Leading Anglicans within the Pacific Diocese have gathered in Suva for their bicentennial church conference.

This year’s  ‘synod’ is an Anglican parliament, with a 115 participants from as far as New Zealand, American Samoa, Samoa, Fiji and Tonga will gather to pass laws and make decisions which will shape the future and the Anglican life and ministry in the Pacific, says  leader of the Anglican Church in the Pacific, Archibishop Winston Halapua.

“This year’s synod is a culmination of a journey that started in 2011 when I assumed leadership of the church,” he said.

A journey that included two controversial issues – same sex marriage and their involvement in churches.

In his statement, he said every church should “never turn a blind eye from the doctrines of love, of forgiveness, acceptance and respect of individual choices.”

“Doing mission is not for our comfort because society can frown upon the church speaking on social issues in the fast changing context of the 21st century.

“The people we serve, including those sitting on the pews,” he said in his statement “are facing hardship and these challenges must be addressed and we cannot fail them.”

Sister Kalo Tuineau (left) and Rev Lila Sundran were aking the 115 participants attending the two days training at Kyatriya Hall on April 1st, 2017. Photo:Jone Luvenitoga

As for this year’s synod, he said the onus was on the church to live a Jesus like life and that was loving, caring and inclusive of everyone and challenging discriminatory and abusive practices.

“We are the followers of Christ and we must live out and practice these values in our lives.”

Working on the theme of ‘discipleship,’ Reverend Eloenor Sanderson said the church must move away from the idea of being consumers but making disciples.

“Many people in our churches are not disciples and identifying leaders are the simple tools of training people on the values of discipleship,” Reverend Sanderson said.

The synod will open on Monday night where participants will than meet for the next three days.

Participants having their own discussion during the two days training during the Anglican Church synod at Kyatriya Hall on Monday 1st, 2017. Photo:Jone Luvenitoga

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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