AREA DIOCESES
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do yousay I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are theMessiah, the Son of the living God.” And I tellyou that you are Peter, and on this rock I willbuild my church, and the gates of Hades will notovercome it. (Matthew 16:15-16, 18)
When Jesus asked His disciples the perceptions of the people
concerning Him, Peter gave the clearest answer, “You are the
Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16). Jesus
affirmed Peter’s answer and reiterated that truth will be the
foundation (rock) of the kingdom of God – the Church. And the
call to continue to proclaim this truth and good news of our Messiah Jesus Christ remains the unfinished task of the church till
today. We are to continue to make this mandate a priority in all
that we do.
The 33rd Diocesan Synod held on 27-30 August 2024 made
another historic step towards a healthier and stronger diocese by
adopting the demarcation and names of the area dioceses. This
was a step forward after the previous Synod’s historic decision
two years ago to form area dioceses within our Diocese.
The purpose of the creation of Area Dioceses are as follows:
1. To expand mission and ministry opportunities.
2. To facilitate closer pastoral care and discipleship.
3. To equip and train believers to be more effective in their
contexts.
4. To empower the church to face the challenges of the time
[Source: Minutes of Meeting, 32nd Diocesan Synod 2022 (p.27,
Item 4.2.i)]
The 3 Area Dioceses are not independent dioceses but
interdependent as we are still under one diocese (ie Diocese of
Sabah) and led by the Bishop of Sabah. The area dioceses will
have significant decentralized autonomy regarding administrative matters, church planting, pastoral care and training. In short, area dioceses reduce
bureaucracies and bottlenecks. However, manpower deployment, finance, Diocesan
Standing Committee and Boards shall remain centralized. The Diocesan Bishop will
work in consultation with his Area Bishops (Suffragans) on matters pertaining to the
diocese. The Diocesan Bishop will also share his episcopal responsibilities with his
Suffragan Bishops eg. Confirmations and Consecration of Churches.
The Names and Demarcations of the 3 Area Dioceses are as follows:
1. Area Diocese of Sabah West (approx. 21806km²) includes Kudat, Ranau, Kota
Belud, Tambunan, Tuaran, Tamparuli, Manggatal, Inanam, Kota Kinabalu, Papar,
Keningau, Tenom, Sook, Beaufort, Sipitang, Kuala Penyu, Menumbuk and Labuan.
Faith Christian Center (Kuala Lumpur) and Rangsit Anglican Church (Thailand) will be
under ADOS-West covering.
2. Area Diocese of Sabah East (approx. 29975km²) includes Kota Marudu, Pitas,
Beluran, Telupid, Kinabatangan, Tongud, Penangah, Minusuh, Sandakan.
3. Area Diocese of Sabah South (approx. 21937km²) includes Lahad Datu, Kunak,
Semporna, Tawau, Merotai, Kalabakan, Sapulut and Nabawan. Kalimantan Utara
(Indonesia) will be under ADOS-South covering. [Note: The names of the Area Dioceses are in English only at the time of resolution.The translation to Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese will be given in due course. TheSynod also resolves that the demarcation and composition of the three Area Diocesesshall be dynamic, and the Diocesan Standing Committee is empowered to determinethe demarcation, composition and administrative details when necessary.]
Our Diocesan Bishop Datuk Melter Jiki Tais will set the date for the Inauguration of Area
Dioceses next year (2025) after consulting the House of Bishop. Stay tuned for the next
exciting announcement.
Bishop Bishop John
Rector