KENYA: Eldoret Diocese Launches First Synod to Deliberate on Better Approaches for Evangelization

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

The Catholic Diocese of Eldoret on Friday, June 11, launched the first diocesan Synod since its establishment in 1959 with the intent of coming up with better ways to evangelize in the Diocese.

Speaking during a televised event that brought together Synod delegates including the clergy, Religious and lay faithful, the Local Ordinary of Eldoret Diocese Bishop Dominic Kimengich explained the significance of convening a diocesan synod.

“The whole idea of the Synod is to gather together and discuss pertinent issues which touch on the life of the diocese, share our concerns on how we want the diocese run and come up with solutions to the challenges we have identified,” Bishop Kimengich narrated to Synod delegates and continued, “As collaborators with the Bishop and as we participate in the governance of the diocese, we have to listen to what the Spirit of the Lord is telling us as a church.”

According to Bishop Kimengich, the Code of Canon Law (Can.460) permits a Bishop to convene a Synod at an opportune time when there is need.

“The Church recommends that every Diocese should have a Synod after every 10 years if possible,” Bishop Kimengich revealed to the assembly assuring them it was appropriate time for Eldoret to celebrate a synod which had never been done for the past 62 years.

Giving reference to Acts of the Apostles 15, the Prelate further informed the delegates that the idea of having a Synod in the Church traces back to the early Church as whenever there was a pastoral problem a council was formed to come together and discern solutions to the challenges.

On his part the Vicar General of the Diocese Fr. William Kosgey highlighted the key tasks required from members during the celebration of the Synod saying, “We all need to participate in this activity as a family of god in the diocese and no one is left behind. In participation, we cultivate the element of ownership.”

“We are expected to listen patiently and attentively; to discover the voice of God in what we are doing,” Fr. Kosgey said and continued, “This will give an opportunity to our Bishop to listen to us too.” Besides, “we are to consult widely and ensure our final document contains all the information we need to improve our diocese.”

The Vicar General revealed the theme of the Synod as “The family of God renewing joyfully our commitment to Jesus Christ” and the motto as “Our Synod; One family, one family; one Diocese, one Diocese, One Lord, one faith, one baptism.”

He narrated that the entire diocese is called upon to unite and be one family.

He further underscored the Symbols used in the Synod logo which include the dove as a sign of the Holy Spirit; the cross which is a mark of Christianity; the Eucharist which is the center and summit of Christian life; the Bible where Christians draw their inspiration; and people kneeling symbolizing prayer.

Explaining to delegates during the Friday event of the launch the various chapters of Lineamenta, a document written in preparation for the Synod and which invites a discussion on what needs to be included in the final Synod document, Fr. Raphael Opondo one of the delegates said, “The Nine Chapters we have in the Lineamenta call upon us to reflect and respond to a strong Christian family in the diocese.”

Fr. Opondo further explained that the Mission of the Synod delegates is to assist the Bishop exercise his ministry effectively.

The delegates were urged that they need to be guided by the teachings of the Church and declarations of the Local Church as they make their deliberations.