The executive committee meeting of the United Methodist Church, Burundi Annual Conference was officially opened by the resident bishop, His Excellency Emmanuel SINZOHAGERA at Saint Peter’s Cathedral in Gitega capital city on May 10, 2025.
The executive committee meeting was opened with the word of God delivered by Bishop Emmanuel SINZOHAGERA from the book of Genesis 8:22 where he reminded church leaders that time has come for the church members to shine in the church physically and spiritually. The Bishop called on the leaders to build a strong church with unity, love and tolerance among believers.
The attendance were 53 committee members including 11 district superintendents, all board chairpersons and presidents of Youth, Men and Women Methodist Organizations at conference level, coordinators of health, and pension. Also present were a lay leader at conference and lay leaders district levels.
The conference secretary, Reverend NIYIRAGIRA Ladislas, presented the basic agenda for conducting the executive committee meeting which was approved by members. Among the key issues scheduled for the meeting were, to strengthen contribution of “United Methodist Development Agency “in development of the church and community in the future.
The committee gave the green light towards regionalization in Burundi and also approved the dates for ordinary plenary session of Burundi Annual Conference which is scheduled to be held between 30/07/2025 and 02/08/2025.
The resident bishop encouraged pension members to increase their pension contributions to meet the church’s standard while the committee agreed to establish a church register and record books in each local church for proper records, and also insisted on conducting regular audits of all church financial institutions.
The executive meeting received reports from Madame Dr. Josiane MANIRAKIZA the coordinator of United Methodist Development Agency. She briefly gave the orientation and projection of current UMDA projects. The executive meeting proposed to expand more projects in different areas according to the needs of the church and community.
Resident Bishop briefing included to review ties with German annual conference in the near future and the church will establish a fund-raising department to support student at Africa University. He insisted to give a new vision for the church which will be addressed to district superintendents soon.
Bishop informed the meeting that there will be renovation of bishop’s office and other infrastructures in Bujumbura and Gitega, and build a theological University that will be integrated with leadership programs at Mweya in Gitega capital city. The Bishop concluded the meeting arguing the leaders to preach the word of peace wherever they are and promote unity between members.
