Theme of the Synod: Galatians 6:17

The ELCT – NED 6th Synod has ended up peacefully this morning.

The re-election agenda for the District Pastors made the closing schedule to be extended to 5 am on 10th October 2003. The meeting was supposed to be closed last evening.

Despite the sleepless meeting, the Synod was pleased to get new members of the Executive Council, following a general election undertaken yesterday afternoon. It was the first election since the new leadership has taken over, and, since the amendment of the previous diocesan constitution.

Under the new constitution, the elected members representing church elders, lay christians and learning institutions representatives, joined other statutory members to form the new Executive Council. The council thereafter elected District Pastors.

The District Pastors’ results came out as a reshuffle rather than an election. The former Pwani District Pastor, Rev. Sosthenes Kibanga exchanged desks with Rev. Zawadiel Mkilindi, the former Southern District Pastor. Rev. John Fisha from Northern District was shuffled to Tambarare District, where a newly elected District Pastor, Rev. Msafiri Mbilu was sent northwards.

In another development, Mr. Geoffrey Akile was elected a Recording Secretary for the diocesan Executive Council and Synod for the period of next four years.

The Synod was opened on 7th October 2003. At 8.30 am the General Assembly members, accompanied by a brass band from Fuizai - Hengiti Parish and a Lushoto Parish union Choir, marched through the town from the diocesan headquarters, a kilometre away to the Cathedral church where the opening service would be conducted.

The twin-lined deafening trumpets, choir squad clad in black and white, proudly smiling faces cheered up the town and made business activities at a standstill as the march swept across.

During the opening service, Bishop Dr. Peter Israel Mwakyolile from Konde Diocese was the preacher. He drew his preaching from John 17:21 “That they shall all be one ….” He pivoted his emphasis on the importance of Christian unity.

The Synod was officially opened by the Tanga Regional Commissioner, Capt. Jaka Mwambi after delivering his speech to the synod. In his speech he congratulated the ELCT – NED for the efforts of giving a helping hand to the needy.

He said that the diocese is well known for its commitment in establishing various social service structures aimed at bringing good harmony to mankind spiritually, socially, educationally and physically.

He named health care, education institutions, physical and mental handicap care as the priority concerns of the diocese.

During the assembly the ELCT-NED Bishop, Dr. Stephen Ismail Munga presented his report to the Synod which was later discussed upon.

The invited Bishops; Dr. Peter Mwamasika from the Diocese of Dodoma, Dr. Philip Baji from the Anglican Diocese of Tanga, Dr. Mwakyolile and the Head of the Eastern and Coastal Diocese, Dr. Hance Mwakabana also made presentations on various themes.

The General Secretary of the ELCT, Amani Mwenegoha saluted the meeting on the closing day and fully participated the election exercise.

PICTURES OF THE SYNOD AND MORE REPORT TO BE AVAILABLE VERY SOON