Comments for A Living Text

Comment on Inside a Heated Dispute Between Bishop Gasatura and Archbishop Mbanda by Rev AH

Rev AH — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 14:09:26 +0000

Bishop Nathan said in his letter:
“I was deeply bruised and wounded. Mbanda has shown extreme hatred and worked against me in every way possible, including using immense energy to fight the candidates I proposed to disgrace me as I leave my ‘Official Episcopal Role.’ This showed me a hatred of such intensity that, both today and in the future, it has left me speechless.”
If this is how Bishop Nathan experienced his relationship with Archbishop Mbanda, then perhaps there should be no surprise at what we are witnessing now.
Remember the circumstances surrounding the transfer of Bishop Amoothi Nathan from Cyangugu to Kigali, and the way Bishop Muvunyi was reportedly pressured to resign on the grounds of poor management. At the same time, Bishop Nahimana faced public allegations in the media concerning financial irregularities at Shyira Hospital. Yet, according to what has been reported and discussed publicly, he was not treated in the same way.

Why?

Could it be because Archbishop Mbanda regarded certain bishops as useful allies in dealing with other bishops? If so, that raises a serious question about whether church leadership decisions were being made consistently and according to the same standards.

There were also media reports concerning allegations of financial mismanagement involving Bishop Jered. Yet, despite these reports, he continued to be regarded as a model bishop and was not subjected to the same kind of treatment that others experienced.
I am not making these observations to declare anyone guilty without evidence. I am asking whether the same standards of accountability were applied to all bishops.
So, my question to you Anglicans is simple:
Am I saying something you do not already know?
If these events are inaccurate, then correct me with facts. But if they are true, then perhaps the Anglican Church needs to ask some difficult questions about favoritism, accountability, the use of power, and the standards applied to different bishops.

Comment on Inside a Heated Dispute Between Bishop Gasatura and Archbishop Mbanda by Rev EJK

Rev EJK — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 13:49:52 +0000

Rev. Mujyanama, it is not a secret that the three countries I am referring to are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and Kenya. If anyone wants to avoid speculation, the relevant public data are available online. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index consistently places these countries relatively low in its assessment of perceived public-sector corruption. In the 2025 index, Kenya scored 30/100, the Democratic Republic of Congo 20/100, and Burundi 17/100.
Therefore, my question is not simply about where Archbishop Mbanda did business, but about the kind of environment in which he spent many years operating. I understand that he was a refugee in Burundi, and I recognize that circumstances may have influenced some of his choices. Nevertheless, there were other possible environments in which he could have conducted business, and I believe it is legitimate to ask whether prolonged exposure to difficult institutional and business environments can shape a person’s approach to leadership.
I may be wrong, and I am open to correction. But this is how I understand the story of Archbishop Mbanda: I do not see in his leadership the qualities I would expect from a spiritual leader. Instead, I see someone whose leadership style appears heavily influenced by a business-oriented approach and by the systems in which he spent many years operating.
My concern is that practices associated with that environment may have found their way into church leadership, particularly in matters such as the election of bishops, appointments, and the management of church institutions. These are serious concerns, and they should ultimately be examined on the basis of evidence, transparency, and accountability.
I am not claiming that my interpretation is infallible. If I am mistaken, I am willing to be corrected. But if there is truth in these concerns, then the Anglican Church deserves an honest conversation about leadership, accountability, and the difference between managing an organization as a business and shepherding a church as a spiritual institution.

Comment on Inside a Heated Dispute Between Bishop Gasatura and Archbishop Mbanda by Rev Mujyanama I.

Rev Mujyanama I. — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 13:29:31 +0000

I have been reading the comments and discussions surrounding the leadership of Archbishop Mbanda in the Anglican Church of Rwanda, and I have been reflecting on where the problems surrounding his access to power may have originated.
To begin with, I believe responsibility also rests with the bishops who elected him. There have been allegations that the election process was characterized by corruption, and if those allegations are accurate, they raise serious questions about the integrity of the process and the responsibility of those who participated in it.
There have also been questions about Archbishop Mbanda’s background in business and his activities in three countries. Given the broader concerns about corruption and accountability in some of these contexts, questions about whether he fully complied with all applicable tax and legal obligations would, in my view, deserve proper scrutiny. However, such questions should be addressed through evidence and the appropriate institutions rather than assumptions.
My deeper concern is that some of the practices associated with his previous business activities may have been carried into his leadership of the Church. I am particularly concerned about allegations surrounding the election of bishops and the appointment of senior provincial employees. If these allegations are unfounded, I am willing to be corrected. But if they are supported by evidence, they should be openly examined because the Church deserves transparent, accountable, and ethical leadership.
I am also concerned about what is currently happening within the new Global Anglican Mission. If appropriate safeguards, accountability, and transparent governance are not put in place, there is a risk that internal leadership practices could undermine the mission itself. The decision to move the organization’s office to Nigeria has also generated questions for some observers. Whether that decision was based purely on practical considerations or involved other concerns is something that deserves clarification.
One bishop, who is a friend of mine, once told me, “We made a mistake in electing this man.” I hope that those who participated in the process have reflected on what happened and learned important lessons from it.
Ultimately, my intention is not to make accusations without evidence, but to call for transparency, accountability, and integrity in church leadership. If I have misunderstood any of these matters or stated anything that is factually incorrect, I am open to being corrected

Comment on Inside a Heated Dispute Between Bishop Gasatura and Archbishop Mbanda by admin

admin — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 10:49:16 +0000

In reply to Anonymous. Comments have to be approved. You posted the same comment twice so I deleted one version and approved the other one.

Comment on Inside a Heated Dispute Between Bishop Gasatura and Archbishop Mbanda by Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 23:35:33 +0000

Why are some messages being deleted? Let us have the courage to face the truth about what is happening in the Anglican Church in Rwanda. When messages raising legitimate questions are removed instead of being addressed openly, that behaviour itself sends a message. Transparency and honest dialogue should not be feared by those who have nothing to hide.

Comment on Inside a Heated Dispute Between Bishop Gasatura and Archbishop Mbanda by Jonathan M.

Jonathan M. — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 21:45:15 +0000

Jesus’ teaching in Luke 6:41–42 and Matthew 7:3–5 presents a fundamental principle of Christian leadership: before correcting others, a person must first examine and correct himself. This principle is particularly important for anyone exercising spiritual authority and calling others to account.
For this reason, Archbishop Mbanda should be prepared to subject his own leadership and administration to the same level of accountability that he expects from fellow bishops. It would be difficult to demand transparency from others while serious questions remain unanswered about the management of funds used for church infrastructure and other major projects under his leadership.
The central issue is not merely whether the buildings were constructed, but where the money came from, who provided it, under what arrangements it was received, who controlled it, and how it was ultimately spent. Those questions deserve clear and verifiable answers. Where substantial resources are invested in the Church, the funding sources and financial arrangements should be transparent to the appropriate church authorities and, where appropriate, to the wider Church community.
A church leader occupies a position of trust. That trust requires more than statements of innocence or appeals to authority; it requires openness, documentation, and willingness to face legitimate scrutiny. If Archbishop Mbanda believes the concerns raised against his administration are unfounded, the most effective response would be to provide the relevant records and evidence and allow the facts to speak for themselves.
There is also a matter of moral consistency. A leader who calls fellow bishops to accountability should be willing to demonstrate that he himself is fully accountable. Christian leadership cannot operate on a principle whereby scrutiny applies to others but not to the person demanding it.

Comment on Inside a Heated Dispute Between Bishop Gasatura and Archbishop Mbanda by Gatete Simeon

Gatete Simeon — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 21:25:24 +0000

In reply to admin.

In the words of Jesus in Luke 6:41–42 and Matthew 7:3–5, we are reminded that before removing the speck from another person’s eye, we must first remove the plank from our own.
In light of this teaching, Archbishop Mbanda may not be in the strongest position to challenge fellow bishops on matters of accountability while there are still serious questions surrounding his own administration, particularly regarding the funds invested in the construction and development of church infrastructure.
The sources of such funding should be transparent and known to the Church and its relevant governing structures, since these resources are intended to support the Church as an institution, not an individual bishop. Transparency is therefore essential to dispel any concerns or suspicions regarding the management and use of these funds.
If there are allegations or suspicions surrounding Archbishop Mbanda’s conduct, he should be given the opportunity to provide clear evidence and documentation that addresses those concerns and demonstrates that the funds and church assets have been managed properly and in the best interests of the Church.

Comment on Inside a Heated Dispute Between Bishop Gasatura and Archbishop Mbanda by admin

admin — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 20:34:59 +0000

In reply to Rev John K.. The school has experienced problems since the start in my opinion. Back in 2008 when Dick and Caroline Seed were working with it. Seed was asked not to return to Rwanda because he was not easily controlled. One of the staff of KATC was unjustly accused of aiding the Congolese rebels. This resulted from another employee who was reacting to correct disciplinary measures taken against her by the college over the non performance of duties.

Comment on Inside a Heated Dispute Between Bishop Gasatura and Archbishop Mbanda by Rev John K.

Rev John K. — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 17:33:08 +0000

Archbishop Mbanda seems to be a good person when it comes to development, but, in my view, a very poor performer in leadership. Building houses and other infrastructure while, at the same time, hurting the hearts and relationships of fellow bishops and other individuals within the Anglican Church is not a good approach to leadership or development.
The Anglican Church may not have been blessed with the kind of leadership it needs under Mbanda. Soon, another battle may emerge concerning the university in Kabuga, which, in my opinion, appears to be managed more like personal property than an institution belonging to the Church.
Can any bishop clearly explain where the money for these developments comes from? Is it a loan, a donation, or does he receive funds or shares from shareholders? The situation is totally confusing. If I am mistaken, I am willing to be corrected.
Like many other Anglicans, I am curious to see how Mbanda will leave office and what consequences or challenges may follow. One of the first major concerns is that he did not manage to organize the election of his successor, even though preparations for the election had reportedly been made and an Archbishop from Nigeria had already come to oversee the election event.
These are serious questions that deserve clear answers, transparency, and accountability. Leadership in the Church should not only be measured by buildings and physical development, but also by the ability to build trust, unity, peace, and strong relationships among God’s people.

Comment on Inside a Heated Dispute Between Bishop Gasatura and Archbishop Mbanda by admin

admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 20:09:47 +0000

In reply to Rev Ndagijimana E.. He is from the same corrupt line as Rucyahana and Kolini.