THE Anglican Communion’s Francophone Network held a gathering in Nairobi this week to explore its sense of shared identity and collective force.
The six Provinces of the Francophone network include three of Africa’s most vulnerable regions: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Madagascar. The emphasis of the gathering of bishops and their spouses was on unity and collaboration as drivers to change, encouraging congregations to identify the strengths, skills, and resources in their communities and to act together.
The collective voice of the Francophone group was essential to this, the Primate of the Church of the Province of Central Africa (CAPA), the Most Revd Albert Chama, said. Addressing the gathering by video link, he said: “The rapid growth and dynamism of the Anglican faith are particularly evident in the African region, and Francophone Africa is at the very heart of the movement. . .You can articulate a vision of Anglicanism that is authentically African and authentically Francophone.”
In convening as one body, the assembly bore witness to the “enduring communion of the Anglican tradition across linguistic and cultural boundaries”, the Primate of the Indian Ocean, the Most Revd Rateloson Rakotondravelo, said. He described the meeting as “of deep significance”. The Communion’s Secretary General, the Rt Revd Anthony Poggo, described the ministry of Francophone archbishops and their spouses as “a vital part of mission and outreach”.
Communities across the Communion bore witness to the daily reality of extreme poverty, but had innate strengths and divine potential “waiting to be unleashed”, Tearfund’s regional director for East and Central Africa, Hebdavi Kyeya, told the gathering.
In many dioceses, particularly in Africa, bishops’ spouses are central to diocesan ministry, family life, and community outreach — something highlighted by their visibility and participation at Lambeth Conferences. The importance of their work was emphasised strongly by Estele Dibo Elango, the Bishop of Cameroon’s wife.
“Many of us are deeply involved in ministry,” she said. “We are not called to live as shadows under the purple cassocks of our husbands. Living our uniqueness is our strength and fulfilment. With confidence and clarity, we can serve alongside our spouses while also living fully into the purpose God has given each of us.”
French is recognised as an official language in 29 countries. The Archbishop of Burundi, the Most Revd Sixbert Macumi, expressed his conviction that the gathering would foster “mutual understanding, unity, collaboration and commitment to continue supporting our beloved Anglican Communion”.
The network’s new co-ordinator is the Bishop of Bujumbura, in Burundi, the Rt Revd Eraste Bigirimana. At the leadership handover ceremony, he said: “This moment marks a turning point, a new beginning marked by faith, fellowship and hope.
“We are committed to breathe new life and dynamism into our network so that it may be a space for communion sharing and service within the Anglican Communion.”