissioning in Holy Trinity Cathedral at which the new Chair expressed his thanks to the Council for the trust they had put in him and the honour they had bestowed on the Province of the Anglican Church of Burundi. He requested their prayers for the challenging tasks ahead. "Together we will serve CAPA, our Churches, and uphold this continent of Africa," he said. He expressed deep appreciation for the leadership of the Most Rev. Ian Ernest and wished him well.

Further tributes were paid to the Most Rev. Ian Ernest at the final dinner at which delegates were able to experience some of the culture of Burundi through dance, song and the well-known Burundian drummers. It was an occasion to extend votes of thanks particularly to the CAPA secretariat and the staff of the Provincial office for ensuring that the 11th CAPA Council ran so smoothly. The Province of the Anglican Church of Burundi was especially thanked for its warm hospitality and generosity in hosting the Council.

Anglican Communion News Service