Kayonza, Rwanda — The Anglican Church of Rwanda (EAR) on Sunday marked its centennial anniversary with a colorful celebration at Gahini Diocese in Kayonza District, where the church first began its mission in 1925.
Representing H.E. President Paul Kagame, Senate President Dr. François Xavier Kalinda conveyed the Head of State’s warm wishes and appreciation for the church’s contributions over the past century.
“On behalf of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Rwanda, I am honored to join you in celebrating the Anglican Church’s 100th anniversary. The President wishes you a blessed jubilee, recognizing God’s grace as reflected in the church’s remarkable work in Rwanda,” said Dr. Kalinda.
He noted that for 100 years, the Anglican Church has played a pivotal role not only in spreading the Gospel but also in advancing the well-being of Rwandans through education, healthcare, and socio-economic development. He emphasized that the Government values the Church’s partnership in supporting education—from nursery to university—as well as its investments in health, infrastructure, and community upliftment.
Archbishop Dr. Laurent Mbanda of the Anglican Church of Rwanda said the centenary was a moment to celebrate God’s faithfulness and the transformation the Church has fostered in Rwandan society.
“It has been 100 years of holistic evangelism—teaching, preaching, and caring for people’s well-being. We give thanks for the changes brought to Rwandan communities through education, healthcare, and strengthened social values,” Archbishop Mbanda said.
He added that in the next 100 years, the Church aims to strengthen governance, transparency, and discipleship to ensure that all members actively understand and participate in its mission.
Longtime parishioners also shared testimonies of how the Anglican Church transformed their lives. Grace Kankindi, 80, said:
“When the Anglican Church came, it brought us schools, hospitals, and knowledge of God. Our lives were never the same again.”
Similarly, Dina Mwizerwa highlighted the impact of Anglican-built hospitals that now serve not only Kayonza and Gatsibo residents but also people from other provinces.
Founded in 1925 by Captain Godfrey at Gahini, the Anglican Church of Rwanda has grown to over 1.5 million members nationwide. Its achievements include building more than 1,300 schools (from nursery to university), three hospitals, 18 health centers, and multiple commercial facilities, in addition to its spiritual mission.
The centennial celebrations underscored the Church’s dual role in spiritual growth and nation-building, with leaders pledging to strengthen its contribution to Rwanda’s development in the years ahead.
