The first every Diocesan Synod of the Konongo Mampog Catholic Diocese has commenced at the Sipiritian University College at Ejisu with about 113 delegates selected priests and other members of the Christ’s faithful of the diocese
Opening the synod, Most Rev. Joseph Osei Bonsu, Bishop of the Diocese explained that the theme ‘The Catholic Diocese of Konongo-Mampong in Retrospect: Prospects, Challenges and the Way Forward’ was selected to enable the participants to discuss and reflect on the achievements of the diocese and also to look at some challenges it has been facing since its erection and finally to come out with strategies to move the diocese forward than before.
He stated that the purpose of the Diocesan Synod was to assist the Bishop in the exercise of the office proper to him, namely, that of governing the Christian community.
He noted that any attempt to place the Synod in opposition to the Bishop, who is mandated to preside over the synod on the grounds of ‘representation of the People of God’ would be contrary to the authentic order of ecclesial relation.
Bishop Bonsu, also the president of The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference indicated that the members of the Synod would have the possibility of freely expressing their opinions on the questions proposed for the synod discussion.
He encouraged the participants to actively get involve and contribute massively to the synod so to help in moving the diocese forward.
He said that the Konongo Mampong Catholic Diocese which was created from the Archdiocese of Kumasi and the Diocese of Sunyani in 1995 could count on some successes and also experiencing some challenges.
During the synod some of the topics to be discussed would include: Liturgy and Inculturation, The Laity, The Youth, Marriage and Family Life, the Environment, Interreligious Dialogue, Catholic Education, Witchcraft and Curses and Self Reliance.
The Synod which would last for ten days would be climaxed with the celebration of 20 years anniversary of the diocese and the 40 years of the priestly ordination of Most Rev. Joseph Osei Bonsu on 13th June ,2015 at Mampong Ashanti.