A FORMER Bishop has come out of Africa to take up a post in Droitwich.

The Rt Rev Jonathan Ruhumuliza, formerly Bishop of Kigali in Rwanda - which was the scene of racial massacres in 1994 - has been appointed Associate Minister in the Droitwich Spa Team Ministry. He was born and brought up in Muko in the rural mountains of Rwanda and educated at mission schools, where he then trained as a teacher.

He taught in several schools before ordination and then studied for a Bachelor in Theology in Butare in Rwanda and a Masters in Tanzania and then later in Canada.

After being ordained in 1982, he worked in both a parish ministry as well as continuing as a manager and chaplain at an Anglican school and hospital.

The father-of-two was consecrated Assistant Bishop of Butare Diocese in 1991 and then Assistant Bishop in Kigali Diocese in 1993, becoming Diocesan Bishop of Kigali in 1995.

After a period of sabbatical leave in Canada, he was invited by the Archbishop of West Africa to set up the new diocese of Cameroon.

He then moved to Britain and worked at Crowther Hall, a church college in Birmingham.

The 49-year-old will be licensed by the Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Rev Dr Peter Selby on Saturday, May 21, at St Andrew's Church in Droitwich.

He will also be commissioned as an Assistant Bishop in the diocese.

"When God called me I responded that I'd go wherever I was sent and I know God is sending me here," said Bishop Jonathan, who lists his interests as walking, computers and football.

Canon Sheila Banyard, Rector in the Droitwich team, said they were looking forward to Bishop Jonathan starting.

"This appointment provides an opportunity for us, each learning from one another other, and sharing experiences of the life of the church, both here in Droitwich and the wider Anglican church."