Relay Trust gives thanks to God for the election of Bishop Eraste Bigirimana as the sixth Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Burundi.

Bishop Eraste was elected by the House of Bishops. His installation will take place on 23 August 2026 at Holy Trinity Cathedral. This marks an important moment in the life of the Church in Burundi as it looks ahead with hope and renewed purpose.

We rejoice with our brothers and sisters across Burundi at this significant moment in the Province’s life and mission.

Relay Trust has been deeply blessed by our partnership with the Anglican Church of Burundi over recent years. We have had the privilege of supporting the Burundian Discipleship Programme, a growing initiative that is helping equip grassroots leaders across the country through practical discipleship and theological training.

Now in its second year, the programme continues to grow steadily and, by the end of 2026, is expected to see around 3,200 leaders graduate. These leaders will go on to support ministry among as many as 480,000 believers across Burundi, strengthening churches and enabling faithful leadership at the local level.

There is something deeply encouraging about this work. Healthy churches are rarely built quickly. They grow through patient discipleship, faithful teaching, and leaders who are equipped to walk alongside their communities. Across Burundi, we continue to see a church committed to this long term work of formation and Gospel witness.

We give thanks for the faithfulness, vision, and commitment shown by the Anglican Church of Burundi in its investment in discipleship and theological training. The future of the Church is strengthened when local leaders are equipped to teach Scripture well, care for congregations wisely, and share the hope of Christ in everyday life.

Bishop Eraste will succeed the current Primate and Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Burundi, the Most Rev. Sixbert Macumi, who has faithfully served as Archbishop since August 2021 while also serving as Bishop of the Diocese of Buye.

We are deeply grateful for Archbishop Sixbert’s leadership and service to the Church during his time in office.

As Bishop Eraste prepares to take up this new responsibility, please join us in praying for him. Pray for wisdom, courage, grace, and the power of the Holy Spirit as he begins this next chapter of ministry.

Please also pray for Archbishop Sixbert and for the whole Province during this time of transition.

We look forward with great encouragement to continuing our close Kingdom partnership with Bishop Eraste and the Anglican Church of Burundi in the years ahead, as together we seek to strengthen faithful discipleship and nurture Flourishing African Anglican Churches.