A lot of number of UMC members of the Burundi Annual Conference gathered at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport to warmly welcome their Bishop Dr. Emmanuel Sinzohagera and his delegation from Johannesburg in South Africa on Monday 17th march 2025.
At 8:30 a.m., the plane landed at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport. On board were the Bishop Dr. Emmanuel Sinzohagera and his delegation, who were awaited and warmly welcomed by members of the Church. With eager faces, dances and songs, they lined the airport aisles to greet their newly elected bishop.
After the bishop’s greetings, the crowd headed to the Rohero parish where the thanksgiving service for this historic milestone was organized. Various choirs were present to enhance the ceremonies. The conference lay leader, Dr.Theodore Mbazumutima representing the delegation spoke, briefly testifying to God’s presence before, during, and after the elections. He provided an update on the election process to those who did not have the opportunity to follow it live, from near or far.
Surrounded by his wife, the district superintendents, the chairman of the ministerial council and the conference secretary, the bishop spoke, thanking the Almighty God who is and has been with him throughout his journey to date. He did express his gratitude to the people who came from different parts of the country for the support shown. He communicated his verse call as bishop quoting Matthew 24:45 “Who, then, is the faithful and wise servant whom his master has put in charge of his household to give the others their food at the right time?” He left the church with an uplifting and hope message to all members of UMC by promising a uniting leadership. “We are done with the election period wherein people can take different stands but now we shall have the same vision and stand as one to develop our church”, added the Bishop. He urged everyone to come up with his gift and talent to willingly serve the Methodist community. Bishop Dr Sinzohagera promised to be a humble servant during his journey and added that he would restore order and discipline within the Church.
Before concluding his speech, he recalled the celebration of installation and handover and takeover event between the outgoing and new bishops scheduled for March 29, 2025, at the Ingoma Stadium in Gitega.
Note that the elections was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on March 15, 2025, where Bishop Dr. Emmanuel Sinzohagera won with vote of 48/60. The newly elected bishop has been consecrated on 16th March 2025 and appointed to Burundi-Rwanda Episcopal area.
Bishop Dr. Emmanuel continues receiving messages of congratulations among others Bishop’s messages and one from the President of the Republic of Burundi, Evariste Ndayishimiye.