In the first week of September 2025, an interesting gathering took place in Nairobi. Over thirty-four Francophone Anglican bishops, along with their spouses, met for a week of retreat, fellowship, and strategic reflection. Delegates came from various Provinces, including Burundi, the DRC, West Africa (Cameroon), Alexandria (Chad), and across the Indian Ocean. All of those mentioned represent partner churches of the Relay Trust. Some serve in the most fragile regions of the world, where poverty and instability are everyday realities. The Relay Trust was fortunate to be able to assist some of our partners in attending the event, a small contribution towards strengthening fellowship across the Francophone Provinces.
This retreat was not just about encouragement. It was also a moment of transition and re-commitment to shared leadership. Bishop Eraste Bigirimana of Bujumbura was elected as the new Coordinator of the Francophone Anglican Network. Bishop Christophe Sadiki from Kalima in the DRC joins him as Assistant Coordinator, and Laurance Stenio of Mauritius from the Anglican Church of the Indian Ocean takes up the role of Secretary. The Relay Trust is deeply involved in grassroots theological education in each of their Provinces, through the Burundian Discipleship Programme in Kirundi, supporting the roll-out of the DRC Catechism in French, and commencing grassroots programmes across the Indian Ocean.
Training remained a central theme throughout the retreat. Many sessions focused on the need for high-quality theological education in French and indigenous African languages. This isn’t a side issue. It’s foundational. When pastors and spouses learn in their own language, the Gospel is not only clearer but more transformative.
This commitment mirrors the Relay Trust’s work in places like Madagascar, DRC, and Burundi, where local-language training is already taking root and bearing fruit. In this regard, the Relay Trust is already on the front foot. We believe that training is most effective when delivered in a student’s heart language. Through careful translation and contextualisation, we aim to make learning accessible and spiritually formative. This principle applies not only in Francophone regions but also in Lusophone and Anglophone countries, as well as those where African languages dominate.
The role of clergy spouses was also rightly affirmed. Estele Dibo Elango from Cameroon spoke honestly about the pressures and joys of serving beside a bishop, reminding us that spouses are not accessories to ministry but are called in their own right. Dedicated sessions gave space for their stories and needs, helping the Church grow in both empathy and strength.
The event was also attended by the new Bishop of North Africa, Rt Revd Canon John Ashley Null, who expressed his desire to expand the work of his diocese further into the French-speaking countries of the Sahel. This strong call to mission was echoed across the event, especially to start with what’s already present in local communities. Leaders were encouraged to adopt asset-based approaches to community transformation. This means beginning with the skills, people, and faith communities that are already active, rather than only focusing on what’s lacking.
Science and faith were another thread explored during the retreat. Revd Steve Muneza from Cranmer Hall, seconded to the Relay Trust to support our work in Burundi, attended as part of Equipping Christian Leadership in Africa and Science (ECLAS). Together with his colleague, he helped introduce themes of science and theology, sharing how churches across Africa are engaging with scientific knowledge in ways that support biblical truth and equip communities for modern challenges.
Please pray for the new leadership team and for those who travelled long distances to be there. Pray too for the people and Provinces represented, for growth in vision and capacity, especially around language-based training and discipleship. As we look ahead, may their efforts be rooted in the Gospel and bear fruit in communities across Africa.
More information about this Anglican Communion conference can be found at this link.
More information about ECLAS’ work at the retreat can be found at this link.