The total was a fantastic £36,782.32 raised by 63 parishes and will make such a difference in our link diocese in South Sudan. Indeed, Bishop Moses has described a lack of suitable transport as the biggest obstacle to ministry faced by his clergy. 

Maridi Diocese has 92 priests and 5 deacons plus lay readers, evangelists and Mothers’ Union workers serving 75 parishes. These are scattered across a wide area, largely inaccessible by car, meaning that to reach their congregations clergy must walk long distances for many hours. 

Archdeacons visit multiple parishes, hence the need for motorbikes.

We look forward to sharing some photos of the new bikes and motorbikes which will be purchased in the country itself. 

Pictured above from left to right: Revd Jeremiah Hakim,the diocesan cashier, Archdeacon Ruben Gian and Revd Rose Joseph, pastor for MU.

Professor Purdy is Director of Research and Scholarship at Stranmillis University College, and a member of the Board of Education (Northern Ireland), the Advisory Council to the Church of Ireland Centre at Dublin City University’s Institute of Education, and the Governing Council of the Church of Ireland Theological Institute (CITI). He is a parishioner of Willowfield Church in East Belfast.

Dr Peter Hamill, Secretary to the Board of Education (Northern Ireland), remarked: “We are privileged to have the wisdom and knowledge of Professor Noel Purdy OBE on the Board of Education.  This is a thoroughly deserved award.”

The Revd Canon Dr Maurice Elliott, Director of CITI, added: “We have been delighted to learn of this very significant honour for our Council member, Professor Noel Purdy.  In his capacity as Educational Adviser, Professor Purdy brings a genuine depth of insight, experience and wisdom to his role on our behalf.  His professionalism is matched by his commitment to pastoral care towards both staff and students.  Many sincere congratulations!”

The Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd John McDowell, as Chair of the Board of Education and the Advisory Council, has added his own congratulations to those of Professor Purdy’s many friends and colleagues.  Archbishop McDowell commented: “Noel is a consummate scholar who has also an understanding of the needs of the whole person – teachers and pupils – and who brings deep humanity as well as deep learning to his many vocations in education.”

Laura has served as the worship leader at St Saviour’s Church for 52 years, ever since the church opened in 1972. It is because of this faithfulness and longevity that she has been rightly honoured in this way.

Curate in Charge of St Saviour’s, Stu Armstrong, said, “We are so incredibly proud of Laura. She has an amazing heart for Jesus and His people, and this is a wonderful way to honour that heart and the faithfulness with which she serves.”

Preaching in English, his third language, Bishop Leo brought warm greetings from Multan and thanked all those who had hosted him and his wife Honey.

In his sermon Bishop Leo challenged us to go out with the gospel. “Even the disciples wanted to settle down, but Jesus wanted to send them out. As God’s chosen people it is our privilege to have the living work of being fishers of men. God has called us to share this living grace.” 

Synod business and presentations

The Ven Mark Harvey was elected as a member of the Representative Body of the Church of Ireland for the next three years. The Synod also voted to adopt the revised Diocesan regulations.

The Report of the Diocesan Council was proposed by Revd Adrian Dorrian (Hon Clerical Sec, Down) and seconded by Mrs Diane Ruddock (Dromore).

The report was very warmly received, and work and ministry of the diocese spoken of very positively by a variety of contributors.

Standing Orders were suspended for Tim Burns who leads The Suitcase Project. On this World Refugee Day Tim spoke movingly about the plight of newcomers and invited churches and individuals to engage with the project which is now based off the Woodstock Road.

June Butler also spoke about the issue of domestic violence and what Mothers’ Union is doing to equip and raise awareness among churches.  

David Manning clearly and skilfully presented a healthy Statement of Diocesan Accounts which were adopted by Synod.

Finally, we heard from Ian Bingham who is the Head of CARE Northern Ireland. CARE have many resources to help churches engage with and think Christianly about politics and big issues facing society today eg. assisted suicide. Ian is also available to speak and may be contacted at ian.bingham@care.org.uk

Before Bishop David closed Synod with a scripture reading and prayer, Archdeacon Jim Cheshire thanked him for leading the diocese in a such gospel–focused and hope–filled way.

(During the Presidential Address Tony Gaston presented on the work of Fields of Life in Maridi. Look out on the diocesan website for details of how to partner with them in this part of South Sudan.)

“The gospel of God has lost none of its power,” he said, “and where the Church proclaims that gospel to people beyond our walls people are saved, healed, and delivered. I want to say again that every church, all 111 and all 10 church plants should put evangelism at the top of their agenda.”

Even if sharing the gospel in our culture is increasingly challenging, Bishop David urged parishes to use all the resources available to them – Alpha, Christianity Explored, Word One to One – and to advance with the good news rather than retreat.

The bishop also suggested that our parishes might come alongside another parish in the south of Ireland so that we could be strengthened together in our making of disciples, in our orthodoxy and in our call to mission. Our partner dioceses of Maridi, Multan and Santiago will help us as they model a commitment to fearless evangelism and church planting.

Before continuing, Bishop David suspended standing orders and invited the CEO of Fields of Life, Tony Gaston, to address Synod. As Tony came forward Bishop David announced that following the diocesan appeal, a total of £36,782.32 was raised from 63 parishes. This means that we will be able to purchase 100 bicycles and 10 motorbikes for the clergy and archdeacons in Maridi.

Tony Gaston’s presentation focused on the work of Fields of Life in Maridi. Look out on the diocesan website for details of how to partner with them in this part of South Sudan. 

Turning to leadership, Bishop David informed Synod that this year we have filled seven vacancies with a series of institutions pending. He also announced that the Permanent Commission and Diocesan Council had passed the appointment of any future ministry in the Parish of Ballymacarrett to him. In an exciting development, Holy Trinity Brompton will be partnering with the diocese to plant a resource church in St Patrick’s, an iconic city centre church. This new initiative will be moving ahead with speed over the coming months and will also incorporate St Martin’s.

Bishop David also announced that this autumn we will be recruiting for a new leadership strand, that of Diocesan Commissioned Bible Teachers – Diocesan Catechists. We will be resourcing the training and equipping of these men and women within the diocese. 

The bishop explained: “Catechists within Anglicanism have historically had this brief, so we are reopening this age–old well. These men and women will disciple new believers, prepare them for baptism, disciple young people and teach from the scriptures, making disciples of old and young who are strong and equipped.” They will compliment the work of our diocesan readers and clergy. 

Addressing the priority of apostleship, Bishop David turned to one of his predecessors, Bishop William Kerr, who launched a Bishops’ Church Building Fund as the diocese emerged out of the Second World War. His bold appeal – “It is a time for sacrifice and generous giving and hard work.” – resulted in the rebuilding of St Patrick’s Ballymacarrett, the building of St Brendan’s Sydenham and St John’s Orangefield, and what he described as temporary churches in Millisle, Carnalea and Stormont. Bishop Kerr also gave grants towards new church halls in twenty parishes.

Bishop David asserted that: “Our task today is that every parish would enthusiastically and joyfully embrace the privilege and responsibility of passing on the faith to the next generation in every parish, prioritising growth and partnering with others, in strengthening others, and also embracing all that leads to growth.”

The bishop went on to thank everyone in a leadership role in the diocese as well as the diocesan staff team. He finished by reminding Synod that as John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus’ first coming, we his Church are about the business of preparing a bride, a pure, holy, and beautiful bride for his return.

Mark 16:19–20

19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.

Download the full text of Bishop David’s address HERE.

The film includes interviews with Helen Livingstone and David Maganda from All Nations Ministries in Belfast, and the Revd Abigail Sines and Dr Naomi Masheti from the Carraig Centre and Cork Migrant Centre. It seeks to inspire and encourage local churches to support refugees not only in this year’s Refugee Week but at any time throughout the year.

Produced by Pelumi Adewuyi for the Primate’s Reference Group on Ethnic Diversity, Inclusion and Racial Justice, the project was funded by the Church of Ireland Priorities Fund. The Primate’s Reference Group is an initiative of Archbishop John McDowell, chaired by him with Dr Lucy Michael as the group’s secretary.

In a motion proposed by Dr Michael and seconded by Stella Obe at the General Synod’s 2023 meeting in Wexford, the General Synod acknowledged ‘the impact of anti–refugee and migrant hatred in our communities’ and sought suggestions from the Church’s dioceses ‘regarding ways in which the Church can counter the language of anti–refugee and migrant hatred at the local level and communicate a strong message of Christian welcome to all.’

The video can be viewed on the Church of Ireland’s website HERE and its Facebook, YouTube and Vimeo channels @churchofireland.

The latest four were last Sunday 16 June when we walked the short distance from St. Patrick’s following the service to the sea water lagoon in Millisle for the joyous baptisms. Even the small group of paddle boarders enjoying the water joined in with the applause!

Once dry and changed we enjoyed some fellowship and refreshments and it was great to see several non–Christian members of the baptism families chatting and sharing in what we pray was a wonderful witness to God’s transforming power.

I hope this moving of God’s Spirit is an encouragement to all to look for where He is working and make sure we are helping and joining in. Over my 25 years of ordained ministry I can testify that God is faithful and He teaches us perseverance, blesses us and allows us to join in with His awesome mission.

Revd Colin Davis, Rector of Carrodore & Millisle

The congregation is pictured above with Willie and his wife Caroline following the service on Saturday morning 15 June.

The Church of South India has its roots in the Kerala region of the country and is the result of the union of churches of varying traditions – Anglican, Methodist, Congregational, Presbyterian, and Reformed. 

The congregation in Belfast started in 2007 under Jacob Thomas at the Belfast Bible College. Jacob always wanted to have a relationship the Anglican Church here, so in 2012 when Revd Willie came to Drumbeg, he approached him to ask if they could use the church building. As it turned out, the numbers were too small for the church, so they began to meet in the old hall.

Willie commented: “It has been a great 11 years of partnership and a continued blessing to journey with the Belfast CSI community whose people play such an important part in our health care provision in hospital and nursing care facilities.

“Caroline and I are grateful for the friendships forged with Revd Jacob and Mrs Emily Thomas in the early years of the partnership and more recently for the warm fellowship of their present minister, Revd Sabi Mathew and his wife Sharon. 

“We will miss this part of the Drumbeg Parish fellowship when we move on in August.”

You will play a vital role in the strategic growth and development of this area of ministry, and will:

• create a welcoming environment for children, young people and their families who do not yet know Jesus; 
• prioritise discipleship and evangelism, in all its forms, seeking opportunities to reach families in the parish of Ballybeen with the good news of the Gospel, developing both outreach and discipleship programmes for children, youth and their families on weekdays and Sundays; 
• care pastorally for children, young people and families in our church and community.

For more information and to apply, please download the Job Description and Application Form at the following links:

Job Description

Application Form

The post is for 37½ hours per week with a salary of £30,000. For more details see the Job Description.

Closing date: Friday 26 July 2024 at 12 noon.

The Parish of Magheradroll is situated in the busy market town of Ballynahinch, halfway between Belfast and Newcastle. The parish has one church and a range of parochial organisations.

We seek to appoint a person who:

• Has a deep personal faith in Jesus Christ and is seeking God’s will for their life and our Church family.
• Is able to communicate the gospel clearly, in a relevant and inspirational way.
• Has excellent interpersonal skills and a vision to build a team to equip the congregation for ministry and church growth.
• Is motivated and will energetically encourage young people and families to become involved in church activities.
• Is pastorally caring, sensitive and understands the importance of parochial visiting, particularly the sick, bereaved, and housebound.

CLOSING DATE: Monday 29 July 2024

Interviews will be held on 1 August 2024

For more information please contact:

Tracey Taggart
Diocese of Down & Dromore
Unit 1, 21 Old Channel Road
Belfast
BT3 9DE

Email: ttaggart@downdromorediocese.org
Tel: (028) 9082 8854

Peter is currently Curate Assistant in the Parish of Newtownards, also in Down Diocese. 

A date for the service of Institution will be announced in due course. 

Today Leo and Honey have been taking in the history of Down Cathedral and Saul Church with Revd Adrian Dorrian, Billy Fyffe and the team, as well as visiting Newcastle. This evening they’ll be hosted by Revd Eben Grobbelaar at Killyleagh Parish.

Bishop Leo has also visited Belfast Bible College, The Suitcase Project and will tomorrow visit a project at Holy Trinity Ballylesson.

The bishop is preaching at Shankill Parish on Sunday morning and Drumbeg Parish on Sunday evening. 

The couple are our special guests at Diocesan Synod and will remain with us until 25 June.

The job description and person specification may be downloaded at THIS LINK

Letters of application, including CV demonstrating the essential criteria, must be received by Thursday 20 June at 12 noon. Applications received after this time will not be considered. 

Interviews will take place on Tuesday 2 July 2024, in the Parish Hall, 2 Sydenham Avenue, Belfast BT4 2DR.

Michael was ordained to the auxiliary/non–stipendiary ministry and served in Bangor Abbey and Donaghadee, before becoming part–time priest–in–charge of the Parish of Ballyphilip and Ardquin in Portaferry. He spent three years as chaplain to a congregation in Cyprus before retiring to South Down, where he served in the Lecale Group and subsequently LAMP, looking after Ballyculter and Kilclief churches.

The Revd Adrian Dorrian, Vicar of LAMP, said, “Michael was a consummate priest who always brought dignity to the services of worship he conducted. He had a real gift for encouraging and equipping others. Even after stepping back from day–to–day ministry he continued to lead our Evergreens Group in LAMP. He and his wife June made a real difference in the lives of many of its members. We extend June and the wider family circle our deepest sympathy and the assurance of our love and prayers.”

The Funeral Service will take place in Christchurch Ballyculter at 11.00am on Saturday 15 June.

Matthew Cairns will lead worship and Billy Fyffe will teach on the discipline of hospitality as part of our Beautiful Resistance series. We finish around 8.45pm. Although it’s the last one for a wee while, you’re very welcome to come for the first time!

Venue

Knocknagoney Parish Church
13a Knocknagoney Road
Belfast
BT4 2QB

About

⁠Foundations is a community of people aged from 18 into their 30s who are seeking to be transformed as they walk with Jesus.⁠ ⁠ There is much more to come, God is not finished with you yet…⁠ ⁠ 

…ask where the good way is and walk in it – Jeremiah 6:16

Dr Davie is a lay Anglican theologian who was for thirteen years theological consultant to the Church of England’s House of Bishops and theological secretary to its Council for Christian Unity. He is currently theological consultant to the Church of England Evangelical Council, a fellow of the Latimer Trust and the Oxford Centre for Religion and Public Life, and Assistant Lecturer in Christian Doctrine at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford​.

Everyone welcome.

cief.church

We seek to appoint a Rector who:

• is an experienced spiritual leader who can manage, inspire and help to build a ministry team;
• has a heart for outreach and evangelism;
• is a skilled and sensitive preacher able to teach God’s word and communicate the gospel effectively;
• possesses the organisational skills necessary to manage a group like ours;
• will be actively engaged in an ecumenical context and
• will enable all within LAMP to be cared for pastorally in a robust and consistent way.

CLOSING DATE: Expressions of interest should be received by Monday 22 July 2024.

For more information please contact:

Tracey Taggart
Diocese of Down & Dromore
Unit 1, 21 Old Channel Road
Belfast
BT3 9DE

Email: ttaggart@downdromorediocese.org
Tel: (028) 9082 8854

Jillian Aulds was commissioned in her home church whilst Robert MacBride is a parishioner of St Mark’s Dundela. Both successfully completed the 2–year training course and are now licensed to serve both in their parishes and across the diocese.

We asked Jillian and Robert to share their experiences of being and called, trained, and sent for this ministry. Click on the links below.

Called to Diocesan Reader ministry: Jillian Aulds

Called to Diocesan Reader Ministry: Robert MacBride

I grew up in what could only be called a very firmly Church of Ireland family. We went to church at least once every Sunday and there was an absolute expectation that life should be lived in accordance with Christian principles. The faith which dwelt in my mother was as deep as it was quiet; it was tested multiple times and not found wanting. My father died when I was very young, I have no memories of him.

I attended a very traditional church where I acquired a solid grounding in the Holy Scriptures, in the liturgies, and in the teachings of the Church. I was left, too, with an example of caring pastoral ministry for which I will always be grateful, and which remains an inspiration today.

At university I was involved in the Christian life of the institution, was a weekly communicant in chapel, served on the ecumenical council, and, for my sins, was a youth member of synod.

I was for many years extensively involved with the charity, Samaritans, and that involvement meant extensive travelling the length and breadth of the island. My experience there awakened in me an intense awareness of the depths of pain, despair, hunger, and need which lie just below the surface of society, often in unexpected places. The experience of illness, healing, and death in my own immediate family brough an equally intense awareness of the solid reality of our God and the very substantial, tangible changes His love and power can make when introduced into any situation.

My call to the role of reader was quite unmistakable. My rector invited me for coffee and asked me directly to consider it. I did, and I said yes. If I have any advice to anyone else considering applying, indeed facing any decision in life, it is this: “Say yes to the Lord” (and to your rector).

My training with Revd Willie was extremely focused and practical, it gave me many useful tips for constructing a memorable sermon and the confidence to deliver it in front of an audience. My training in CITI led to the acquisition of many new friends and, most importantly, to a huge growth in my respect for Word of God. There is an article in that alone.

St John the Evangelist writes of his selection of material for his gospel: ‘these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name‘. That is the challenge I take into my preaching ministry: to testify to the divinity of Christ so that all who respond may enjoy the fulness of His resurrection life.

I expect to work in the St Mark’s church in the parish of Dundela in East Belfast. It is not called a community church, I don’t imagine it’s many people’s idea of a community church, but that is what it is: an active, vibrant, and, above all, caring, community where it has been a privilege to worship and which I look forward to serving in my new role.

Robert MacBride

My faith journey has been a transformative and enlightening experience. From a young age, I was brought to Sunday School and church every Sunday by my parents in Saintfield Parish Church, where shortly after being confirmed I helped out, and later became a Sunday School teacher. I enjoyed all aspects of church life, attending Bible study groups and being an active member of the Girls Brigade for many years.

I moved to Newcastle 1989 and found St John’s Church, on the Rock, not right away, but when the timing was correct, my late husband and I became active members, serving in lots of practical ways at first, which led on to becoming a member of the Select Vestry, reading in church and serving as a churchwarden.

Over the years I wanted more but wrestled with these thoughts for years. It was a couple of years ago I was asked had I ever thought about a doing Parish Reader course. (which I had). I found myself enrolling and before I knew it I had begun. After this finished, I applied for the Diocesan Reader course.

This course included a lot of study, assignments, weekends in Dublin at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute where I have forged new friendships with people I would otherwise never have met. It has allowed me to deepen my understanding of scripture and develop my skills in communicating God’s truth. Through prayer and guidance from my Rector and my church family in St John’s, I have been equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively share the Gospel.

Looking to the future, I am filled with anticipation and excitement. God has a purpose and a plan for my life as a lay reader. I trust God will continue to guide and shape me as I embark on this journey. With faith as my foundation, I am confident that the future holds endless possibilities for growth, service and spreading the love of Christ.

In the words of Thomas Aquinas: “To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.”

Jillian Aulds 

Ian is currently Curate Assistant in the parishes of St James’ Shireshead and St John’s Ellel, in the Diocese of Blackburn.  

A date for the service of institution will be announced in due course. 

Speaking in Normandy at the prayer service to mark the 80th anniversary of the D–Day landing, the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh, Archbishop John McDowell, and the Catholic Archbishop of Armagh, Archbishop Eamon Martin, have reflected together on the sacrifice of those who gave their lives on D–Day 1944. The Archbishops delivered their respective addresses at the Royal Irish Regiment Service of Remembrance at Ranville Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, near Sword beach in Normandy, this afternoon.

Archbishop McDowell paid tribute to the Revd James McMurray–Taylor, a Church of Ireland chaplain who landed on Sword beach, on 6 June 1944, and recalled his own experience of growing up in East Belfast among, and alongside, veterans of the Second World War.

Archbishop Martin spoke of the Christian witness of Father John Patrick O’Brien SSC, born in Donamon, Co Roscommon, and ordained in 1942 as a priest for the Mission Society of Saint Columban.  However, due to wartime travel restrictions for missionaries, he trained as an army chaplain and accompanied the D–Day invasion in Normandy.  Archbishop Martin said, “Father Jack O’Brien and the other chaplains ministered to soldiers of all denominations from every county on the island of Ireland … It has been largely forgotten – perhaps conveniently at times – that tens of thousands of men and women from all over the island of Ireland served side by side during the Second World War.  Unlike many others, they were volunteers, rather than conscripts – personally motivated to serve the cause of peace and freedom and justice.

“As war and violence once more threaten to destabilise our continent and our world, Archbishop John and I stand here together at Ranville, witnessing to peace and reconciliation, to fraternity and common humanity.

“Fraternity and common humanity: that is what our brave and generous chaplains stood for in 1944 as they cared for the spiritual and emotional needs of so many in life and in death … the chaplains carried no arms – save the power of prayer and the Word of God.  Their faith gave them all the strength they needed,” Archbishop Martin said.

Ranville sits a short distance from Pegasus Bridge, and has the distinction of being the first village in France to be liberated on D–Day.

Family friends and supporters came from the two parishes as well as Downpatrick, the Shankill area of Belfast, and Cork. 

Dean Geoff Wilson installed the canons, presenting them with their scarves and leading them to their cathedral stalls. Scott becomes Prebendary of Dromara and Myrtle becomes Treasurer. 

Archdeacon Mark Harvey preached from 2 Timothy 2:1–15, which depicts the Christ follower as a soldier, an athlete and a farmer. In this passage the Christian life is one characterised by death to self and endurance.

Mark noted that Myrtle and Scott are both commissioned Church Army evangelists whose ministries had followed not dissimilar paths. Both worked in the Shankill Road area (St Matthews and Glencairn), both have ministered in housing estates (Craigavon and Glencairn) and both are now in the Newry and Mourne area.

He continued: “Similar in other, more significant ways – both Myrtle and Scott have been prepared to follow God’s call to the hard places, and to the unglamorous places, sometimes at personal and family cost. They have shown faithfulness in those places.

“Our reading from Timothy chapter 2 speaks into this kind of faithfulness in ministry, which applies to some of us here tonight, but it also calls all of us to faithfulness in discipleship.”

In concluding his address Archdeacon Mark said: “This evening we thank God for the faithfulness, the hard work and the fruitfulness that we see in Myrtle and Scott, in their lives and in their ministries, and we rejoice that this is being recognised by the wider church.” 

There are Father’s Day resources, trails, holiday clubs, and so much more. Dive in and have a look for yourself! 

Online flipbook version AT THIS LINK

PDF download AT THIS LINK

He said of the service: “It is right and proper that we take time during our worship to remember the significance of the Normandy landings. The events of that day set the Second World War on a new course which would ultimately pave the way for peace. The landings took place against a backdrop of violence and sacrifice; therefore, we will take time to remember those who fell and to pray for peace in our world today. We hope people will consider joining us for this significant midweek service. At 6.30pm we will join Cathedrals around the UK by ringing the Cathedral Bell.”

The Service of Holy Communion and Commemoration of the D–Day Landings will take place in Down Cathedral on Thursday 6 June at 10.00am.

Later that afternoon, representatives of parishes from the dioceses of Down, Dromore and Connor came to the Cathedral for an anniversary Holy Communion – as they did on the day the Cathedral opened 120 years ago.

Those present for the Service of Choral Matins included local MP John Finucane, in place of the First Minister; Deputy First Minister Emma Little–Pengelly; Deputy Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Áine Groogan, and councillors of Belfast City Council: politicians Naomi Long, Gavin Robinson and Matthew O’Toole. Vice Lieutenant for the City Borough of Belfast, Dr Alan Logan, along with Deputy Lieutenants for Belfast; the Lord Lieutenants for the Counties of Antrim and Tyrone; PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Chris Todd and Superintendent Alistair Hagan; Dame Mary Peters; and Professor Paul Seawright, Deputy Vice Chancellor Ulster University.

Representatives of charities who have been supported by the Cathedral’s annual Black Santa Appeal were also present, along with the Bishops of Connor and Down and Dromore and other Church leaders and their representatives.

The preacher at the service was the Most Revd John McDowell, Church of Ireland Primate and Archbishop of Armagh. During the service, the Archbishop also dedicated 500 new chairs.

The Dean of Belfast, the Very Rev Stephen Forde, said the 200 cushioned and 300 wooden seats are easier to move and stack than the original chairs which had served the Cathedral for 120 years. Many have been given in memory of family members and by members of the Cathedral community. Others have been given in thanksgiving, and a number of the commercial companies who supply the Cathedral have made significant contributions.

Clergy and representatives of parishes right across the dioceses of Connor and Down and Dromore were present at the afternoon service at which the preacher was the Dean.

The service featured the world premiere of a new communion setting written for this 120th Anniversary Service by Lucy Walker which she has dedicated to St Anne’s Cathedral as the ‘Missa Sanctae Annae.’ Ms Walker was welcomed by the Dean, along with Church of Ireland Bishops George Davison, David McClay and Harold Miller, the canons, clergy and parishioners of the cathedrals and parishes of the dioceses of Down, Dromore and Connor, for whom, Dean Forde said, this Cathedral was built.

The foundation stone of Belfast Cathedral was laid in 1899. The site in Donegall Street was a gift to the town of Belfast by its landlord, Lord Donegall.

Over a four–year period, the Nave was constructed around the old parish church of St Anne – worship continuing in the small church as the walls of the new rose up outside. The old church was then demolished, giving way to the new St Anne’s – the first cathedral to have been planned and built by the Church of Ireland since Disestablishment in 1870.

The Nave was the first part of the building to be constructed. New sections were completed over time: The Crypt 1922–24; West Front 1925–27; Baptistry 1928; Chapel of the Holy Spirit 1932; Apse and Ambulatory 1959; Transepts 1974 and 1981. The final piece, the stainless steel Spire of Hope, was lowered into place in 2007.

To achieve certain priorities it has identified for the future, Belfast Cathedral plans to establish a ‘BC120 campaign’ which will seek new sources of funding and new partners to offer their expertise and their commitment to Belfast Cathedral, helping to sustain its daily operation and to fund the new projects and developments.

Pictured above: The Dean of Belfast, the Very Revd Stephen Forde; the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Revd George Davison; and the Bishop of Down and Dromore, the Rt Revd David McClay, with clergy from the Dioceses of Down and Dromore and Cathedral vergers at a Service on the afternoon of Sunday June 2 which celebrated the 120th anniversary of the Consecration of Belfast Cathedral. (Photo by Norman Briggs).

The training is being delivered jointly by Church Army and the Church of Ireland Theological Institute and involves six residential weekends per year. The autumn term includes induction to the programme and weekends on The Wealth of the Cross, Mission and Evangelism, and Church History.

Please pray for Tim and Natalie as they begin this new training journey towards a Certificate of Higher Education in Theology, Ministry and Mission.

The preacher is the Most Revd John McDowell, Church of Ireland Primate and Archbishop of Armagh. During the service, the Archbishop will dedicate 500 new chairs.

On the afternoon of June 2, at 3.30pm, a second service of celebration will be held, to which clergy and representatives of every parish in the dioceses of Connor and Down and Dromore have been invited.

Dean Forde, said: “This very special service is an opportunity for our current generation of clergy and people to celebrate 120 years of ministry and Christian witness at the heart of these three dioceses, and for the city and province which St Anne’s was built to serve.”

Both the 11.00am and 3.30pm services are open to the public and all are welcome.

Our last event saw 10 young people join us for an information night that delved into the topic of technology. We wanted to show them how their passion for all things creative could benefit their church and how we could help them get there. Over the next few weeks, we will be working out individual plans for each of these young people to learn some exciting new skills. From live sound, podcast production, photography and video, and social media management, we will be helping them learn something new with the hope that they can take it back to their churches and serve in these areas.

In April we ran a Student night of prayer and praise. As students were coming into a time of exams and deadlines, we wanted to put on a night that encouraged them and showed them that God cared about their education. We gave students an opportunity to receive prayer if they were stressed or worried and we preached the gospel into those situations, praying that the Holy Spirit would bring peace and comfort to them at this very stressful time. 

The night after this we teamed up with a local youth group called STG who ran an evening where a Christian counsellor ran a stress management workshop from our central hub (St Andrews, Ballyhalbert). This was a perfect balance of prayer and practical help for those sitting exams and managing deadlines.

Three ways you can pray for Ards Connect

1. Pray we have more opportunities to partner with youth organisations and reach more young people.
2. Pray that our new Young Evangelists’ Course will be well attended as we prepare young people to share their faith.
3. Pray that God would bless the young people of the peninsula as they go through exams and deadlines; that these young people can have hope that there are many people praying for them in these stressful times.

If you would like to subscribe to our monthly email newsletter, just email ardsconnect@gmail.com or visit our website www.ardsconnect.com to find out more.

Raymond McClure

I have just completed a Teaching English as a Foreign Language course and training on navigating Universal Credit. These areas will be important as the project moves forward and we look to support asylum seekers and refugees in various areas of life. 

Please pray for The Suitcase Project that:

• We would continue to build connections with people, churches and organisations so that we can best serve newcomers.
• God would mobilise volunteers across the diocese.
• We would continue to have opportunities to meet with newcomers and the heart to listen and serve them.
• For those we have already met, that we would be able support and care for them at their point of need.
• For those who live in a new fear created by the Rwanda bill. This has caused real worry for many asylum seekers throughout the UK, including Northern Ireland. Pray that they would know God’s peace and for wisdom of those supporting them.
• That God would guide my steps as we develop the work of the Suitcase Project.

Throughout the diocese there are newcomers being moved into most of the areas where we have a church presence. I would love to visit with you and share the work of The Suitcase project and how we may connect to best support newcomers throughout the diocese. tim@thesuitcaseproject.org

Tim Burns

Read on to find out how they are promoting a culture of prayer in Christian homes and kids’ clubs, during services and for the wider community. 

Download HERE. 

The parables are stories from Jesus which “still cut into the soul, slice away our concealments and address the deepest needs of humanity in every generation.” Don’t miss!

What’s in store

• Tuesday 27 August: Unvarnished realism (Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43)
• Wednesday 28 August: Unfinished business (Luke 13:1–9)
• Thursday 29 August: Unfair grace (Matthew 20:1–16)
• Friday 30 August: Unforeseen consequences (Luke 15:11–32)

As well as inspiring teaching, the Bible Week includes worship and prayer ministry. It is a wonderful opportunity for clergy, leaders and parishioners alike to be refreshed ahead of the busy autumn term.

Meet Bishop Stuart

Stuart has ministered for over fifty years in various parishes in Wales and is currently leading a new congregation called Fellowship 345 in Rhydypennau, Ceredigion. He was consecrated as a Bishop in the Anglican Convocation in Europe in March 2023. 

Stuart is married to Prudence, a trained occupational therapist and magistrate and they have three children and three grandchildren. He is the author of ‘Recovering His Reputation’ which recounts his 25–year ministry in St Michael’s Aberystwyth. Stuart enjoys long distance walking, sea fishing and bread making.

Bible Week will begin each evening at 7.45pm in St Saviour’s, Belfast Road, Dollingstown, BT66 7JR.

Pastor David Legge taught on the what, who, why and how of the Day of Pentecost as told in Acts 2.

What happened that day was the fulfillment, not only of the Jewish Feast of Pentecost but also of Joel 2 and Jesus’ own promise of the Holy Spirit.

Who? The Holy Spirit was given for everyone, regardless of age, sex, race or location, including those who are still to believe.

Why? Because the Christian life is impossible to live. It’s not a natural life, it’s a supernatural life. We can’t help ourselves. We have died and risen with Christ, but this resurrection life is imparted to us with the infilling of the Holy Spirit. “We need Christians on fire,” said David, “nothing else will do.”   

Finally, he explained how we become filled or refilled with the Spirit which is by asking and receiving with repentant faith and trust (Luke 11). Many in the congregation took the opportunity to ask and receive and many also received prayer ministry.

GROW has been an excellent series and well supported. Thank you to all of our speakers who have given us much food for thought and practical help to grow in these eight values, essential to the flourishing of the local church.

Thanks also to our host churches of Willowfield and Dollingstown and their teams.

All of the eight talks in the series will soon be made available on the diocesan YouTube channel. Please look out on the diocesan website and social media feeds for news.

To help us understand the crucial role of the Bible in our lives – individually and corporately – John turned to Psalm 119:105–113. Specifically verse 105 with its two powerful metaphors that teach two powerful lessons.

Your word is a lamp for my feet,     
a light on my path.

“The scriptures are for people on a journey,” said John. “What do we travellers need? We need help to find our way. We need an interactive guide. They are the only way we’re going to be able to figure out what we’re supposed to do and where we’re supposed to go.”

The scriptures are also for people in the dark. John reminded us that although faith may be simple, the path we’re taking is dark and difficult. The Word comes as a powerful beam to help us see things as they really are.

Realising that the scriptures are exactly what we need to walk and to see, John encouraged us to recommit to personal Bible reading and study – to “sit down with the scriptures and be surprised and awakened.”

On Sunday evening 19 May, Pentecost Sunday, we’ll have the last talk in our GROW teaching series when Pastor David Legge speaks on ‘Ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit’. Join us at 7.30 pm in St Saviour’s, Dollingstown (refreshments available from 7.00pm).

The Board has a limited fund and wishes to distribute this as small grants to churches working with their local schools.

This article is to advise parishes that the Board is again welcoming applications to the fund.

Criteria

Should your parish consider undertaking a project in 2024/2025 you need to bear in mind the following criteria:

• Each grant will be no more than £2,500 to be used within one academic year. 
• This is a one–off grant, no further funding can be guaranteed, and preference will be given to new projects.
• Projects must involve work between your parish and a local school or schools, and must not be used to substitute for existing funding. 
• Priority will be given to parishes who provide match funding of 50% of costs (in exceptional circumstances, the Board may consider a parish not able to fund 50% of the costs).
• A project cannot be a one–off event and must involve ongoing work in the school over a finite period.
• Projects must have a theme linked to the school curriculum, impact on the educational welfare of the children or supporting the mental health of children and young people.
• Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate at least two of the following areas: creating new links with local schools; building community cohesion; support for mental health; Special Educational Needs support; newcomer children and family support.
• The parish will publicise the impact of the project through the Church of Ireland Press Office.
• A project report (no longer than two pages) of the impact will be submitted to the Board of Education (NI) on completion of the project.

The allocation of funds will be made in June, Expressions of interest must be submitted by Friday May 31. Expressions of interest must be submitted to the Secretary of the Board of Education (NI) (edunorth@rcbcoi.org) and must be no longer than two A4 pages in length. This must include the context of your proposal, the key objectives linked to the above criteria, a budget of the project including local funding and support available.

The General Synod Board of Education (NI) cannot guarantee that any funding will be released but is keen to support quality projects being undertaken. The criteria may be enhanced if there are an excessive number of applications.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr Peter Hamill, Secretary to the Board of Education (NI) on 028 9082 8860 or at edunorth@rcbcoi.org.

We were thrilled then to welcome Hilary McClay as the sixth speaker in our GROW series. Hilary has 28 years of experience in this area and gave us some very practical guidance in how to meet this challenge.

Hilary turned first to the story of Zaccheus in Luke 19 where Jesus demonstrated that’s it’s important to notice what is going on around us. He noticed Zaccheus, he connected with him, he accepted and welcomed him – which is the model for us as we look at how we might try to meet the needs of the people living in our community.

“The danger is that the church retreats from society into a safe space – a bit like crossing the moat into a castle and pulling up the drawbridge behind us.” Hilary said. “Our challenge is to go into all the world, not go away from all the world.”

Some of the practical questions churches should ask are:

• How well do you understand your local community?
• Do you know the people who don’t come to your church or any other?
• What are the needs in your community that you could help to meet and what would look like?

Having identified what might make a difference in your community, Hilary suggested a range of very good, established projects that churches can replicate. These include food banks, youth clubs, after schools clubs, CAP, English classes, Kintsugi Hope, Peaced Together and winter warmers.

Do join us again on Saturday evening 18 May at 7.30pm in St Saviour’s, Dollingstown when Revd John Dickinson will speak on “Keeping the Bible front and centre”. 

GROW looks at eight values vital to seeing growth in our churches. Visit THIS PAGE for full details of the teaching series which runs until Sunday 19 May. 

Hours: 21 hours per week. Generally working between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday. Hybrid working is available.

Salary: PO3, currently £40,221 to £43,421 (pro rata). The employer will contribute 8% of the salary to a pension scheme.

Download a job specification here.

Download a person specification here.

Download an application form here.

Applications must be received by Monday 3 June 2024 at noon.

Applications received after this time will not be considered.

Interviews will take place on Monday 10 June at the Diocesan Offices, Belfast.

Diocesan Offices
Unit 1, 21 Old Channel Road
Channel Wharf
Belfast
BT3 9DE 

Thank you to Susan Heaney for speaking to us so powerfully on the centrality of prayer in the life of our churches. This was the fifth talk in our GROW teaching series and the first of four to be given in St Saviour’s, Dollingstown.

Prayer sustained and guided Jesus; prayer preceded the coming of the Holy Spirit and prayer preceded the birth of the Church. “Prayer,” said Susan, “is the heartbeat of our relationship with Jesus and it’s the same for the local church.”

Susan shared the prayer journey of Redcross Church in County Wicklow where she and her husband Rory have ministered for 34 years. They spent the first 10 years learning perseverance and resilience as they prayed with no obvious fruit and then God began to move.

Susan shared many faith–building stories of answered prayer – of healings, of conversions and of God supplying needs – all of which built up the church. “The more you pray, the more you grow.”

She also encouraged us to ‘Pray and go’ – to take the Gospel message into the world, praying as we go and being obedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Do join us again on Friday evening 17 May at 7.30pm in St Saviour’s, Dollingstown when Hilary McClay will speak on “Ministry that impacts a local community”. 

GROW looks at eight values vital to seeing growth in our churches. Visit THIS PAGE for full details of the teaching series which runs until Sunday 19 May. 

Paul spoke at length about culture – what it is, what can kill it and how to change it – because culture trumps vision and great ideas every time.

He said that generosity will only spring from a healthy church culture which the leadership must embody first. Bringing even 20% of the church with you is enough create change.

“Generosity is an act of worship”, he said. “Show me someone in love with Christ and I will show you a generous person.”

Paul went on to outline several different expressions of generosity that should be present in healthy churches and which will lead to flourishing.

To paraphrase Proverbs 11: 24–25, “The world of the generous gets larger and larger and the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.”

Please note the change of venue and join us again on Thursday evening 16 May at 7.30pm in St Saviour’s, Dollingstown when Susan Heaney will speak on “Intercession and prayer in the local church”. 

GROW looks at eight values vital to seeing growth in our churches. Visit THIS PAGE for full details of the teaching series which runs until Sunday 19 May. 

The Revd Adrian Dorrian, Vicar of LAMP, will preach and lead a Service of the Word prepared especially to mark this significant feast day. The music will be led by Down Cathedral Choir under the direction of Michael McCracken, with Stephen Hamill at the Organ. Members of the LAMP churches will assist in leading the service.

Revd Adrian, who is a Minor Canon of Down Cathedral, says:

“The Feast of Pentecost is such an important day in the life of the Church. We are so excited to welcome the BBC to join us as we mark the significance of the arrival of the Holy Spirit among the people of God and pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our Church and across our communities.

“Down Cathedral has been working with the BBC to broadcast services for decades. It is a singular privilege for us to know that as we worship God in the very special surroundings of the Cathedral, we are also being welcomed into many homes across the province and beyond. I hope as many people as possible will join us for the live broadcast on BBC Radio Ulster at 10.03am or listen afterwards on BBC Sounds. Those who can travel are welcome to join us in person.”

Those planning to attend in person are asked to be seated by 9.45am. Because of the technical broadcast requirements, entry to the Cathedral after 9.45am may not be possible.

At a time when many Christians have a pessimistic outlook on the future of the church, Alastair invited us to an optimism based on the truth about God and the message of the Gospel. It is not foolish to imagine something better for our parishes, it’s necessary.

“The church needs to be noticed and not ignored,’ he said. “This happens when we have the confidence to say that the Gospel has not lost its power and appeal; when people outside the church see that we love each other; when we recover being ‘People of the Way’, recognised for who we are rather than what we do: and when we confidently stand by our moral beliefs.”

This is what a healthy and attractive Christian community looks like. It’s a community that takes seriously Jesus’ invitation to “Follow me.”

Please join us again on Wednesday evening 15 May at 7.30pm in Willowfield Church when Paul Reid will speak on “Creating a culture of generosity”. 

GROW looks at eight values vital to seeing growth in our churches. Visit THIS PAGE for full details of the teaching series which runs until Sunday 19 May. 

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for the work of the Bible Society in Northern Ireland.
• Represent, profile, and communicate about the work of Bible Society NI to external stakeholders.
• Manage the staff team of Bible Society NI.
• Communicate and co–ordinate with the Board of Trustees.

We are looking for:

• A committed Christian, able to live and demonstrate the ethos of the Bible Society NI.
• An experienced leader, capable of managing and motivating a team, and managing the strategic and financial needs of the organisation.
• An excellent communicator, able to network at the most senior levels and present to a wide variety of audiences.

Hours: Full–time (35 hours per week)

Salary: £45,441 plus 8% employer pension contribution

Location: Belfast

Further details and application information can be found at THIS LINK

Closing date for applications: Monday 17 June at noon.

Christian Aid’s ‘70k in May’ is a sponsored challenge to cover 70 kilometres by walking, running, cycling or swimming, in order to raise money to help some of the poorest people across the world. 

Suzanne, who is a cancer survivor, received surgery in 2020 to treat malignant lesions that made sitting and walking unbearably painful. 

In 2013, she was awarded the BEM in recognition of her many decades spent volunteering and fundraising for charities and good causes. She explained why she’s taking part in the fitness fundraiser:

“I’m so thankful that I’m a survivor of cancer, and my enjoyment of walking can be put to such a good cause for Christian Aid.”

Christian Aid’s ‘70k in May’ is a new initiative for Christian Aid Week, which runs from 12–18 May. Christian Aid Week began in the 1950s and is thought to be the UK and Ireland’s longest–running fundraising campaign. Each year, tens of thousands of people across the UK and Ireland get involved in raising funds to support the charity’s work to reach people living in poverty and crisis.

Christian Aid Ireland Chief Executive Rosamond Bennett thanked Suzanne for her fundraising efforts: 

“Every year during Christian Aid Week, people across the UK and Ireland raise funds, act and pray for their global neighbours in a celebration of hope for a fairer world. Christian Aid Week brings people together to put our faith into action. Every prayer, every gift, every action makes a difference.”

This year’s Christian Aid Week appeal focuses on the charity’s work in Burundi, one of the most densely populated and poorest countries in Africa. Heavily reliant on agriculture, it’s also one of the least prepared to combat the effects of climate change, including droughts, floods and landslides. The global cost of living crisis has intensified the challenges, leaving more than 70% of the population living in poverty and more than half of children chronically malnourished.

Christian Aid has been working in Burundi since 1995 when it first offered humanitarian assistance to people surviving the civil conflict. Now, alongside local partners, the organisation helps establish Village Savings and Loans Associations. These community–led groups mean people can save and borrow money, making small businesses possible, offering reliable incomes so families can eat regularly, get medicine when they need it, and build safer homes.

One of those supported by Christian Aid and their local partner is thirty–five–year–old Aline Nibogora. A survivor of both domestic violence and homelessness, thanks to a small start–up loan, Aline was able to begin trading avocados and peanuts locally. With her profits, she bought a bicycle to transport greater quantities of goods to markets further afield and now has the money she needs to support herself and her children. 

For more information or to donate, visit caweek.ie and to sign up for your own 70k in May, visit caweek.ie/70k

Eoghan, who leads St Catherine’s Church Dublin, spoke on Luke 20: 20–26 when Jesus called out the religious leaders, challenging their authenticity, integrity and holiness. Jesus also called them, as he calls us, to return worship to where it belongs. 

Eoghan went on to outline three practices that help us to nurture our unique capacity for knowing God – a personal fire, a pattern that fits and a posture of practice.

Please do join us again on Tuesday evening 14 May at 7.30pm in Willowfield Church when Canon Alastair Graham will speak on “Creating healthy Christian communities”. 

GROW looks at eight values vital to seeing growth in our churches. Visit THIS PAGE for full details of the teaching series which runs until Sunday 19 May. 

The Abbey has an experienced choir with an extensive repertoire. Choral evensong is sung monthly. The post will become vacant in September upon the retirement of the present director.

Further details from:

Bangor Abbey Parish Office
1 St Malachy’s Way
Bangor
BT20 4JF

Or email: bangorabbeyparish@gmail.com

Closing date for applications: Friday 31 May 2024

The bishop preached from Matthew 28: 16–20 to a packed Willowfield Church on Sunday evening 12 May. He urged us to ‘Go’ in God’s authority and to move away from any mindset of retreat. “We should be regularly leading adults to Christ and baptising them,” he said.

Bishop David also shared examples of how parishes can creatively reach those outside the church using the opportunities presented by both the liturgical and secular calendars.

Please do join us again on Monday evening 13 May at 7.30pm in Willowfield Church when Eoghan Heaslip will speak on “Worship services full of the presence of God”. Eoghan is a worship leader and the Lead Pastor of St Catherine’s Church, Dublin with a love for the church and the worship of the church.

GROW looks at eight values vital to seeing growth in our churches. Visit THIS PAGE for full details of the teaching series which runs until Sunday 19 May. 

Winner: Sally Siggins

In first place was Sally Siggins, from Lissadell in the Drumcliffe Group of Parishes, with her view of barley–harvesting in Co. Sligo. The pictured field has “an extra drop of faith, hope and love” in the shape of a heart of sheaves set aside in the crop.

Knocknarea stands out in the background with the seaside villages of Rosses Point and Strandhill also lining the horizon. The judge’s comment described this as a “visually striking concept that has taken some effort to pull off.” Drumcliffe is within the Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh, which covers most of Co. Sligo and reaches inland towards the Midlands.

Runner–up: Janet Dillon

Janet Dillon’s photo of a friend’s hands was taken when they were both volunteering in Greece to help refugees in 2016. She takes up the story: “We were standing here on the beach at Skala Skamnias, on the island of Lesvos, which is a mere 8km from the Turkish coast. It was 6am, and we were waiting to see if there would be overnight dinghy crossings, as there were, almost nightly in that location. We were moved by the rising sun, and this photo symbolises hope and change for people fleeing to a new life from persecution.”

The competition judge remarked: “I love how this simple image conveys so much meaning and emotion. The shape of the hands seems lifted in praise but somehow still asking or hoping for more.” Janet is a parishioner in Douglas Union, in the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross.

Highly commended: Caroline Stewart & The Revd Martin O’Kelly

A further two entries were highly commended. Caroline Stewart, from Magheralin parish, in the Diocese of Down and Dromore, based her photo, taken in the parish grounds, on planting “the seeds of hope in our young children to love and serve the Lord.” The judge commented: “I can sense the photographer’s hope in this photo.”

‘Walking towards healing’ was pictured by the Revd Martin O’Kelly, who serves as Rector of Kingscourt Union in the Diocese of Meath and Kildare. “I could really sense the struggle and the hope in this image,” the judge noted, with appreciation for the great use of monochrome and cropping to focus on the subject.

Commending the winners and all who took part, the Chair of the Central Communications Board, Bishop Pat Storey, said: “We were highly impressed by the breadth and quality of the entries submitted to this year’s competition. Each one shared a scene that conveyed the hope that we find as followers of Jesus who experience his presence and seek to share him as the hope and light of the world. Thank you to everyone who took up this creative opportunity.”

Scott Hayes, Head of Relationship Management at Ecclesiastical Insurance (Ireland), added: “Our churches are supported in so many ways by parishioners – giving of their time, energy and expertise. Ecclesiastical is delighted to support this competition which highlights yet another talent associated with members of our church communities. Congratulations to Sally, Janet, Caroline and Martin for their winning entries and for beautifully illustrating some of the ‘seeds of hope’ across the dioceses.”

This is the first meeting of the General Synod to take place in the city since 2018 and will continue in person tomorrow with an online session to follow on Tuesday evening (14 May).

“We do not live in a world that has the appearance of being reconciled and at peace in any sense,” he remarked. “There are many parts of the globe, as we sit here today, where people experience life as a perpetual night; a black darkness even at the midday.”  Reconciliation requires love, in the sense of “our goodwill and benevolence towards our neighbours” and being “what binds people together against hatred and dishonesty.”

On the issue of migration, Archbishop McDowell asserted that Ireland is not ‘full’.

“Ireland, North and South, has been right to welcome migrants and asylum seekers. In one sense, such incomers made Ireland catholic – as in universal and diverse – in a way we hadn’t been before,” he stated.  “Perhaps not enough thought was given to how to integrate those newcomers and their needs into society, and what that means for social and physical infrastructure. That oversight does not excuse us from our responsibility to seek justice for our neighbour. Political failures cannot disapply the law of love. If the well–being of our neighbour (wherever they may have come from) is becoming more precarious, then we are called through the law of love to work even harder for justice.”

When dealing with any complex moral or theological matter, he suggested that “we first ask ourselves should we speak or act about this matter at all?”  If there is a need to contribute to the issue, the Primate noted that the Church of Ireland’s method has been to refer it to a group made up of clergy and lay people, of wide–ranging opinions and backgrounds.

He continued: “All this is to ensure that what we will say is indeed free decision taken in consultation, and after careful thought and prayer.  The cohesion and unity of the Church of Ireland since Disestablishment has only been achieved through this continual, patient wrestling over time with complex issues, avoiding simplistic answers to difficult questions. And in that wrestling with issues we must above all respect the dignity of each individual.”

Download the address in full HERE 

Services of Holy Communion are held before the business of each meeting of the Church of Ireland General Synod and its diocesan synods.  

The Bishop of Clogher, the Rt Revd Dr Ian W Ellis, will be the preacher and a livestream will, for the first time, be available on the Cathedral’s YouTube channel at THIS LINK.

The proceedings of General Synod will be broadcast through an audio feed on the General Synod website at THIS LINK. 

Members of General Synod are also welcome to come to Choral Evensong in the Cathedral on Friday evening at 7.00pm, and the Armagh City Choir Concert on Saturday evening at 7.30pm; the concert will be a performance of Antonín Leopold Dvořák’s Mass in D, and music by Karl Jenkins (tickets are £20 and payable at the door).

St Patrick’s Cathedral stands on the Hill of Armagh, where St Patrick built his ‘Great Stone Church’ on a site granted by the local chieftain, Daire; this has been a place of Christian worship since 445 AD. To find out about visiting the Cathedral and to explore its role in the life and history of Ireland’s ecclesiastical capital, please visit its website: www.stpatricks–cathedral.org.

Most of us will work out our vocation in our homes, families and places of work. Others may sense a call to full–time ministry in the Church. All are ways in which we uniquely contribute to the world for the glory of God and the sake of his kingdom. All are invaluable to God and his Church.

In Down & Dromore there are many capacities in which you can serve at parish or diocesan level. Visit the Training section of our website HERE.

To help you prayerfully consider vocation, we’ve recorded a performance of a song by Eoghan Heaslip – “What you’ve called me to” – along with some short reflections on calling from some of our ordinands. With thanks to Eoghan Heaslip for permitting us to use the song, to Sarah and Daniel McDonald for performing, and Dave Bradshaw for filming and recording.