Archbishop to visit Congo and Kenya
Flag pins of Kenya (left) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (right)Friday 17th June 2011
The Archbishop of Canterbury is to embark on a pastoral visit to the Anglican Church in Eastern Congo as the guest of the Most Revd Henri Isingoma, Primate of the Church of the Province of Congo. Prior to this the Archbishop will visit Kenya where he will be received by the Most Revd. Dr. Eliud Wabukala, Archbishop of Kenya, and have fellowship with the Christian community in the country.In the course of his visit to Kenya, Dr Williams will join in with the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the Diocese of Nakuru which will include the presentation of certificates to clergy who have completed 25 years of continuous service. He will attend the dedication of a site for the building of the proposed Kenya Anglican University (KAU) near Mount Kenya and visit local development initiatives where churches and their communities are trying to overcome poverty and adapt to climate change – including a successful biogas project in Machakos Diocese. He will also participate in a symposium in Nairobi to discuss the Church's mission in the 21st century. During the visit he will learn about the role of the Kenyan church in national reconciliation.
The Archbishop’s official programme for the Democratic Republic of Congo will begin in Bunia, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he will meet with church and government leaders and also young people including former child soldiers. Dr Williams will then travel to Boga where he will celebrate with the church and community in the founding place of the Anglican Church in Congo. He will also meet with survivors of sexual violence, as well as indigenous people who have been displaced by the conflict from their homes in the rainforest. He will also preach at a Eucharistic service at St Apolo Cathedral before returning to Bunia to visit the new Anglican University of Congo to meet staff and students.
Before leaving London for Nairobi, the Archbishop said:
“I greatly look forward to visiting Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo during the coming week. Both countries have maintained a faithful witness through traumatic times and still need our prayer and urgent support in their search for democratic stability and hope for all their citizens. The Anglican Church in both countries plays a crucial part in this process and I want to pay tribute to the Church and its leaders for their consistent witness and generous service.”
Programme details:
Friday 17th June 2011
Travel to Kenya
Saturday 18 June 2011
Visit Provincial Office, Nairobi
Visit Lake Nakuru
Sunday 19 June 2011
Official opening of the ACK Mothers’ Union Plaza and planting of trees
Celebration Eucharist for 50th Anniversary of Nakuru Diocese, Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd
Archbishop to preach and concelebrate.
Tree-planting with Kenyan Wildlife Service
Monday 20 June 2011
Visit Dioceses of Mount Kenya West, Kirinyaga Embu, Mbeere and Meru
Lunch at St Paul’s Cathedral, Embu
Dedication of University Main Campus Site at Kanyuambora (close to Ishiara)
The programme will include a short visit to primary and secondary schools on the site and the blessing of a foundation stone for the University campus.
Visit Rung’ang’a village – a church and community mobilisation project
This is one of the communities following the transformational approach to envisioning churches and their local communities on recognising and working with their local assets.
Tuesday 21 June 2011
Travel to Machakos Diocese. Visit Christian Community Services in Wamunyu for opening of new project.
Christian Community Services is the relief and development department of the diocese.
Lunch at All Souls’ Pro-Cathedral, Machakos
Visit CMS Africa community transformation initiative through Samaritan Strategy including biogas project in Machakos Diocese
Wednesday 22 June 2011
Call on the Head of State, HE President Mwai Kibaki, and the Prime Minister, HE Railla Amollo Odinga at Harambee House.
Visit to CAPA offices and lunch
Thursday 23 June 2011
Depart to visit Church activities in at Kibera
The visit will be an opportunity to meet staff and students from the Centre for Urban Mission, and to discuss their ministry. There will also be a visit to a tailoring project run by the local church for women from Kibera.
Participate in a symposium “Together for Christ: The Church’s Role in Holistic Mission in the 21st Century” at All Saints’ Cathedral Auditorium
The symposium involves theological institutions in Kenya, including St Paul’s University, Limuru, and Carlile College.
Evensong at All Saints’ Cathedral
Celebration Dinner at All Saints’ Cathedral
Friday 24 June 2011
Travel to Democratic Republic of Congo
Further details to follow.
Monday 27 June 2011
Return to London