Photo: (L-R)A local pastor, The Rev. Canon Tim Smith of AMiA, and Bishop Josias Sendegeya in front of construction site.

Kigali, Rwanda--

Construction on a new theological seminary, the first of its kind in this African nation, has begun on the hillsides near the capitol city. When completed, the seminary will serve the nine dioceses of the Episcopal Church of Rwanda. Funds to begin construction were provided by Anglican Mission in The Americas churches in the US as part of a special appeal earlier this year.

This summer’s “100 Days of Remembrance and Renewal for Rwanda” effort generated about $225,000.00, of which $25,000.00 has been designated for the first-ever All Rwandan Clergy Conference and the remainder for the establishment of a much needed theological college in Rwanda. The education of the clergy of Rwanda is very much needed in order that they be Biblically well-informed as well as spiritually and intellectually prepared for the many, many challenges facing the people of Rwanda. In late August 2004, ground was broken for the construction of the Kigali Theological College located on 18.5 acres of gently slopping land near the community of Kabuga on the eastern outskirts of Kigali--about 6 kilometers from the airport and 12 kilometers from downtown Kigali. Located about a kilometer off the main road, the attractive site is nestled between banana tree farms and overlooks a valley at the foot of which is a small lake. On the day that Canon Tim Smith of the Anglican Mission in The Americas visited the site, over a hundred workers were busy laying brick walls upon the solid stone and concrete foundation of a classroom and administrative office block, totaling eleven rooms. Dormitory, kitchen and dining spaces are also planned for construction later. A real hopefulness permeates the leadership of the Province of Rwanda where their words and thoughts are directed to the promising possibilities that lie ahead. Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini notes that “We anticipate having 45 students attending the Theological College with five from each of our nine dioceses in the first diploma class. Ultimately, we hope to have 200 students receiving instruction. The impact that these followers of our Lord can make in Rwanda and among our parishes is tremendous. As to the long –term future, it may well be that God has even bigger plans for this site – a university, but for now we are so delighted to watch a dream come true as the construction of the Kigali Theological College moves forward.” Archbishop Kolini added, “We want to thank everyone in the Anglican Mission in The Americas who has contributed to this vital enterprise. May the contributors be blessed and God be glorified through K.T.S.”