THE Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) has begun its 14th General synod sitting today.
The official opening took place at the St. Barnabas Provincial Cathedral on Sunday preceded by a retreat and a welcome ceremony on Saturday.
The Right Reverend George Connor, the Commissary of the Archbishop of Melanesia in New Zealand is the preacher at the opening Eucharistic service. He also delivered the keynote address to the 14th General synod at St. Barnabas Cathedral.
In his Keynote address, he highlighted that the Anglican Church of Melanesia General synod needs to make plans for ‘developing greater financial self- support and the better use of money and the use and abuse of power.
While it is easy to criticized politicians, this General synod should also ask similar questions about ourselves, our leaders, our aspiring leaders, and all planners and thinkers in the Church; Rt. Rev. Connor said.
“It is good when Kastom, church and the government work together; he highlighted.
He also reminded the priest in his keynote address.
“Priests do not need to be locked in the sacramental role; they need to be involved in pastoral ministry and outreach. Worship and praise are certainly important, but they are only part of the task of the priest” The Rt. Rev. George Connor said.
“The care of the people is a very important role of a priest”, he concluded.
Archbishop The Most Rev’d David Vunagi, the primate of the Anglican Church of Melanesia is the chair to this synod, assisted by the General Secretary of the Church, Dr. Abraham Hauriasi and Chancellor Justice Lynn Stevens.
Around eighty plus synod members including observers and support staff are currently at the synod venue at the Melanesia haus, St. Barnabas Provincial Cathedral.
General synod is held every three years.
The theme of the 14th General synod is: ‘Empowering and greater personal service in Mission and Ministry’.
Synod proper ends this Friday.