American and African Anglicans Begin Mending Relationship
The Episcopal Church USA (ECUSA) has been on questionable standing with the Anglican provinces in Africa after it decided to ordain an openly homosexual man as bishop last year. Tensions escalated since then, with the majority of African provinces vowing not to receive funds from and breaking ties with their American counterpart. However, according to the ECUSA, only one African province – the Anglican church of Uganda – rejected financial assistance, and relationships were beginning to be strengthened as unity became the key word within the Anglican Communion. In that light, the meeting between the ECUSA and the Episcopal Church of Burundi (ECB) last week may have marked a turning point in the American-African relationship.
"We came to visit as friends. We have many partnerships," Archbishop Ndayisenga, Primate of Burundi since 1998, said. "We do not want separation. We are urging the Anglican Communion to remain together. What is a mistake in one country is not a mistake in another, so you cannot judge. We must not lose the focus of love, faith and unity. It is the work of the church to unite the people."
Pascal Bigirimana, provincial secretary of the Episcopal Church of Burundi, agreed that “unity and diversity” is a desired feature within the community of Christ.
"We want to see a communion of people from different backgrounds but focusing on Christ and seeking the Kingdom of God, and a community which is characterized by Christian love: a community that is not -- shall we say -- judging each other, a community which is committed to praying for each other and to minding the needs of one another."
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Bigirimana ended his meeting by “reaffirming the strong ties that exist between the Episcopal Church, USA, and the Episcopal Church of Burundi,” according to said, "We'd like to thank the Church in America for the support that they have shown us. They need us as we need them and as long as we continue to exchange dialogue some issues would finish by themselves rather than arriving at confrontation."
