A gathering of Francophone bishops and spouses has been an important opportunity in which to celebrate the origins and history of the Francophone Network (Réseau Francophone Anglican), and look to the future.

Meeting in Nairobi between 3-10 September, the gathering was  facilitated by three Anglican groups including: the Francophone Network of the Anglican Communion, the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa (CAPA), and the Episcopal Ministry (EMAC) team at the Anglican Communion Office (ACO). Representatives from Tearfund also supported the event.

Vice Chair of the network, the Right Revd Zacharie Masimango Katanda said: ‘It has been a joy to meet with brothers and sisters from a number of Francophone dioceses of the Anglican Communion. We have enjoyed rich times of fellowship, prayer and rich discussion on topics of mission, church and community transformation.

‘Building on the strengths of this meeting – and our relationships with other Francophone dioceses around the world that were not able to attend this gathering – our aim is to deepen ongoing collaboration and ministry, as we share the hope of the gospel in our various settings.’

To lead the ministry of the Francophone Network during its next phase, those gathered appointed a new team, beginning with a coordinator, assistant coordinator and secretary. Because they wish for the wider team to represent other Francophone dioceses of the Anglican Communion - for example, from Cameroon, Guinea, Chad, Canada, Haiti, France, they are welcoming expressions of interest for voluntary roles on the network from clergy and lay people from across the Francophone world.

The new coordinator of the network is the Right Revd Eraste Bigirimana, of the diocese of Bujumbura in the Anglican Church of Burundi. The assistant coordinator is the Right Revd Christophe Sadiki, of the diocese of Kalima in the Anglican Church of Congo. The newly appointed secretary is Mme Laurance Stenio of Mauritius in the Anglican Church of the Indian Ocean.  

At the leadership handover ceremony Bishop Eraste addressed the gathering: ‘We give thanks to Almighty God for the trust you have placed in us by electing us as members of the coordinating committee of our Francophone Anglican Network. This moment marks a turning point, a new beginning marked by faith, fellowship and hope.

‘We would like to thank the committee that has just completed its term of office. It was able to accomplish its mission despite many challenges. With your support, we are committed to breathe new life and dynamism into our Network, so that it may be a space for communion, sharing and service within the Anglican Communion.’

To express an interest in roles on the Francophone Network, email: 

francophonenetwork@anglicancommunion.org or reseaufrancophone@anglicancommunion.org