Bishop Loe Calls for Action

The Right Reverend Benedict Loe, Bishop of the Diocese of Guadalcanal in his official address at the 5th Diocesan Synod of Guadalcanal, called for action on the theme of “Retrieving the Values of Mission for the Diocese of Guadalcanal.” The bishop’s address emphasized the importance of returning to the core values of Christian mission, and renewing the Diocese’s commitment to spreading the gospel and serving the community.

The 5th Diocesan synod of the Diocese of Guadalcanal runs from 14th to 20th May is taking place at Headquarters of the Sisters of the Church at Tete Ni Kolivuti, Tenaru area, east of Honiara.

Bishop Loe began his address by acknowledging the challenges that the Diocese of Guadalcanal has faced in recent years, including natural disasters, social unrest, and the recent impacts of COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that these challenges have highlighted the need for the Diocese to renew its focus on mission and to retrieve the values that have guided its work in the past.

The bishop went on to highlight the importance of mission in the Christian tradition, noting that it is not simply a matter of evangelizing or converting others, but rather a call to serve the needs of the community and to promote social justice. He stressed that the Diocese of Guadalcanal must strive to embody these values and to work for the betterment of all people in the region.

“The Diocese of Guadalcanal is about ten years since its Inauguration, and by our cognitive or mental maps, we can easily visualize the current state of our Diocese; of what we have and what we have not; of what we have done, and what is yet to be done. Apparently, we still have a lot to do and to accomplish” he said.

Bishop Loe also emphasized the need for the Diocese to reconnect or engage in dialogue with the wider community, including those who may not share the same religious beliefs.

“When we value our calling, our Mission and Ministry and reach out to others and building bridges of understanding, I believe we can reach our ultimate destinations and help to promote peace and reconciliation in the region.”

Several key areas the house will also consider during the course of the synod are; the DoG Diocesan Headquarters (DHQ) – establishing a working committee that will look after the work and completion of the diocesan headquarters at Good Shephard; discussions around the names of the two Cathedrals; Review of some diocesan Canons; Economic Empowerment; The “4 – A Parish Life” – A God-Talk Community, A Feeding Community, A Discipling Community, and A Community Connected to the wider Body of Christ highlighted during his inaugural speech; establishments of Schools and institutions; Clergy and laity relationship and respect to each other.

Finally, the bishop called on all members of the Diocese to renew their commitment to mission and to work together to retrieve the values that have guided the Diocese in the past. He stressed that this work is not easy, and that it requires a willingness to listen, to learn, and to be open to new ideas and perspectives.

Overall, Bishop Benedict Loe’s address to the 5th Diocesan Synod of Guadalcanal was a powerful call to action, urging the Diocese to renew its commitment to mission and to retrieve the values that have guided its work in the past.

“By working together and engaging in dialogue with the wider community, the Diocese of Guadalcanal can help to promote peace, justice, and human flourishing in the region.” He concluded.

The 5th Diocesan synod began on Saturday with a traditional welcome ceremony put on by Ghueora Parish in North Guadalcanal followed by a retreat on Saturday night led by the Mission Secretary of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) Rev. Dr. Atkin Zaku who also preached a very powerful sermon at the opening Holy Eucharist service on Sunday morning before the official opening.