THE diocese of Malaita (DOM) in the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) on Sunday officially opened their 20th Diocesan Synod at Fourau village, Eastern Region of the Diocese.
The program begun with a colorful welcome ceremony on Saturday afternoon.
More than 150 Synod delegates led by the Bishop of Malaita, the Right Reverend Sam Sahu and the supervising Assistant Bishop the Right Reverend Raymond Aumae witnessed the ceremony.
Guest of Honour was the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs and Member of Parliament for East Malaita Manasseh Maelanga.
Speaking on behalf of the host community on their arrival, Thomas Bebeu expressed his sincere gratitude in welcoming the Bishops, the guest of honor and the Synod delegates for their commitment to make it at Fourau for the 20th Diocesan synod.
“This is the second time the community hosts a diocesan Synod. The first was in 1996, and we are looking forward to provide you the best we can offer during this weeklong gathering,” Mr. Bebeu said.
Diocesan Bishop of Malaita the Rt Rev. Sam Sahu also acknowledged the commitment and collective efforts by the people of Fourau village both in Malaita and Honiara for making it a beautiful place to be in these coming days.
Bishop Sahu also thanked the Government of Solomon Islands and the Member of Parliament for Fataleka Constituency Steve Abana and those who have contributed in one way or the other to this highest decision making body of the Diocese of Malaita.
The one week Synod will officially close on Sunday the 2nd of July 2017.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
In AUKI
