The Diocese of Guadalcanal officially opened its 6th Diocesan Synod at Saint Paul’s Pro‑Cathedral, Legalau Village, North East Guadalcanal on Monday Tuesday 27th May, with an inspiring Charge from the Bishop of the diocese, the Right Reverend Benedict Loe.
Amongst other points highlighted in his charge; the bishop emphasized on empowering clergy and laity and shared leadership and revisiting the historic ethos of the Melanesian Mission for today’s challenges.
In his charge, Bishop Loe urged clergy to move “from stationary to missionary,” calling for proactive pastoral ministry that reaches beyond church walls as he urged the clergy men to uphold truth and integrity in ministry.
“Too often, pastoral ministry risks becoming reactive. Christ calls us to go out, to seek the lost, to strengthen the weak, and to encourage the faithful,” he said.
He emphasized that the vitality of the church depends on lay members as much as clergy.
“The church is not all about the clergy. When lay people are empowered, the parish becomes alive with energy, creativity, and resilience,” Bishop Loe declared, highlighting the roles of the Mothers’ Union, Girls’ Friendly Society, and catechists in energizing parishes and strengthening family life.
Bishop Loe also called for shared leadership across parishes, urging clergy to cultivate councils and committees where decisions are made collectively.
“A parish where everyone contributes is a parish that thrives,” he noted.
Evangelism, he added, must remain the heartbeat of the diocese: “The Diocese of Guadalcanal must be a missionary diocese, reaching out to those who feel distant from the church, engaging with the youth, and offering hope to the marginalized.”
Anchoring his Charge on the theme of the synod; “Revisiting true religion, sound learning, and useful industry for 21st‑century mission.” He explained that these values, drawn from the Melanesian Mission ethos, remain a compass for the church today.
“These words are not relics of history, but living principles that must continue to speak with power and relevance. They remind us that the gospel is woven into the fabric of daily life — shaping our worship, our community, and our nationhood,” he said.
Synod business begins today and will continue until Friday, May 29, with close to 100 official members, observers, and supporting staff from the diocese’s twenty parishes, schools, institutions, and headquarters administration expected to deliberate on the future mission and ministry of the Diocese of Guadalcanal.
The opening Holy Eucharist service was presided over by the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, the Most Reverend Leonard Dawea, who preached and declared the Synod officially open.
Distinguished guests included Vice Chancellor of the ACoM and Attorney General of Solomon Islands Gabriel Suri, Chief Operating Officer of ACoM Mr. Peter Pitia, Honorable Dr. Paul Bosawai of North Guadalcanal, Honorable Jaime Vokia of North East Guadalcanal, Premier of Guadalcanal Province Hon. Willie Atu, alongside other government, provincial, and traditional leaders.