05/03/2018
The Archbishop of Canterbury’s Anglican Communion Fund (ACF) has appointed a Chief Executive Officer. Safiya Nyirongo will take up her role from 3 April 2018.
There are many Anglican churches in the poorest and most threatened parts of the world. Often the church is the only stable, functioning organisation in the area. The ACF was created for the benefit of churches and provinces around the Anglican Communion, and to support the international ministry of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Welcoming Safiya’s appointment, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said: “The Anglican Communion Fund exists to serve, facilitate and supplement many local initiatives across the Anglican Communion family worldwide. The appointment of a CEO is an indication of the growth of the ACF – and shows an increase in the tremendous need for support across the Communion.”
The Chairman of the Friends of the Anglican Communion Fund, Lord Stephen Green, explained that the ACF has seen its work expand significantly in the last few years as they have responded to Archbishop Justin’s vision for the Anglican Communion around the world.
Lord Green added: “I and the trustees look forward to working closely with Safiya in her new role, as we develop exciting new partnerships with Communion leaders both internationally and in the Provinces in the run up to the 2020 Lambeth Conference.”
Safiya comes to the ACF with a background in international development and social enterprise, including experience with Oxfam GB, Oxfam America and a USAID-funded project. She has spent time working with projects in Australia, post-tsunami South Asia and South Sudan. She holds an MBA and Master of Education from Stanford University, a Bachelor’s in Public and International Affairs from Princeton University, and a Diploma in Biblical and Theological Studies from Oxford University's Wycliffe Hall.
Speaking of her appointment, Safiya Nyirongo said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Anglican Communion Fund at this exciting time of its growth and development. The Anglican Communion Fund plays a valuable role in building up the body of Christ around the world and it is a privilege to be a part of it. I am looking forward to working together with various stakeholders and colleagues to share the love of Christ, and support Archbishop Welby in his ministry through the ACF.”