INTERPRETING THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT THROUGH THE EXPERIENCES OF ANGLICANS IN THE CHURCH OF UGANDA, RWANDA AND BURUNDI, 1877 - 1961

Abstract

Interpreting the Work of the Holy Spirit Through the Experiences of Anglicans in the Church of Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, 1877–1961 is a qualitative, library-based mystical theological study that explores the role of the Holy Spirit in the spiritual journeys of Anglican Christians. The study examines the significance of the Holy Spirit within the Church, which in 1961 was formally recognized by the Archbishop of Canterbury as the independent Province of the Church of Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, with Bishop Leslie Brown as its first Archbishop. Although the Holy Spirit has often been neglected in theological discussions, this research seeks to contribute to existing scholarship by interpreting the experiences of Anglican Christians in Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, arguing that the Holy Spirit was instrumental in missionary efforts to indigenize Anglican worship in East Africa from 1877 to 1961. The research reviews the historical development of the Anglican Church until it became an established province and examines the contributions of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, New Testament, and early Church. Through qualitative library research, the study analyzes spiritual experiences that shaped the growth of the Church from 1877 to 1961. Findings indicate that the Holy Spirit empowered missionaries with courage and wisdom, enabled the translation of theological materials into local languages, and fostered community resilience amidst socio-political challenges, including religious conflicts. The Holy Spirit also facilitated the establishment and expansion of Anglicanism under British colonial influence and played a central role in the East African Revival Movement, promoting spiritual renewal among Anglicans. Ultimately, the study concludes that a deeper understanding of the diverse roles of the Holy Spirit enhances believers’ appreciation of His continuing work in their lives.