Church of Nigeria:

Kaduna Diocese to Hold First Youth Synod

Abuja, June 7, 2006- Young people in the Anglican Diocese of Kaduna will have an opportunity to make input on the policy and decisions of the Church, as the first ever Youth Synod in the history of the 52-year old Diocese opens from June 16.
The synod, to be hosted in Christ Anglican Church, Katsina Road, Kaduna, will be attended by the Bishop of Kaduna, the Most Rev Josiah Idowu Fearon, who will deliver the opening address.
The theme of the Synod is: 'Lord Transform our Diocese.' Some 300 delegates are expected from all the churches in the diocese.

The youth delegates will be involved in bible studies, debates and workshop sessions. Their conclusions will feed into the final communiqué at the end of the three-day gathering.

Also guest speakers will share their knowledge and insight on making faith important and relevant in daily life.

Youth Director of the Church of Nigeria and one of the organizer's of the event, Canon Ben Idume believes the Youth Synod is a chance to learn how Diocesan Synod works and an opportunity to prepare young people to be effective member's of the Church.
According to him the Youth Synod is modeled close to the Diocesan synod, but with a slight variation. "The usual three houses- Bishops, clergy and laity-that constitute the conventional synod will not be represented," he said.

"Our intention is to get our young people, which make up 45 per cent of our church population, active in their involvement in the day-to day running of the church."
Asked whether the Youth Synod has the power to legislate on major policies of the church including budget implementation, the Youth Director replied: 'this synod can only make recommendations to the main diocesan synod which is scheduled to meet a week after the youth gathering."

Apart from making recommendations to the church, the youth delegates will also get a chance to fellowship as united members of the body Christ, Idume said.
The Anglican Cleric extolled Archbishop Idowu Feraon for being the architect and mastermind behind the convening of the first Youth Synod.
"We believe in mentoring young people to prepare well ahead to step into the shoes of the present church fathers."

In nearby Abuja Diocese, resolutions reached at the end of the second session of the sixth synod of the diocese approved the establishment of a teenage church.
Resolution 3 of the Synod said "The Church shall specially focus on Youth development including Teens ministry through well-designed programs aimed at building God fearing and hardworking leaders of tomorrow."

(Church of Nigeria News)