Anglican Communion Head gives Strength to Church of Burundi

The head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, Dr Rowan Williams has been greeted by joyous people the capital of Burundi - Bujumbura. The Archbishop is currently undertaking his first-ever visit of the province as the country begins rebuilding itself following years of civil unrest.

Traditional drumming and dancing greeted the leader of the Church of England as his visit began last Friday. Dr Williams has stated that the aim of the historic visit was to "affirm and praise the work of the Anglican Church in Burundi (and) to show that we pray and care for the needs of the nation."

He continued by saying that he had hoped that "the church, under its new leadership, will continue the great work that it has done for reconciliation and development. So, we are here to celebrate with the church; we are also here to learn what we can do to assist the process of reconciliation."

Two days later the Archbishop attended the Enthronement of Archbishop Ntahoturi, as he gave great encouragement to the Church of Burundi by saying that their Church was "supported by Christ alone."

At the national stadium in Burundi he gave a sermon saying, "Depend on him in faith, and you will fully play your part in helping this nation to be transformed and led towards God's peace and justice."

Yesterday, Dr Williams continued his visit by meeting with the House of Bishops of Burundi so that he could hear the hopes and concerns of the Church as a whole. As the meeting progressed the individual ministries of the country were also discussed and the main theme of the meeting became theological education for clergy and laity.

In the afternoon, the Archbishop of Canterbury gave an address to the students at Burundi University, speaking about the importance of higher education.

He said, "The university has the task of not only educating its own students, but of educating the whole society." In a post-conflict context, he said, it is important "for the university to help people throughout the country to imagine a different kind of life for themselves. Lasting peace and reconciliation will only come when people see a wider world in which their choices have a meaning."

The Church in the country has been working hard on rebuilding and development recently in the Kamenge Quarter - an area in Bujumbura that has been particularly affected by the civil unrest in the province.

Today the Archbishop will continue his visit with a tour of a local school, a hospital and a theological college in the Matana Diocese.

This evening Dr Williams will attend a reception with the President of the Republic of Burundi.