THE Dean of the Anglican Church of Melanesia’s Saint Barnabas Cathedral, Reverend Wilfred Kekea has called on youths within the Central Solomons Diocese to participate in church activities in their respective parishes.
Rev Kekea made the call in his sermon at the Saint Barnabas Cathedral on Sunday at a service to conclude the Diocese’s celebration of ACOM’s 50th anniversary.
The 50th anniversary celebration activities started on Thursday 23 January and concluded with the service on Sunday 26 January.
Rev Kekea’s call was prompted by the low turnout of parishioners from the diocese for preparations for the 50th anniversary of ACOM. The turnout was low compared to ACOM anniversary preparations in previous years.
The call was also prompted by the fact that those who now take the lead in prayers and reading the Bible in Churches within the Parishes of the Central Solomons Diocese since he became the Dean of the Saint Barnabas Cathedral are regulars, with no active participation by youths.
“When I was still a Rector here in Saint Barnabas Cathedral, days to celebrate such as this day, we normally see the venue filled up with people. Each and every House of the Church Priests and the Bothers’ Household were filled up with people, preparing and getting ready for such events.
“Then when I came back in 2023 to be the Dean here, I noticed a big difference. Those venues I mentioned are empty, only few people come out to lend their hands in preparations.
“I have asked myself, “Where is everyone of this Cathedral?” I started to wonder if many have lost interest in church activities and celebrations,” he said.
Rev Kekea said there were few parishioners that have passed on over the few years and just last week, another two active ones passed on as well.
“These are ones who dedicated themselves, their time and effort in cleaning around the Cathedral area and participating in church activities,” he added.
He said national census statistics show that young people constitute 70 percent of the national population.
“It is very important for us to note this and see if this is what is reflected in our society and church today. This tells us, the older people and the elders in the church today need to empower our young people,” he said.
Rev Kekea also urged church ministry groups to send lay assistants to assist Priests in their services in the church, especially during Sunday Communion services.
He said youth participation in church activities such as reading the Bible to congregations and leading prayers in the evenings and mornings is crucial to become good leaders for the country in the future.
“We have lists of names of our youths in our roster for church services and so whenever it is your turn to read the Bible, lead prayers, teach in Sunday school, please take them on. Be responsible.
“You never know, maybe one day in the future you will be a Member of Parliament or the Prime Minister. Your confidence is built here by just doing a simple Bible reading and leading a prayer, or teaching Sunday school or leading a Ministry group.
“These activities are very important as they also help you in terms of public speaking in big gatherings. It motivates and builds you to become leaders in the church in order for our church to grow and to be leaders in the country,” Rev Kekea emphasised.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
