Today I have a day for reflection and prayer. I am sitting quietly in Mwana, Tanzania, beside the beauty of Lake Victoria, the place where the first missionaries to East Africa came and began to preach the Gospel, as well as bring much needed medical care. These missionaries were the beginning of what has come to be known as the East African Revival. It changed a vast pagan area into one of the strongest Christian regions of the world. Even today thousands are converted to Christ, there are signs and wonders, and outreach to the poor is ever expanding. East Africa is being proclaimed by many as the new center of Christianity.

The Charismatic Episcopal Church is growing in East Africa. Not only are many seeking to come into fellowship with us, but also the existing churches are growing, both in numbers and in social ministries to the poor. We have seen our churches running orphanages, primary schools, feeding programs, and the digging of wells. Theological Education is increasing and we now have two significant pieces of land where we can build Theological Colleges. We are also making contact with many mission resources so that we can expand the ministry to those in great need.

The Bishops in East Africa are in unity! They love the Charismatic Episcopal Church, and all have renewed their commitment to the vision that has been given to us. Though they minister under tremendous need with almost no resources – some do not have transportation or cathedrals – their faith in Lord Jesus and in the CEC does not waver. In fact, they work even harder to advance the Kingdom under the authority of their Patriarch. The CEC in Africa is thoroughly convergence and operates under government by consensus.

The real challenge facing the Bishops of East Africa is asking, “Where do we go from here?” There is no doubt in their hearts that God will provide the resources to move forward.

Our first phase of development is the gathering of basic demographic information. We are surveying both what exists and what are the needs of the Church. For example we know that there are as many as 340 churches in Uganda that reach almost 500,000 confirmed members. Every Diocese has an outreach to HIV/AIDS orphans – one church serves 240 orphans. Every Diocese has nursery and primary education. One Diocese has a lively program of making goats available to families and another is involved in the distribution of donkeys. The story is similar in Kenya. In Tanzania we saw a primary school that has grown from 10 students to over 300 students in less than three years.

The greatest challenge faced every day is finding the financial resources needed to do this important work, not just for the survival of programs, but also to expand and meet the incredible needs of the people of God. I know that through the International Development Agency, and the work of our Church worldwide, we can partner together to advance God’s work of charity and justice. There is great hope for our Church in East Africa.

I am thankful for the work that has been accomplished here by our first Patriarch, Archbishop Randolph Adler. He brought unity to the Bishops in East Africa, and through his ministry they clearly understand the vision of the CEC, and are committed to it. Archbishop Charles Jones and Fr. Scott Howard (and teams under their leadership) have done much to forge the relationships between brother Bishops, as well as the Bishops on the Patriarch’s Council. I am also thankful for the work of Bishop Philip Weeks. As we traveled around East Africa, each of the Bishops expressed their appreciation for his work and their love for him and his wife June. I personally know of many projects assisted by his ministry which are advancing the work of the Church. We also heard of the work of Integrity International Worldwide Christian Mission out of Alabama. Through Integrity Worldwide, Bishop Hannington and Bishop Moses have received grants to help people become self reliant through the gift of livestock, and will soon establish a library in Bishop Moses’ Diocese. We want to partner with everyone to move forward. In the future we hope to partner with various Evangelical, Pentecostal, Anglican, and Roman Catholic groups. We might not be able to be united in all matters, but we can unite in prayer and service to the poor, and perhaps from this move, under the leading of the Holy Spirit, we can achieve a more visible unity of worship and apostolic ministry.

As I have said, my office in cooperation with the IDA, will be writing a demographic report as well as a strategic plan for the future. It will be made available through as many resources as possible – IDA website, CEChome, and our Bishop’s offices.

We are looking at ways for businessmen and investors to put resources into East Africa that will generate income for the future. I have gathered a group of businessmen to assist me in these projects. I am thankful for the men and women who are part of this exciting vision. You can learn more about it by calling my office.

My wife, Cathy, was able to join me on this visit. We were also able to bring the Bishop’s wives to the various meetings. Cathy was able to minister encouragement to the Bishop’s wives. The Bishop’s and their wives each expressed their deep gratitude for Cathy coming to East Africa, and for her ministry.

I return to the United States on September 27th and will be in my office on September 29th. I travel within a few days to Orlando, Florida to meet with the clergy of St. Dismas and then will return to Intercessor for a few days. The week of October 6 through 10th the U.S. Bishops will be gathering in Orlando for the Fall US House of Bishops. Please keep this meeting in your prayers. We will keep you informed of the progress of the meeting through reports on CEChome.com.

I am thankful to each of you for your prayers. I am thankful for the hard work of all the baptized, who spend so many hours in ministry, and give sacrificially out of love for the Lord and for His Church. Be assured of my prayers and my desire to be your servant.

Under His mercy,

The Most Rev. Craig W. Bates,
Patriarch of the ICCEC and Primate of the CEC, NA.