SYNOD BUNDLE 2025
NOTICE OF SYNOD
SYNOD AGENDA PAPER
SYNOD ORDER OF BUSINESS
PROCEEDINGS
4th Ordinary Session of the Diocesan
Synod – Garissa
Day 1: 3-Day Synod Kicks Off in Anglican Diocese of Garissa
Christ the King Sunday dawned hot over Garissa, yet anticipation filled the air at St. Peter’s
Pro Cathedral. By 3:00 PM, delegates from across the region—including Ukasi, Modogashe,
Madogo, Wajir, Mandera, and Daadab—were settling into their seats, the hum of spinning fans
offering a welcome respite from the heat. The atmosphere was electric as everyone
prepared for the opening of the 4th session of the Diocesan Synod.
The first session began under the capable guidance of a Lay Canon, chairing for the very first
time. His task was clear: to navigate the synod through preliminaries and elections.
Supported closely by the vice-chair and guided by the agenda paper, he ensured a smooth
and organized start. Delegates, many experiencing this structure for the first time, watched
as every procedural step unfolded with precision.
The Bishop provided oversight, guiding only where necessary, allowing the leadership of
the synod to shine. He welcomed all, conducted roll calls, introduced the new Bishop, shared
obituaries, and ushered motions of greetings. The election of secretaries and confirmation
of minutes from previous synods and standing committees were conducted efficiently. Key
policies on safeguarding, ethics, whistleblowing, and data protection were also
adopted—demonstrating the Diocese’s commitment to transparency and good governance.
By mid-afternoon, delegates and observers took a break for tea, the room buzzing with
quiet conversation and reflections on the day’s proceedings. Dinner followed, bringing
everyone together in fellowship. Delegates noted the smoothness and professionalism of
the process, praising the vice-chair for managing Day One with remarkable efficiency.
As I too walked briskly to take my tea, I could not help but imagine how Day Two would
unfold—promising more engaging discussions, decisions, and milestones for the Diocese of
Garissa. One thing was clear: the synod was off to a strong and organized start, setting the
tone for the days ahead.
Reporting for EA News,
Mutati Wa Ndunda
Garissa, 23.11.2025
Day 2: Lively Deliberations at the 4th Ordinary Session
23rd November 2025 | St. Peter’s Pro Cathedral, Garissa
Lights on. Camera flashes. The sun has set, but the energy in the cathedral is bright and
buzzing. Fans spin overhead as delegates listen intently to the finance report, the final item
on Agenda Four: Reports.
The finance chair delivers the report efficiently, keeping delegates engaged and
attentive—no yawns here. The air is alive, not just with the updates, but also with the
vibrancy of the day: the fashion, the anticipation, the shared sense of purpose.
Seated at the front, a layperson chairs the afternoon session, while another had led the
morning. This new system of rotating session chairs is a first for the synod. It brings a
renewed sense of ownership, as the lay leaders guide proceedings and ensure smooth flow,
stepping in only when clarity is needed.
The finance report, far from being a dull interlude, feels like a live broadcast
interview—headlines and highlights presented clearly, questions raised and answered with
precision. Sandwiched between the mission and finance reports, the Board of Social
Services’ update engages delegates with both rhyme and rhythm, reflecting the pulse of
diocesan life and internal concerns expressed through proposals.
The morning session featured two scholarly presentations. Prof. Edison Kalungye from
Uganda Christian University and Christopher Mutati Ndunda from Pwani University, Kenya,
explored the critical role of baptism as the gateway to the Eucharist. Their presentations
emphasized how the Eucharist can serve as a tool for inclusion, reconciliation, and unity.
Each concluded with practical recommendations, setting the stage for further discussion
and resolutions during Day Three’s AGM.
As delegates moved toward dinner, questions lingered in the air: Will the finance motions
pass? Will proposals on regional exits be approved? Will baptism remain the sole
requirement for approaching the Lord’s table?
The energy of Day Two underscores a synod in motion—reflective, decisive, and alive with
the shared spirit of governance and mission.
Reporting for EA News
Mutati Wa Ndunda
Garissa, 23.11.2025
Day 3: The 4th Ordinary Session of the Diocesan Synod
The third day of the 4th Ordinary Session of the Diocesan Synod was marked by wisdom,
engagement, and a spirit of discernment. Among the morning presenters, Fr. Opuka stood
out—towering not only in stature but also intellectually. Known for his wise counsel, he
tabled three motions that promised a paradigm shift for the Diocese if adopted.
The day began with stimulating presentations. Prof. Joyce Karuri delivered a thought-
provoking paper on Gender and the Eucharist, advocating for the removal of barriers that
prevent women from fully participating in the Lord’s Table. She was followed by Rev. Albert
Kasokei, who spoke passionately about the Sacrament of Baptism and its vital role in the life
of the Church.
Later, Fr. Opuka presented his three motions for consideration by the Synod:
1. Decriminalize suicide
2. Develop a proper liturgy for cremation
3. Establish a liturgical committee
These were followed by motions from yesterday’s speakers, Prof. Kalengyo and Christopher
Mutati, whose proposals also awaited discussion and voting. By the end of the day, all
motions were adopted by majority vote. Provincial policies were confirmed, including the
decriminalization of suicide, the adoption of a cremation liturgy, and the formation of a
diocesan liturgical committee. Baptism was affirmed as the only condition for admission to
the sacrament, and all quota and allocation areas were waived, except those of 2025.
Dinner offered a moment of fellowship. Delegates left the hall smiling, shaking hands, and
basking in the consensus and camaraderie that had emerged. The Synod had achieved its
goal: to help the bishop and the Church discern what the Holy Spirit is saying to this
Diocese, tasked with offering chaplaincy in the North.
This three-day Synod was unprecedented in its openness. Clergy and laity were free to ask
questions, speak their minds, and engage in dialogue without fear of reprisal. For the first
time, delegates participated in listening, discerning, and engaging rather than debating for
the sake of conflict. Thoughtful discussions, nutritious meals, comfortable accommodations,
and exceptional presentations from theologians made the Synod a truly memorable
event—a Synod to remember.
A new dawn beckons, and with clarity of purpose, the Diocese looks forward to the next
Synod, guided by the Spirit, strengthened by consensus, and committed to faithful ministry.
Reporting for EA News
Mutati wa Ndunda
24th November 2025
RESOLUTIONS OF THE SYNOD 2025
DIOCESE OF GARISSA
SYNOD RESOLUTIONS – 2025
Resolution 1: [L22/1 C10/0]
The Synod approves and adopts these ACK Provincial policies for application in the Diocese of Garissa
- Data Protection Policies
- Ethics and Whistleblowing Policies,
- Safeguarding policies
Resolution 2: [L22/1 C10/0]
The synod approved and adopted the Diocese of Garissa Standard Operating Manual (SOM).
Resolution 3 [L 22/1. C10/0]
The synod promulgates the Constitution of the Diocese of Garissa, drafted in the year 2019.
Resolution 4: [L19/4 C8/2]
Synod approves the alignment of salaries for all diocesan staff and clergy with Provincial guidelines.
Resolution 5: [L19/4 C8/2]
Synod approves the reviewed parish quotas to reflect current contextual realities.
Resolution 6: [L 21/2 C 9/ 1 abstained]
- Synod approves the writing off of staff & clergy salaries arrears up to and excluding the year 2025, according to a prior agreement with those affected.
- Synod approves writing off of outstanding parish quota arrears up to and excluding the year 2025.
RESOLUTION 7: [L 21/2 C 9/ 1 abstained]
Synod approves the proposed 2026 Budget as presented by the Board of Finance.
Resolution 8: [L 18/4 one abstention; C8/2]
a. The Synod resolves that the Diocese of Garissa exits the Anglican Development Services Eastern (ADSE).
b. The synod approves the Diocese of Garissa to negotiate partnerships with ADS Mt. Kenya East or ADS NAIKA
c. The synod approves that the Diocese of Garissa establish a Special Development Vehicle to attend to the unique development challenges of the region.
Resolution 9: [L22/1 C 10/0]
Synod authorises the use of burial service and rites, as contained in the Modern Service Prayer Book, for persons who die by suicide and not “burial of one who has committed suicide”, within the Diocese of Garissa.
Resolution 10: [LY22/1. C10/0]
The Synod recommends to the province the removal from usage of the “burial of one who has committed suicide” liturgy.
Resolution 11: [L21/2. C10/0]
Synod approves the formation of the Board of Liturgy for the Diocese of Garissa to guide, review, and enhance liturgical practice within the diocese.
Resolution 12: [L21/2. C10/0]
Synod approves and adopts for usage in the liturgies for interment by cremation for use in the Diocese of Garissa.
Resolution 13: [L 18/2 C10/0]
Synod resolves that all persons baptised in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit may be admitted to the Holy Communion in the Diocese of Garissa. This includes: Children, provided they have received appropriate Eucharistic instructions from their parents and the Church; and Christians from other denominations worshipping in our churches.
