Bishop Dr. Manasseh Gahima, head of the Gahini Diocese and President of CPR, has been elected Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Rwanda (EAR), succeeding Archbishop Laurent Mbanda, who is retiring from the post.
The election was held on Friday, September 11, 2026, and came down to two candidates.
Bishop Gahima faced off against Bishop Assiel Musabyimana of the Kigeme Diocese, the only two bishops within the province who met the requirements to be considered for the role. Bishop Musabyimana has led the Kigeme Diocese in the Southern Province since his consecration in January 2018.
Bishop Gahima has served as head of the Gahini Diocese, one of the church’s most historic sees and a site closely tied to the East African Revival, since 2018, when he succeeded retiring Bishop Alexis Birindabagabo. He also currently serves as President of EPR.
The consecration ceremony installing Gahima as the new Archbishop is scheduled for October 25, 2026, at Camp Kigali.
Archbishop Mbanda, who has led the Anglican Church of Rwanda since 2018, also chairs the Global Anglican Council, a body formed earlier this year by conservative Anglican leaders. His successor now takes on leadership of a province with an estimated 1.5 million members across 13 dioceses.
More details to follow as they emerge.
