At the recent Lambeth Conference, our APF Chair, Sue Claydon, met with Bishop Eraste Bigirimana of Burundi. Together, they discussed the planned initiative ‘Light the Fire of Peacemaking’ training. This project will involve young people from the 24 parishes in the Diocese of Bujumbura and is scheduled to begin before Christmas. For decades, Burundi has suffered from destructive outbreaks of political violence in which young people are manipulated into serving as footsoldiers. This project aims to train young people in active peacemaking. They will then return to their communities and pass on the skills and ethos of living in peace with others.
In bringing 48 young people from various backgrounds together to develop reconciliation skills grounded in Bible teachings, this initiative reflects the spirit of the Lambeth Conference ‘Call for Reconciliation’. The statement calls for “all bishops to encourage the hopes of the next generation by creating space for young people to participate in reconciliation initiatives.”
However, for this project to go ahead, additional funds are urgently needed. While a number of APF members have contributed, there is still a shortfall.
Please consider contributing if you are able, to ensure this peacemaking initiative can happen.
How to Donate:
Donate by BACS to the APF account, please reference ‘Burundi’, sort code: 51-70-55, acc no: 79531199
By cheque to: Anglican Pacifist Fellowship. Write ‘Burundi Appeal’ on the back and send to: Sue Claydon, Bridge House, Whittlesey Rd, March, PE15 0AH.
Donate online via the ‘Donate’ button on the APF homepage, www.anglicanpeacemaker.org.uk and put ‘Burundi Appeal’ in the Extra Information/message box.
Photo: Bishop of Bujumbura, Eraste Bigirimana
To continue our peacemaking work, APF relies on regular donations from members and supporters.