Early next year a new theological school will open in Rwanda to educate pastors and others leaders for the Anglican Church, thanks in part to the support of congregations of the Anglican Mission in The Americas. Over $180,000 has been contributed from the AMiA to the start-up construction costs of the Kigali Theological College. The school is planning to open its doors to several dozen students in January, according to Paula Sage, Academic Dean. “We are sincerely grateful for the support of the Anglican Mission. Your prayers, your generosity and your support have been encouraging and sustaining us more than you can know,” reflected Dr. Sage. “We hope to open for the initial phase at the start of 2006 with over 20 students preparing for ministry in the Anglican Church.”

College and Province of Rwanda officials have had to postpone for a few months the school’s scheduled opening, due in large part to a new Rwandan law governing the completion of building projects. Original plans called for the construction of the first floors of the administration/ classroom block and dormitory, with the second level to be added later. The new law requires full completion of each building before any new ones can be started. This will cause Phase 1 to take a bit more time and will increase initial costs, as well.

Plans are now for the administration and classroom building to be fully completed before January, which will offer 5 offices and 3 large classrooms on each floor. The top floor will be used for dormitory space the first two years until a two-story dormitory quadrangle can be completed. The multi-phased construction will take place as funds are available in order to add students by one class each year. Officials are looking to raise an additional $350,000 by October in order to complete the needs for the first year.

Funds from the Anglican Mission have been collected by the National Mission Resource Center. The Rev Canon Tim Smith, Executive Officer, sees the college as an important part of the Province’s continued development after the genocide. “I have visited the construction site and am very pleased that we are having an important part in this. There will be ongoing needs, of course, but the impact of this college over time in Eastern Africa and other areas will be significant.”

Dean Sage said that ultimately, it’s not about the buildings. “We want to produce pastors that are true shepherds—those who will walk with Christ, nourish the faithful, preach the gospel, and work effectively for reconciliation and healing.”

To make contributions to the Kigali Theological College please contact the AMiA’s National Mission Resource Center at 843-237-0318.

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