| Friday 31st October, 2008 You are here: Home - 31st October 2008 Index Page |
Bishops and Trinity College Dublin sign new Theological Institute agreement
By Garrett Casey
 |
|
Pictured at the signing of the agreement between the Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, which introduced a new course for training for ordained ministry in the Church of Ireland, are (left to right) Andrew McNeile, the Revd Dr Maurice Elliott, Archbishop John Neill, Dr John Hegarty, Prof. Juergan Barkoff and Michael Gleeson. |
A major step towards the achievement of the Church of Ireland Bishops’ Plan for Ministry Training was realised on Monday 20th October, when the new agreement governing the relationships between the University of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and the Church of Ireland Theological Institute (CITI) was signed. The signing took place in the Provost’s House at Trinity College. The Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd John Neill, on behalf of the bishops of the Church of Ireland, and Dr John Hegarty, the Provost of Trinity, on behalf of the University, signed an agreement which will underpin the introduction of a new Master’s Degree course in Theology.
Editorial
BUDGET ANGER
Nobody can blame the present government in Dublin for the global economic crisis, but its handling of the crisis, its dealings with the major banks in the Republic, the way it has failed to understand public sentiment, its failure to think clearly about its budgetary proposals, and its inept response to public protests, all point to a government that is failing to provide leadership and confidence and to take control. Full Text
‘Political progress now imperative’ - Archbishop Harper tells Armagh Synod
By Shane Forster
 |
|
Archbishop Alan Harper (left) and his assessor, Michael Davey, in discussion during the Armagh Diocesan Synod |
In his Presidential Address to the Armagh Diocesan Synod, held in Church House, Armagh, on Tuesday 21st October, Archbishop Alan Harper urged those in "positions of political responsibility to move rapidly to resume their functions." In a wide-ranging speech, the Archbishop said: "If the Executive continues to fail to meet, my fear is that the vacuum so created, and the sharpness of the issues that remain unaddressed, will permit malign or extreme influences to gain ever more ground.
Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh Synod
Bishop Ken Clarke ‘unpacks’ bishops’ Mission Statement at diocesan synod
 |
| Bishop Ken Clarke (right) and Archdeacon George Davison launch the extended ‘Forward Initiative 2009-2012’ at the Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh Synod. (Photo: Craig McCauley) |
"The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing!" "Is the credit crunch a moral crunch?"
These are two of the memorable quotes from the Presidential Address of Bishop Ken Clarke to the Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh Diocesan Synod held in the Shannon Keys West Hotel, Rooskey, Co. Roscommon, on Saturday 18th October. Unpacking the Mission Statement issued by the bishops of the Church of Ireland at this year’s General Synod in Galway, Bishop Clarke introduced the theme by quoting from one of the Church’s most familiar prayers: " … As you have called us to your service, make us worthy of our calling…"
Home News
Careers conference emphasizes faith and values in the workplace
By Ciara Miller
Well over 300 young people, teachers and university students from across Northern Ireland and further afield recently attended The Right Move careers conference in the Whitla Hall at Queen’s University Belfast. The one-day event aimed to equip young people facing challenging career decisions and to enable a large variety of people to come together and share the excitement of embracing a vision of the future that integrates life, work and faith.
Royal College of Physicians honours Belfast Cathedral organist
The Royal College of Physicians of London recently honoured Philip Stopford, Director of Music in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, in recognition of his setting of the Collect for St Luke’s Day - "Almighty God, who calledst Luke the Physician ... " which he composed for the College.
Bishop of Connor goes back to school
By Karen Bushby
It was a case of back to school for the Bishop of Connor, when the Rt Revd Alan Abernethy recently returned to his former school, Grosvenor Grammar School, Belfast, as guest speaker at the annual prizegiving. The bishop admitted: "This is the first prizegiving I was ever invited to because I never won any academic prizes when I was a pupil." He attended the school, then known as Grosvenor High School, from 1968 until 1975.
Garden of Remembrance rededicated
A service of rededication recently took place to mark the completion of restoration work on the Garden of Remembrance in St Mary’s parish church, Crumlin Road, Belfast, Diocese of Connor. The act of rededication was performed by the rector, Canon Percy Walker. The preacher was the Revd Philip McCormack, Chaplain HM Forces, and others sharing in the service included the Revd Mervyn Kingston; the Revd Victor Patterson, Immanuel Presbyterian church, Belfast; and Lloyd Watson, Belfast City Mission.
Celebrations in Athlone as new national school is opened
 |
| The Revd Graham Doyle (centre) receives the keys of the new school from the Mayor of Athlone, Egbert Moran. Looking on are Miriam Byrne, principal (2nd left), and representatives of the town council, builders and architects. |
A new, three-teacher school - Athlone Mixed National School - in Clonbrusk, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, was recently blessed and officially opened by the Bishop of Meath and Kildare, the Most Revd Richard Clarke. A large number of community representatives, including the Garda, the defence forces, local clergy and school principals, joined in the celebrations with the school’s staff, pupils, parents and friends.
Keeping religion out of politics
‘Keeping religion out of politics: reflections on the American experience’ is the title of the next lecture in the Tuesday lunchtime series being given in St Bartholomew’s church, Stranmillis Road, Belfast, at 1.10pm on Tuesday 4th November.
Institution
 |
The Revd Charlie Leeke (front row, extreme left) is pictured following his institution as rector of Dromara and Garvaghy, Diocese of Dromore, with (front row, left to right) Bishop Harold Miller; Canon Fred Graham, preacher; and the Revd Gill Withers, bishop’s chaplain; (back row, left to right) Bishop Edward Darling; Archdeacon John Scott; and the Revd Simon Doogan, diocesan registrar.
125th Anniversary
 |
The historic church of St Michael and All Angels, Millicent, near Clane, Diocese of Kildare, recently celebrated its 125th anniversary with a series of special services. Pictured following the anniversary Harvest Festival service are (from left) John Hillis, diocesan reader; the Revd Kevin Ronné, rector of Clane union of parishes; Canon Adrian Empey, a former rector of the Clane union, who was the special preacher; and Bishop Richard Clarke. Also taking part in the service were the Revd David Fraser, another former rector of Clane union; the Revd Scott Peoples, organist at the service; Fr Denis Harrington of Clane; and Fr Jackie O’Connell of Caragh
World News
Norway meeting laments illegitimate debt
People in the poorest countries are being forced into poverty by having to repay hundreds of millions of dollars of illegitimate loans from wealthy Western countries to greedy dictators, an international meeting has heard.
Archbishop Gomez reflects on St Andrew’s Draft Covenant
The Anglican Communion News Service has spoken to the Chairman of the Covenant Design Group, Archbishop Drexel Gomez, about the group’s discussions at the Lambeth Conference of the St Andrew’s Draft for an Anglican Covenant.
Bishop Jefferts Schori wants time to consider any Covenant text
If a proposed Anglican Covenant is released next May for adoption by the Anglican Communion’s provinces, US Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has said she will "strongly discourage" any effort to bring that request to the 76th General Convention next July.
Anglican Bishop of Cyprus expresses solidarity with Christians in Iraq
The Anglican Bishop of Cyprus and the Gulf, the Rt Revd Michael Lewis, whose diocese includes Iraq, has expressed his strong solidarity with all Christians there at a time when they in particular are suffering a spate of violence. The bishop recently visited Baghdad, where he met religious and political leaders, including major Shi’a and Sunni figures, as well as diplomats
Christian communities should improve knowledge of Islam
Christian communities should improve their knowledge of Islam, be good neighbours to Muslims and bear witness to their faith in an appropriate manner, according to an international group of Church leaders and experts on Christian-Muslim dialogue.
Focus on Cork, Cloyne and Ross
Sam Wynn, Diocesan Communications Officer for Cork, Cloyne and Ross,
contributes this month’s Diocesan Focus Article
 |
| Paul Neiland, organ builder; Colin Nicholls, recitalist; the Very Revd Alan Marley; and Ian Sexton, Master of the Clerks Choral (Collegiate Church, Youghal) are seen in front of the recentlyrestored organ in St John the Baptist’s Church, Midleton. |
Details have recently been announced of plans to construct a multi-disciplinary Education Centre, located in the grounds of St Luke’s Home for the elderly in Mahon, Cork. At the same time, the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, the Rt Revd Paul Colton, announced the appointment of the Revd Bruce Pierce as Director of Education at the new facility which will provide professional development and training for those involved both in pastoral work and in the caring professions.
Letters to the Editor
-
Armagh See House Full Text
-
Blogging Full Text
-
Theological Institute inauguration service Full Text
-
Human sexuality Full Text
Insight
Confirmation - the start of things
 |
Andrew Brannigan, Diocesan Youth Officer for Down and Dromore, has been researching and working to support the area of Confirmation for the past six years. He published a review of Confirmation in Down and Dromore Diocese (1997-2006) last year and has just completed a Parish Confirmation Handbook for use with youth candidates. This is the last in his series of three articles for the Gazette on the future of Confirmation in the Church of Ireland.
You have heard these our brothers and sisters respond to Christ. Will you support them in this calling? We will support the
In the previous two articles, I considered the importance of Confirmation preparation and the service itself. In this final article, I will be looking at the subject of Confirmation follow-up.
‘PASSING OUT PARADE’
If 10 adults were to make a public declaration of faith in our parishes each year, we would think that there was a revival going on! Yet, in many parishes, more young people than this do so through Confirmation every year - and they do it largely unnoticed and often unsupported. In theory, Confirmation should be adding to the numbers of Church members each year, but the reality is that many candidates are soon lost to us. When one combines inadequate preparation with an apathetic Confirmation service, it should come as no surprise that Confirmation becomes known as a ‘passing out parade’.
Soap
Down at St. David’s
Ted Woods
"It’s probably not etiquette and I don’t want to be disloyal, but my rector is driving me mad! I feel like throwing the whole thing in!" Steve had dropped in at lunch time with some papers for his curate, Jonathan Cooper, and had found him having lunch with Shaun Barrett, a fellow-curate in a parish across the town. Steve hadn’t wanted to interrupt, but Jonathan had insisted there was enough for three and, sure, why not, Fiona was at work.
Yours Faithfully
A way through thorns
Maureen Ryan
Year after year, behind an impenetrable wall of black roses, sits a castle in Winter, and, in the castle, a high tower and, in the tower, a room where a woman lies. She is asleep and cold, and only palely alive. There is dried blood on her thumb and a spindle lies broken in the dust. Disobedience brought her to the room. Failure to rejoice in the abundance of her life and desire for the forbidden brought her and all her small world to the curse of half-life. Year after year, the briars grow thick and high around her and the fruits of the roses are thorns. The brambles, sharper than spindles, drip blood, and within the castle nothing stirs, no breath of wind; only the rats and the vultures are awake and they are fat.
Book Reviews
WHERE THE WATERS MEET: CONVERGENCE AND COMPLEMENTARITY IN THERAPY AND THEOLOGY
Author: David Buckley
Publisher: Karnac Press, London; pp.165
Price: £9.99
CELEBRATING CHRIST’S APPEARING: ADVENT TO CANDLEMAS
Authors: Benjamin Gordon- Taylor and Simon Jones
Publisher: SPCK
News Extra
Down and Dromore clergy conference focuses on Church leaders and leadership
By Scott Mackey
 |
|
Bishop Harold Miller (right) and the Revd James Lawrence at the Down and Dromore clergy conference in Donegal. |
Around 130 clergy, Church Army officers, youth workers and a number of spouses from the Diocese of Down and Dromore gathered recently in the Central Hotel in Donegal town for the bi-annual clergy conference. The format for this year’s conference – which took as its theme ‘Growing Leaders’ - differed from previous occasions: no seminars were offered and there was only one speaker - the Revd James Lawrence, from the Church Pastoral Aid Society, who is the Director of the Arrow Leadership Programme.
Armagh See House proposal faces formidable objection
The Gazette can report that a leading figure on the architectural heritage scene, Primrose Wilson, last May filed an objection to the plans for a new Armagh See House with the local planning authority. See Houses are the official residences of bishops or archbishops. The decision to demolish the existing Armagh See House near Armagh Cathedral and to build a new one on the same site was taken in November 2006, the month before the retirement of the former Archbishop Robin Eames.
Appointments