Burundi archbishop supports Canadian church in opposing cross-border interventions.

Bujumbura, Burundi

Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, has thanked his Burundian counterpart, Archbishop Bernard Ntahoturi, for the Anglican Church of Burundi's stance against cross-border interventions, notwithstanding its opposition to more liberal views on homosexuality in some churches in Canada.

"I am very grateful for the position that the Anglican Church of Burundi has taken," said Archbishop Hiltz, who met with Archbishop Ntahoturi during the course of his solidarity visit hosted by the diocese of Bujumbura Feb. 12 to 15. "We value our relationship with Burundi and it's part of the reason why there are young people in our delegation; we would like a building and renewal of relationship."

Archbishop Hiltz was responding to opening remarks made by Archbishop Ntahoturi, who underscored that his province "doesn't want the crossing of borders." (Some primates in Africa and South America have exercised episcopal oversight over conservative parishes in North America that are opposed to the blessing of same-sex unions and the election of a gay bishop.)

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"We walk in different contexts but we value our communion as human beings," said Archbishop Ntahoturi, who added that he would like to "open more doors" of partnership between the Burundian and Canadian churches.

Archbishop Hiltz reiterated the Anglican Church of Canada's position that it has "not yet come to a conclusion" on whether same-sex unions can be blessed by the church. "We are working hard to live in the tension that we're experiencing. But what's created more difficulty is that there have been cross-border interventions in eight of 30 dioceses," he said.

During their meeting, also attended by three of the Burundian church's six bishops, Archbishops Hiltz and Ntahoturi agreed to explore new levels of partnership between their churches in the areas of peace-building and theological education.

Archbishop Ntahoturi said he will support the Canadian church's recommendation that peace and reconciliation be made the Anglican Communion's sixth mark of mission.

Archbishop Hiltz said that the Mothers' Union in Burundi is "the backbone of the church in Africa." He noted how it has been " a real force for good" in Burundi, citing the improvement of family life as well as its involvement in peace-building, reconciliation and advocacy for women.

"We could benefit from some partnerships with the Mothers' Union here. Our ACW (Anglican Church Women) and Mothers' Union could use a boost, a shot in the arm in ways that they can bear witness to the Gospel," he said.

The Mothers' Union, which Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams dubbed "the fifth instrument of unity" in the Anglican Communion, has 3.65 million members in 76 countries.

MARITES N. SISON

STAFF WRITER