[Anglican Communion News Service] 4th–8th February 2012 Bujumbura, Burundi

“Harnessing our unity to unlock our potential and secure our future”

Hosted by the Province of the Anglican Church of Burundi, the 11th CAPA Council meeting is bringing together Primates or their representatives, clergy and lay people from the 12 Anglican Provinces of Africa along with partners and other observers from around the world.

The Council of the Anglican Provinces of Africa, whose secretariat is based in Nairobi, Kenya, is a continental body that brings together the twelve Provinces of the Anglican Church in Africa.

CAPA exists to effectively co-ordinate and provide a platform for that part of the Anglican Communion in Africa to celebrate life and consult and address challenges in the continent. Through fellowship and partnerships, capacity building and the promotion of good governance and social development it seeks to realize God’s promise of abundant life.

The Council that is held every four years opened with a vibrant welcoming service of Holy Communion in Holy Trinity Cathedral, Bujumbura at which the Dean of the Cathedral, Rev. Canon Paul Ntukamazina; the Bishop of Bujumbura, the Right Rev. Pie Ntukamazina and the Archbishop, the Most Rev. Bernard Ntahoturi welcomed the delegates and other guests.

The Minister of Home Affairs who represented the Government of Burundi also welcomed the delegates and extended good wishes for the conference. He commented on the fact that the meeting was being held in the year that Burundi is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Independence and establishing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and commended the Church’s contribution to Burund’s peace and sustainable development.

The Most Rev. Ian Ernest, Archbishop of the Province of the Indian Ocean and chair of CAPA preached, basing his sermon on the Gospel reading from Mark 1v 29-39. He said it was the duty of CAPA to give this generation visible signs of God’s presence and nature as a caring, loving and saving God, pointing to the Incarnate Christ who heals and transforms humanity. As the Body of Christ in unity we must all reflect Christ in word and actions, through prayer and obedience as we proclaim the Gospel and reach out in service to the world.

Archbishop Ernest took the opportunity to congratulate the people of Burundi for rising to the challenge of consolidating a spirit of unity that will enable them to unlock their potential and thanked the Church of Burundi for its hospitality.

A sense of unity marked the service as Archbishops from different Provinces joined the Bishops of the Anglican Church of Burundi in prayer for the Church, the world and the CAPA Council meeting followed by the celebration of Holy Communion.