Synod

First Synod of the Diocese, October 19-22, 2010

The Diocese held its first Synod from 19-22 October during which the Bishop of Tarime explored with delegates the essence of being Christ’s witnesses in three Bible Study sessions, based on Acts 1:8. The Synod was attended by 99 elected delegates and invited participants.

Among other things, the Synod endorsed the three strategy plan for the diocese for the next three years (2011-2013). The plan focuses on evangelism (church planting, training of evangelists, preaching rallies etc), consolidation of the ministry, resource mobilization, and demonstration of God’s love through community projects and programs.

The Synod also passed various key resolutions and canons on issues and issued guidelines for starting new parishes, recruitment procedures for catechists and pastors, election of the vestry (church elders), preparation for candidates for baptism, confirmation and marriage. It was resolved that confirmation age be 15 years and the teaching should last six months before a parish presents candidates for confirmation.

The Synod resolved that a special fund be started to help with the running of the diocese because the quota from parishes was still very small due to poor Sunday collections from congregations with many Christians who are still young in faith. Members of the Synod pledged to contribute over Tsh1,800,000 (approximately $1300) The Synod also resolved that one Sunday in September be designated for donating to St John’s University of Tanzania besides a pledge of a token annual contribution of Tsh500,000 (approximately $350) from this young Diocese.