April 2025 Gazette
Church of Ireland Gazette, April 2025
Our April 2025 issue is out now, and full of great news and features from across the island.
We have a packed edition this month, starting with Central Church news. We feature a preview of General Synod, with a taster of the event provided by the Honorary Secretaries. We also have news from the recent meetings of the Representative Body and the Standing Committee, with updates on the issues raised at the meetings – communication with members, governance, and future planning priorities all hot topics – as well as news of the approval of over €600,000 worth of grant applications.
We’ve taken a dive into the archives. Rachel Bennett, Assistant Archivist at the RCB Library, provides a fascinating insight into the features and history of four different buildings, all named after St Patrick. And since here at the Gazette we have a long and proud history of strong opinions and considered takes on Church concerns, we decided to take a look back at what was exciting our readers back in 2010, with the first in a series of features on letters to the editor from past issues.
Our Diocesan Focus this month is on Derry and Raphoe, with a look back over the past year in the diocese as well as discussion of plans and hopes for the future.
Our Opinion pieces never disappoint, and this month sees our customary broad range from the philosophical to the humorous. John Deane-O’Keeffe brings a Christian sensibility to our consideration of global politics with his piece on Donald Trump; Stephen Farrell discusses masculinity and role models, and asks who young men in today’s world can (or should) look up to; Christopher West discusses the Church’s role in and duty to society, and explores the concept of being ‘the grit in the spiritual spinach’.
We interview author (and retired Church of Ireland priest) Ted Woods – read all about Ted’s life in the Church, his writing, his faith, and the inspiration for his series of mystery novels. We also review Ted’s latest book, Deacon.
Scott Evans contributes the Devotional this month, and explores the importance of difficult questions and transformative conversation when ministering to young people. And Simon Henry discusses the importance of faith, friendship, and focus as part of his report on the recent CIYD Youth Forum.
In Gardening, Rae McIntyre laments the state of her garden after the ravages of winter, and discusses remedies for the problem of moss. And in Food, you’ll find a tasty alternative to lamb as an Easter treat, as well as a handy way of using up those leftover Easter eggs.
As always, we report on news from around the island and abroad. Among other stories, this month we report on the musical director who wants people to join him on a very energetic and innovative fundraising journey; the two Connor Readers who together have contributed almost a century of dedicated ministry to their diocese; Archbishop McDowell’s recent trip to Washington; a very special meeting between ‘Black Santa’ and the King; and the ex-church treasurer recently jailed for fraud.
Not to forget our fun Crossword, Clergy News, Tributes, Liturgical Notes, and a Mothers’ Union feature on creative ways to encompass ‘faith in action and serving in love’. We hope you enjoy the April 2025 issue of the Church of Ireland Gazette!
