On 30th march 2025, during the Sunday service, the Rohero Parish of the United Methodist Church in Bujumbura District welcomed the resident Bishop, one day after the celebration of his installation that took place at Ingoma Stadium in Gitega province.
With enthusiasm, dances, and harmony of songs, the members of the Rohero parish celebrated the coming of Bishop Emmanuel Sinzohagera accompanied by his wife, Deacon Rev Delphine Uwimana, Bishop Mande Muyombo and Bishop Wandabula and various delegations representing UMC Annual Conferences and agencies, who participated in the installation celebration on March 29, 2025. The event highlighted community spirit and solidarity. To express their joy, the members of Rohero Parish, led by the parish’s Senior Pastor, extended a welcome and presented various gifts to the Bishop’s family.
In his speech, Bishop Emmanuel thanked the assembly present and particularly the visitors from different countries. “I would like to recognize the presence of Bishop Daniel Wandabula, the resident bishop of East Africa episcopal area, Bishop Mande Muyombo, the resident Bishop of North Katanga episcopal area and president of the college of the African bishops, pastors and lay from South Africa, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Mozambique and Zimbabwe and the delegation from UMcom.
Bishop Wandabula, who handed over the baton of command to Bishop Emmanuel, spoke on behalf of the guests. He thanked the Lord for his entire journey since his election to date. He did not fail to highlight and acknowledge the support that the Church of Burundi to enable him to carry out his duties. Bishop Wandabula said he is proud because he is leaving the Church of Burundi in good hands. He congratulated the Burundians and Rwandans, telling them that they have just had a humble servant of God and invited them to support him through prayer and action.
During the sermon, Bishop Emmanuel recalled the unity of the Church in serving God. He encouraged the participation of young people so that they feel included in the activities of the Church. He took “Seek and keep peace” as the theme of his sermon, quoting John 14:27. I’m leaving you at peace. I’m giving you my own peace. I’m not giving it to you as the world gives. So don’t let your hearts be troubled, and don’t be afraid. Hebrews 12:14-15; “Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up and causes you trouble, or many of you will become defiled”
Bishop Emmanuel concluded his preaching inviting the congregation to make peace with oneself, make peace with God, and make peace with the neighbor. And we can only achieve this if we are to live and be guided by with the Holy Spirit because peace is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, the bishop added. The service was concluded by the Holy Communion led by the resident Bishop Emmanuel Sinzohagera.
Note that after the service, at the same venue, took place the first meeting of East Africa Central conference led by the host bishop Emmanuel Sinzohagera and Bishop Daniel Wandabula, the President of that central conference. Key central conference leaders (such as the secretary general, the chair of the committee on episcopacy, the treasurer) were elected. The meeting also adopted the bylaws of the central conference.
