Ngirente was speaking yesterday at the enthronement ceremony of the new Anglican Archbishop who is replacing Dr. Onesphore Rwaje.
Speaking at the event that took place in Kigali, Ngirente promised the new Bishop of government support to successfully implement his responsibilities.
“The Government of Rwanda wants to continue cooperating with churches to implement programmes aimed at developing welfare of people so that a good Christian will have good welfare,” he said.
He hailed the Anglican Church role in the development of Rwandans and called upon its leaders to help people embrace government programmes like education, healthcare and economic development among others.
“What we request churches in general is to continue encouraging followers to participate in programmes that develop the economy, as well as fighting poverty,” he added.
The 64-year-old Mbanda who has been the Bishop of Shyira Diocese in Nyabihu District promised to develop the Church by championing self-reliance.
He said that he will strive towards finalizing the Church’s buildings that have been delayed, establishment of Anglican University in Rwanda and construction of nursery schools among others.
“I was blessed to go around different countries and got different experiences. I will learn from them to take forward given responsibilities. I should think and work as if I will live for many years,” he said.
Pastor David Nzungize requested Mbanda to focus on education in the Church.
“We want him to solve the education problem. Actually, we have few high schools; we expect that he is going to work towards their development. We are ready to support him,” he said.
Mbanda is the fourth Archbishop of the Anglican Church since its inception in 1922.
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