The University was honored to host a significant academic conference dedicated to the Anglican Thirty-Nine Articles of Faith and the contemporary developments within this Church, featuring the Revd Professor Ephraim Radner as Guest Speaker. The Guest Speaker was invited and introduced by the Most Reverend Martin Blaise Nyaboho, Archbishop Emeritus of the Anglican Church of Burundi. Their longstanding friendship dates back to their time at Matana Theological Institute, where Archbishop Nyaboho was then a theology student preparing for the pastoral ministry, and Professor Radner served as a lecturer.
Held over two days—Wednesday, March 18, and Thursday, March 19—at the BCU Campus of Mutanga-Nord, the conference convened members of the Faculty of Theology, theology students, and alumni. The conference provided a scholarly platform for in-depth theological reflection, critical engagement, and rigorous scholarly exchange.
Through two complementary and intellectually substantive lectures, Professor Radner offered profound insights into the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion, while critically engaging with contemporary developments shaping the Anglican Church today. His presentations elicited thoughtful reflection and sustained discussion among participants, thereby contributing to a vibrant academic environment.
The sessions, which included an interactive question-and-answer segment, generated considerable interest and active participation. Attendees demonstrated a high level of scholarly engagement, underscoring the relevance and intellectual depth of the themes addressed.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor described the conference as “a theological debate of high esteem” and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to fostering similar high-level academic engagements in the future. He also conveyed sincere appreciation to the Archbishop Emeritus for introducing the Guest Speaker, acknowledging both their longstanding collaboration and his instrumental role in proposing the timely and relevant themes explored during the conference.
The Vice Chancellor, Revd. Dr. Pascal Bigirimana also acknowledged the Archbishop Emeritus for his invaluable contribution to the University during a period of significant challenges, particularly his steadfast advocacy in support of its continuity and mission.
Overall, the conference stands as a remarkable success, reaffirming BCU’s commitment to academic excellence and consolidating its role as a center for theological dialogue and intellectual engagement.
