DUBLIN LAY READER TO BECOME CANON OF RWANDAN DIOCESE

It was announced today that Mr Ken Rue, a Diocesan Lay Reader based in Whitechurch Parish in the Diocese of Dublin has been invited to become a Canon of Shyogwe Diocese in Rwanda. The invitation has come from the Bishop of the Diocese, the Right Revd Dr Jered Kalimba, and the Shyogwe Diocesan Council.

The honour arises out of a relationship built up between Whitechurch Parish in Dublin and the Diocese of Shyogwe arising out of two visits to Shyogwe by Ken who arranged reciprocal visits by Bishop Jered to Dublin in 2004 and 2006. In addition a link created by Shyogwe Diocesan Development Officer (the Revd John Wesley Kabango) who was a parishioner in Whitechurch.

Ken will travel again to Rwanda on 29 June for a two week visit. During this time, he will be commissioned in Shyogwe Cathedral. On his visit he will be accompanied by seven other people from the Diocese of Dublin including parishioners from Whitechurch, Leixlip, Castleknock and a volunteer from Christ Church Cathedral.

Reacting to his appointment as a Canon of Shyogwe Diocese, Ken said, “I thank my friend, Fidele Mutwarasibo, for introducing me to his lovely native land. I am deeply honoured to become a Canon of Shyogwe Diocese. The people there are a joy to be with because of their generous spirit and deep faith. Shyogwe has become like a second home. Ireland and Rwanda have much in common – a recent history of tribal conflict, complications with colonial powers and green countryside. I hope to encourage many more to visit, help and learn from Rwanda.”

Ken is married to Lesley and they have a son, Richard.

- ENDS –