By Chikezie Ogbonna
In a world increasingly shaped by technology, shifting ideologies, and the erosion of traditional and religious values, the Catholic Church in Enugu Diocese is gearing up for a historic gathering that renews its pastoral zeal in dealing with these emerging trends. The 4th Enugu Diocesan Synod with the theme Faith and Practice in Enugu Diocese: Opportunities and challenges, slated from November 16 to 22, 2025 is being heralded as a pivotal moment for the Church to confront emerging societal and religious challenges head-on.
Speaking on a special weekly radio program on Urban Radio 94.5Fm, the Chairman of the Synod Planning Committee, Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, emphasized that the Synod will serve as a critical platform to address the growing trend of Neo-paganism and decline in faith, particularly among the youth. According to him, young people are fast turning away from Christianity, and the Church must find new ways to reawaken and sustain their faith.
“This synod is an opportunity for deep reflection and dialogue. We are witnessing an unsettling rise in secular influences that are pulling our people—especially the young—away from the faith. This gathering will be a time for us to assess these challenges and propose solutions in line with Christ’s teachings,” Fr. Anieke stated.
A Decade in the Making: The Journey to the 4th Synod
A Diocesan Synod is an “assembly” (coetus) of selected priests and other members of Christ’s faithful of a particular Church which, for the good of the whole diocesan community, assists the diocesan Bishop” (Can. 460). The purpose of the diocesan Synod is to assist the Bishop in the exercise of the office proper to him, namely, that of governing the Christian community.
The Fourth Enugu Diocesan Synod was convoked on Sunday, 12th of May 2024 (Pentecost Sunday) by our bishop Most Rev. Callistus Onaga with the inauguration of the preparatory committee. This Preparatory committee constituted by the Bishop and chaired by Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke is to assist the Bishop in matters pertaining to the organization and preparation of the Synod. In clear terms, the mandate of the committee is to determine those issues, questions, challenges and experiences peculiar to the diocese to be proposed for synodal deliberation which would be captured in the main synodal theme and sub themes. Since then, an extensive consultation process has been underway, allowing priests, religious leaders, and the laity to voice their concerns, questions, and suggestions.
“Our first step was to gather inputs and discussions from every level: zone, parish, deanery, and institutions alike. We encouraged people to ask questions freely and express their views. There is no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to faith and the future of the Church,” Fr. Anieke explained.
These collected inputs from deaneries and institutions are being formulated into a document called Instrumentum Laboris (Instrument of Work), which will be handed over to the bishop for approval. The next phase involves sending it to invited participants who will engage in thematic discussions during the Synod before final resolutions are reached and formulated into a document called the Synod Acta.
Key Themes: A Church in Search of Renewal
According to Fr. Anieke, the 4th Synod will focus on critical issues affecting both the Church and society. Among the key themes up for discussion are:
- Deepening the Faith through Proper Catechesis: Strengthening Catholic education and evangelization.
- Social Media, AI, and New Evangelization: Exploring the role of technology in faith formation.
- Integral Formation of Candidates to the Priesthood in Enugu Diocese and the Challenges of our time.
- The Role of the Church in Youth Empowerment and Community Development: Addressing unemployment and moral decline among the youth.
- Traditional Funeral Ceremonies in Enugu Diocese and their burden of the People.
- The problem of ‘Osu’ and ‘Ohu’ Caste System: Confronting deeply rooted social stigmas that persist in communities.
- The Crisis of Faith and the contemporary Gender Ideology of LGBTQ Movement: Understanding contemporary ideological shifts and their impact on the faith.
- Proliferation of Prayer Centers in Enugu Diocese: Evaluating the growing influence of independent religious movements within the diocese.
- The Abuse of Priestly Powers and its impact on the laity: Strengthening discipline and accountability among the clergy.
- The Church at the Service of the Elderly and People with Disabilities: Enhancing social welfare within the Church.
- The Challenges of Neo-paganism in our times
- Integral Education at the service of Evangelization
- Reinvigorating social welfare scheme in our Local Church
- The Church in Enugu Diocese and Evangelization: Progress and Interventions
- Administration of Sacraments to “Catholics” in Polygamous Marriages
- Anti-clerical tendencies in the Church
- Promoting a productive Economy in Enugu State
- Towards a self-reliant Church
The Synod’s Endgame: Reshaping the Future of the Faithful
Fr. Anieke stressed that the synod is not a routine event but a transformative gathering that happens once in every ten years. “This is a rare moment for us as a Church to chart a new course, to stand firm in faith amidst modern challenges, and to ensure that our legacy remains strong for generations to come,” he remarked.
As the countdown to November 2025 begins, the Enugu Catholic community watches with anticipation. The Diocesan Synod is about integral participation. This participation reawakens faith and reaffirms the Church’s place in a rapidly evolving world. So the big question is: Are you part of this Synod process. Are you part of these conversations and decisions that will echo for years to come?
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