34th Diocesan Synod
On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. (Acts 14:27)
The 34th Diocesan Synod will be held from 24–27 August 2026 at All Saints’ Cathedral, Kota Kinabalu. It starts with a service, during which our Diocesan Bishop, Datuk Melter Jiki Tais, shares his vision and direction for the next two years. The Synod will then receive reports from churches, boards and committees, and discuss matters concerning the church, community and country. Decisions and resolutions will be reached by consensus or voting.
The word “Synod” comes from the Greek synodos, meaning assembly or meeting. In the Anglican Church, the Synod is the highest decision-making body, under the leadership of the Diocesan Bishop. Held once every two years, the Synod brings together delegates from churches across the Diocese. They gather in three Houses: the House of Bishops, the House of Clergy, and the House of Laity.
The Synod elects 10 members to the Standing Committee: the Honorary Secretary, the Honorary Treasurer, four clergy representatives and four lay representatives. Suffragan Bishops serve as ex-officio members, and the Diocesan Bishop may appoint up to three additional members. The Standing Committee serves to advise and assist the Diocesan Bishop in diocesan finance and administration in between synods.
Apart from clergy, St. Patrick’s Church lay delegates are Warden Ho Ken Kong, Mr. Chang Yee Vui, Mr. Mauming Singkung, Ms. Lo Li Jin and Ms. Grace Cheong.
Let us pray for the Synod, asking the Lord to grant wisdom in every discussion and the Holy Spirit to guide the election of office-bearers for the next two years.