Rt Rev Dr John Pierre Methode, Bishop of Karongi Diocese, Rwanda, has joined the global governing board of Five Talents. Bishop Methode, who is also a founder and steering group member of the Green Anglican Movement Africa, has spent his ministry supporting and advocating for community development and holistic transformation across rural Africa. With understanding and insight about the contexts in which many of the Five Talents programmes operate, Bishop Methode brings both deep pastoral care for communities and wide experience of climate and development action.
In endorsing Bishop Methode for this important role Ven. J W Kofi deGraft-Johnson, General Secretary of the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa, said:
‘Bishop Methode’s life is a seamless garment of integrity, humility, and courageous compassion. I have seen him sit patiently on a wooden stool for hours, listening to subsistence farmers describe their aspirations, and I have also watched him speak truth to power in government ministries without losing his pastoral gentleness.’
In reflecting on his appointment Bishop Methode said:
‘It is a privilege to join the global board of Five Talents as we seek to advocate for the marginalised, unreached and the poor; and help them to enjoy fullness of life through economic empowerment. I am ready to learn, to play my role and rise to the challenge.’
Richard Gray, Chair of Five Talents global board, welcomed Bishop Methode’s appointment:
‘As Five Talents continues to see incredible growth in our programmes, having the voice of senior Anglican clergy like Bishop Methode on our global board is vital. He is a highly respected and long standing champion of community led development and environmental sustainability, as well as bringing both theological understanding and practical hands-on experience. As we look to deepen the impact of our work, his appointment reflects our fundamental mission to support marginalised communities across rural Africa.‘
PHOTO (from left to right): Rachel Lindley (Five Talents UK Co-CEO), Bishop Methode, Richard Gray (Chair, Five Talents global board), Kris Coppock (Co-CEO, Five Talents UK) at a recent meeting in Nairobi.