Anglican Communion News Service

The Anglican Communion office in London has received the following information from the Congo:

"The Revd Basimaki Byabasaija, the assistant to the diocesan secretary and the coordinator of the HIV/AIDS network in the Diocese of Boga (Congo) was killed yesterday between Boga and Burasi by wangiti belligerents while trying to cross and get ready to travel to Hong Kong to attend the Anglican Consultative Council-12 meeting in Hong Kong. His body has been so mutilated that it has to be collected to get buried.

We ask for your prayers as the situation seems a bit far from being under control."

Speaking from Canterbury, Canon James Rosenthal, Director of Communications for the Anglican Communion expressed his sadness and shock at the news of the death of Fr Byabasaija. "This sad reality of fear and death is part of the ongoing situation that so many in our global family face in their lives daily. While many worry about church politics and issues, many of our Anglicans and Episcopalians face persecution and death just for being Anglican. He will be greatly missed in the councils of the ACC and we thank God for his ministry with HIV/AIDS in Africa. In his life he has helped save the lives of others. May he rest in peace, but may we not rest until our people can live in peace with justice in all parts of our Communion."

Canon Rosenthal said Fr Byabasaija would be remembered in prayers in Canterbury Cathedral today as would his family and diocese.