25 August 2026
3 minutes read
Archbishop Sarah stands with Archbishop Eraste watching a performance of the Burundian Tambourinaires
Photo credit
Lambeth Palace
The Archbishop of Canterbury has visited Kenya and Burundi to meet with the Primate and Archbishop of Kenya, the Most Revd Dr Jackson Ole Sapit, and to preach at the Installation of the Most Revd Eraste Bigirimana.
In Nairobi, Archbishop Sarah prayed with Archbishop Jackson and spoke of their shared vocation to follow Christ and proclaim the gospel, before planting a tree at his official residence.
The Archbishop of Canterbury meets the Archbishop of Kenya
Photo credit
Lambeth Palace
She then travelled to Burundi, for Archbishop Eraste's Installation as the sixth Primate and Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Burundi.
Attended by bishops from across the Anglican Communion, clergy, lay leaders and members of the Mothers' and Fathers' Union, the service took place at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Bujumbura, the port city where he has served as a bishop since 2013.
Archbishop Sarah stands with bishops and Archbishop Eraste after his Installation ceremony
Photo credit
Lambeth Palace
In her sermon, which followed a reading from the book of Joshua, Archbishop Sarah addressed the new Primate saying: "Amidst all the responsibility that rests on your shoulders, and all the many things you must do, may I urge you to remember that your ministry, and the church itself, does not depend on you, but on the one who has called and commissioned you."
She added: " Archbishops are called to share in the ministry of the Gospel of Christ, proclaiming His promise of hope and eternal life in a world of death and despair. This is the hope to which you are called. And it is in this broken world that God calls you to servant leadership, which guards the flock of Christ, exercising the ministry of a shepherd, contending for, and upholding, the unity of the church, and guiding it in witness and service."
Archbishop Sarah preaches at the Installation ceremony of the Archbishop of Burundi
Photo credit
Lambeth Palace
Archbishop Sarah presented Archbishop Eraste with a Canterbury Pectoral Cross and gave the Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral a pilgrim shell from her own pilgrimage before her Installation in March.
Following the service, the Archbishop met with ecumenical church leaders, where she heard about the work being done towards peace and reconciliation, as well as the church working with healthcare providers and patients in communities.
Archbishop Sarah and Archbishop Eraste meet with ecumenical church leaders after the Installation ceremony of the Archbishop of Burundi.
Photo credit
Lambeth Palace
Archbishop Sarah and Archbishop Eraste paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Republic of Burundi, His Excellency Evariste Ndayishimiye, where they talked about strengthening the partnership between the Anglican Church of Burundi and the Government in supporting the health, education and wellbeing of communities across the country.
Archbishop Sarah meets the President of the Republic of Burundi. She joined by Archbishop Eraste, the Archbishop of Burundi.
Photo credit
Lambeth Palace
The Archbishop then visited the Clinique Prince Louis Rwagasore Hospital, Bujumbura, meeting with hospital staff to discuss infectious disease prevention and preparedness. Afterwards, Archbishop Sarah visited a neonatal ward, praying a blessing over the infants in their care.
Archbishop Sarah visits the Clinique Prince Louis Rwagasore Hospital
Photo credit
Lambeth Palace
