Expectations Of The Catholic Synod

Synod is a Greek word which means meeting. The word has been  used over the years to designate a Christian gathering where ecclesiastical matters are discussed. Therefore, diocesan synod can be defined as a legitimate assembly of selected priests and other members of Christ’s faithful of a diocese who have been convoked by the bishop with a view to offering assistance to the diocesan bishop for the spiritual and social well being of the entire community.

The second diocesan synod of Port Harcourt is one that is not just coming at the right time, but is suitable for the celebration of 50th anniversary of the creation of the diocese as well as the 51st independence of Nigeria. The theme of the synod is: “The church in Port Harcourt diocese in service to reconciliation, justice and peace you are the salt of the earth .. ‘you are the light of the world’ (Matt. 5:13-14). No doubt, Nigeria needs reconciliation, justice and peace if she must make any meaningful development.

As the Port Harcourt diocese under the dynamic leadership of Most Rev. (Dr.) Camillus Etokudoh, bishop of the diocese, gathers to find lasting solution to the challenges facing the church in the diocese, it is pertinent to remind delegates to the synod of the weight of the expectations of the people of God as well as the entire society.

The theme of the synod could not have been better selected given the situation of things in our country, Nigeria. Our country is faced with what could best be described as the biggest challenge in her history.

The challenges include: corruption, perceived decay of the state and general insecurity of lives and properties, the loss of capable men with dignity and integrity in the political positions to steer the ship of our dear country, the Boko Haram insurgence in the northern part of the country and the damaging effects of oil and gas exploration on the environment in the Niger Delta which has left many in the area with no means of livelihood, no clean water and other necessities of life.

The federal roads in the south east region are mostly in bad shape and many in Anambra State and parts of Abia State are on the verge of abandoning their homes and farmlands due to rampaging erosion in the area.

In all of these, the church is expected to provide the needed leadership as well as the platform for dialogue, by speaking out against any form of social ills to ensure justice which will eventually lead to reconciliation and peace.

According to the lineamenta, a document used by the main organising committee of the synod in the brain-storming phase of the synod, there are four basic dialogues which are seen as the heart of the church’s efforts at enhancing interaction with people of other faith or denominations. They are: Dialogue with the world, dialogue with political authorities, dialogue with other Christians and dialogue with non Christians.

It should be noted that these documents do not make room for interaction amongst people within the church. The synod should therefore endeavour to address the situation where people can be on the opposing side of each other’s world and line of thought but are still one in baptism. The synod should focus on tackling the effects of nepotism; tribalism and eye service which is now very much present in the church today.

At 50, the church in Port Harcourt must do all within its power to cushion the effects of ethnic sentiments due to diverse cultures and traditions. there is need for people to engage each other in dialogue, especially in a diocese like Port Harcourt with different ethnic groups and diverse cultures. Therefore, the synod is expected to provide a platform for dialogue among these ethnic groups for the advancement of the gospel of Christ.

Finally, the Port Harcourt Diocese remain grateful to God, the bishop of thediocese and the entire presbytery. The synod should fashion a way of ensuring that all who want to hear mass on Sundays do so without any extra pain of going to a far distance.

With just eighty three priests as at 2010, it will be almost impossible but with God nothing is impossible. The synod should therefore challenge the priests as well as all pastoral agents in the diocese to see that the ultimate goal of Christianity which is reconciling all things to God through Christ is achieved in the diocese.

Kingsley wrote from Port Harcourt.

Izejiobi Kingsley