He takes over from Archbishop Onesphore Rwaje who has been at the helm for the last seven years. Bishop Mbanda currently serves as Bishop of Shyira Diocese.

A source intimated to KT Press that Dr. Laurent Mbanda, was overwhelmingly voted through secret ballot. House of Bishops meeting took place on January 17.

Three candidates were vying for this position including; Bishop Alex Birindabagabo of Gahini Diocese and Bishop Dr. Jered Kalimba of Shyogwe Diocese.

The Archbishop-elect of the Province of the Anglican Church of Rwanda also serves as the bishop of Gasabo Diocese for the Province of the Anglican Church of Rwanda.

Profile

Bishop Mbanda is one of the most experienced and educated bishops in the Anglican Church of Rwanda.

Although he has impressed a number of bishops who participate in the selection process, Some Anglican believers say he is not popular.

Mbanda was born in Rwanda and spent most of his childhood in Burundi.

He joined Compassion International in 1993, where he held a number of positions in the ministry, including Vice President of the Africa Region and Vice President of Program Development.

He also serves as Vice Chairman of the Global Board of Directors for Compassion International and he is a Board Chair for Food for the Hungry.

Previously, he also served on the Board of International Justice Mission and Chaired the Board of Kigali Institute of Education in Rwanda.

He is a graduate of Kenya Highlands Bible College.

Mbanda also holds two masters degrees in Arts in Missiology from Fuller Seminary's School of World Missions and a Master of Arts in Christian Education.

Five bishops were subject to suggestions.

Louis Muvunyi, Anglican Bishop of Kigali Diocese, followed by Dr. Jered Kalimba, Bishop of Shyogwe Diocese, Nathan Gasatura, Bishop of Butare and Bishop Alexis Bilindabagabo of Gahini.

The race for the head of the Anglican Church started building up since mid-last year as the incumbent Archbishop Onesphore Rwaje time to retire was coming to the end.