The 11th Diocesan Synod of the Diocese of Central Solomons (DoCS) opened with a powerful call to mission, as both the Rt Rev. Stephen Koete, Diocesan Bishop, and the Most Rev. Leonard Dawea, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, urged Christians to embrace the synod theme:“Empowering Christians to Recognize Themselves as Participants of God’s Mission in Order to be Resilient to the Challenges of Today.”
Delivering his charge, Bishop Koete explained that the theme was born out of the realities facing Christians in the Central Solomons — shifting social values, economic pressures, and cultural change.
He reminded delegates that the Church, government, and customary leaders form the three foundational pillars of island life, and that resilience in faith must be matched by practical service in communities.
The Archbishop’s keynote address, delivered on his behalf by the Chief Operations Officer of ACoM, Mr. Peter Pitia, echoed this vision.
He emphasized that the theme is not just a ceremonial statement but a guiding framework for the next three years.
Mission, he said, is the very identity of the Church: “The Church exists for mission as fire exists by burning.”
He urged the Diocese to empower Christians with knowledge of scripture and faith, enabling them to recognize their baptismal calling and actively participate in God’s mission.
Both leaders stressed that the theme calls for Christians to live resilient faith in the face of modern challenges, engage actively in mission at parish, district, and community levels, strengthen partnerships with government and education sectors to support families and youth, revitalize customary leadership to guide communities through disputes and social change, and address social concerns such as alcohol abuse and family breakdown with unity and compassion.
The Archbishop highlighted that empowerment must be ongoing, enabling Christians to recognize their roles and responsibilities in the gospel.
Participation, he said, is not limited to clergy but extends to all baptized believers, who must take ownership of the proclamation of the gospel.
Resilience, meanwhile, is essential to withstand external pressures such as religious pluralism and internal challenges such as limited resources.
Charting the Diocese ahead, Bishop Koete outlined how the theme will guide the Diocese until the next synod.
The focus areas will include building a Church that can withstand cultural and social pressures, encouraging Christians to see themselves as agents of peace, justice, and hope, working with provincial authorities on education, land registration, and youth programs, strengthening both ecclesiastical and customary institutions to provide practical guidance, and ensuring that the Church remains a beacon of moral and spiritual strength across Central Solomons.
The Archbishop added that the next three years must be dedicated to implementing the theme through education, workshops, and mission activities that empower clergy, laity, youth, and institutions alike.
By doing so, the Diocese will chart a path of spiritual strength, community leadership, and faithful witness in the face of modern challenges.
Bishop Koete concluded his charge with a blessing, thanking delegates, guests, and the host community of Vuranimala for their time, commitment, and preparations toward this important gathering.
He reminded the synod that the life of the Church involves both challenge and calm, and called for steadfast unity as the Diocese journeys forward under the guiding light of its theme.
In total, 67 synod members from 12 districts, 2 parishes, 3 institutions, and staff from the Diocesan Headquarters gathered for this significant meeting, which runs from Sunday, 31 May to Friday, 5 June 2026.