Saturday 30 October 2010

RATHCOOLE CLERGY MEET REP OF UVF AFTER CIVIL UNREST

Clergy from the four main churches in Rathcoole have met with a political representative of the UVF in a groundbreaking face-to-face meeting, The Newsletter, published in Belfast reports.

In a joint statement last night, the churchmen said they were disappointed in the image of Rathcoole portrayed following two nights of rioting and felt it necessary to meet with the UVF's political wing, the PUP, to listen to their side of the story.

"We thought we would allow them the opportunity to put across their thoughts and views as to what caused this recent activity, to explain from their angle why it happened and who was involved and their role in trying to curtail it," said one of the churchmen.

The statement followed a meeting lasting almost two hours between six ministers of the Presbyterian Church, the Church of Ireland (Rector: Rev Alan Millar), Belfast City Mission and Newtownabbey Methodist Church and Ken Wilkinson of the PUP. 

Full report at:
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/Clergy-meet-to-discuss-disturbances.6604399.jp

WHO RUNS THE C OF E?

Two progressive Anglican groups, Inclusive Church and Modern Church, have joined together to campaign against the proposed Anglican Covenant, which they say is "an attempt by some leaders of the Anglican Communion to subordinate national churches to a centralized international authority, with power to forbid developments when another province objects." according to a report by Matthew Davies of the Episcopal News Service, October 28.

The covenant first was proposed in the 2004 Windsor Report as a way that the Anglican Communion and its 38 autonomous provinces might maintain unity despite differences, especially relating to biblical interpretation and human sexuality issues.

But some Anglicans, including Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and the Episcopal Church's Executive Council, have raised concerns about the covenant being used as an instrument of control, particularly in section 4, which outlines a method for resolving disputes in the communion.

In November, the Church of England's General Synod will be asked to approve the covenant.

"Many synod members do not realize it, but it could be the biggest change to the church since the Reformation," said an Oct. 28 press release from Inclusive Church and Modern Church, ahead of a campaign launch Oct. 29 when full-page ads will appear in both the Church of England Newspaper and the Church Times.

The campaign "will continue during the weeks leading up to the General Synod debate," scheduled for Nov. 24, "and if the [covenant] is not rejected, but referred to the dioceses, it will continue throughout 2011," the release said.

The ad, titled "Who runs the church?" encourages General Synod members to vote against the covenant, saying that it would "redefine Anglicanism" and make it more "centralized and clerical."

"Anglicans traditionally value the role of reason and thus expect to learn from other people. We have therefore been better at staying united because we have debated our disagreements openly within the church, without threatening schism, until such time as consensus is reached," the ad says. "The way to keep united is to insist, as the Church of England has normally done, that differences of opinion may be freely and openly debated within the church, in the interests of seeking truth, without invoking power games or threats of schism."
In February 2009, members of the Church of England's General Synod signaled their overall support for an Anglican Covenant but remained divided on how much authority or influence it should marshal in the communion's 38 provinces.

"We mustn't have excessive expectations of the covenant," Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams said at the time, cautioning against it being used as a legal instrument. "It's part of an ongoing inquiry of what a global communion might look like. At every stage it is something which churches voluntarily are invited to enter into."

Following years of discussion and several draft versions, the final text of the covenant was sent in December 2009 to the communion's 38 provinces for formal consideration.
In the U.S.-based Episcopal Church, congregations are being urged to study and discuss the covenant during the next two years in preparation for General Convention in 2012.

Executive Council has predicted that any formal approval of the covenant by the Episcopal Church could not come until at least 2015 should endorsement require changes to the church's constitution.

The Anglican Church of Mexico, meeting in General Synod in June, became the first province formally to adopt the covenant. The Anglican Church of Southern Africa on Oct. 1 voted in favor of adopting the covenant, but that decision will need to be ratified by the next meeting of provincial synod in 2013.


-- Matthew Davies is editor and international correspondent of the Episcopal News Service.

CHURCH OF IRELAND’S BIG LOSS IN AIB SHARES WIPE OUT

The BBC has reported that the value of the Church of Ireland's shareholding in Allied Irish Bank has plummeted by more than 17m euros (£14.7m) following the collapse of the institution's share prices. The Irish Independent carries a full report naming several Church of ireland parishes which have been hard hit through individual investments also. Links to both reports are  givenbelow.
The BBC report states: The Church has seen its stake in AIB dwindle from a high of 17.3m euros to just 262,500 euros (£228,000) because of the shares wipeout.

At the height of the boom four years ago, shares were priced at 23 euros (£20) each. On Thursday night prices dropped to a new low of just 34c (29p) each.

The Church of Ireland is one of the biggest individual shareholders in the AIB with 750,000 shares.
'
Not immune'
The Representative Church Body (RCB) manages the Church's shares.

A spokesperson for the RCB said: "The Church of Ireland is not immune from the very difficult financial environment here in Ireland and worldwide, the impacts of which are creating major problems for many people, organisations, and governments.

"In common with the experience of others, invested assets held for the Church by the RCB have lost a substantial amount of value in the past few years.

"These investments are in general held for the long term, and it is expected that, over time, the value of investments should recover."

Shares in AIB sank to their lowest level since April on Thursday as news of a new executive chairman failed to re-assure the markets.

And prices are likely to fall even further when the Irish government increases its stake in the bank to 90% in December as part of a 3.7bn euros cash injection by the state.

The Church of Ireland said it will now have to adjust its spending in the wake of the loss of income from share dividends.

The Irish Independent’s report states that:

POLITICIANS, businessmen, churches and charities have lost millions in the collapse of AIB shares, a special investigation by the Irish Independent reveals.

The Church of Ireland is nursing one of the biggest losses after its €17.3m investment plummeted to just over €260,000 in the shares wipeout.

Other high-profile figures and organisations who were badly burned include Health Minister Mary Harney and her husband Brian Geoghegan; Fine Gael frontbencher Richard Bruton; Dunnes Stores chief Margaret Heffernan and her brother Frank Dunne; Fianna Fail TD Sean Haughey; and publican Charlie Chawke.

Shares in AIB sank to their lowest level since April last night as news of a new executive chairman failed to ignite a revival.
The almost-nationalised bank spent much of the day trading at 34c, a level not seen for more than six months.

And the bank's shares are likely to fall even further once the Government raises its stake to 90pc in December as part of another €3.7bn cash injection to shore up the bank.

For complete reports:

BBC report:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-11652923

Irish Independent report:
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/revealed-the-losers-in-aib-share-wipeout-2399450.html

Friday 29 October 2010

ALL BLACKS CAPTAIN’S FLIGHT TO HELP NZ CHURCH

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is taking to the skies to help save a Canterbury church. McCaw, a keen aviator, is offering his skills in a glider to the winner of a charity auction on Trade Me.

He will act as a personal instructor for the winner and take them on a flight. He will also answer questions on flying and the All Blacks after the flight. The auction is being run by the Canterbury Gliding Club, with 70 per cent of the proceeds going towards restoration work on earthquake-hit St John's Church in Hororata.

The remaining money will help with the club's relocation to a Springfield airfield.
Club president Kevin Bethwaite said they had chosen to raise money for the church because it was a landmark that members flew over.

McCaw, a club member, was passionate about flying and happy to help, he said.
"He's out gliding pretty much every day he's not playing rugby," Bethwaite said.

Vicar Jenni Carter said she had been overwhelmed by the generosity of groups like the gliding club. A Labour Day fair had been excellent, but there was a long way to go to raise enough money to restore the church, she said.Work to make the church safe would be finished in a few weeks, and it was possible the Christmas vigil could be held.
Report in The Press, NZ.

LIBERAL ANGLICANS CHALLENGE DOGMATIC C of E COVENANT


As the C of E proposes a covenant involving divisive issues like electing openly gay priests or blessing same-sex unions, liberal Anglicans yesterday launched a campaign to fight guidelines they claim will make the church "more dogmatic", states a report in “The Guardian”.

Next month the general synod, the governing body of the Church of England, votes on whether to approve a constitution that will define how the communion stays together in the face of divisive issues such as sending clergy to another country without its agreement, electing openly homosexual priests or blessing same-sex unions.

But the groups, Inclusive Church and Modern Church, warn the covenant will "redefine Anglicanism". In full-page adverts, appearing this week in church publications, they say the covenant will make the communion "more dogmatic, inward looking and backward looking".
Anglican provinces would only belong to the communion if they signed up to the covenant. They would agree, among other things, not to proceed with any new development that fellow members anywhere in the world objected to.

The covenant would give overseas churches power over the Church of England and vice versa. The groups claim it would make the Church of England "subject to an outside power for the first time since Henry VIII".
It said: "At present general synod openly debates proposals and votes on them. The covenant would oblige it to 'act with diligence, care and caution in respect of any action which may provoke controversy, which by its intensity, substance or extent could threaten the unity of the communion'.

"This would put pressure on churches to avoid changes which other Anglicans might dislike."

Outside organisations are also allowed to sign up to the covenant, a move that could lead to official recognition of breakway conservative factions that dislike liberal churches in the US and Canada.
The archbishop of Canterbury acknowledges the covenant will not appeal to everyone.

In his Pentecost letter to the Anglican Communion Dr Rowan Williams said: "I want to stress yet again that the covenant is not envisaged as an instrument of control. We are at a point in our common life where broken communications and fragile relationships have created a very mistrustful climate. This is not news. But many have a sense that the current risks are greater than ever.

"Whatever happens to our structures, we still need to preserve both working relationships and places for exchange and discussion."
The campaign against the covenant will continue until the synod debate on 24 November. If it is referred to the dioceses for consultation, the campaign will continue throughout 2011.

Report by Riazat Butt, religious affairs correspondent.

Thursday 28 October 2010

BISHOP KEN CLARKE - PAGE 56 PINUP

Bishop Ken Clarke has opened his family photo album in the Nov / Dec issue of the MU’s Families First magazine.

He writes as the Central Chaplain of the MU and with five photographs covers his childhood and youth in Holywood, how he met his wife Helen when they were both 19, and their marriage in Cork.

He recounts their service with SAMS in Chile, and their difficulty in believing that they are now grandparents of five and the joy that brings.

It is a very interesting approach to communication and it is well done.

Email: familiesfirst@themothersunion.org  or  www.familiesfirstmagazine.com

REDISCOVERING ROMANCE - AND IN THE MU

“Rediscovering Romance” is the title of one of three articles in a feature on Marriage and Relationships in the Nov/Dec issue of “Families First”, the Mothers’ Union magazine.

The 58 page full colour magazine is published six times a year. Other articles include a preview of BBC’s forthcoming TV series on “The Nativity” written by Tom Jordan whose work reads like a modern history of British TV - from Minder to Cranford.

There are pages reviewing books, music and websites on aspects of family life. There are sneak previews of childrens’ books. Who could resist the “Hightown Biscuit Church” with its “Custard Cream Communion Club”?

The creative is also featured with recipes for “Cakes for Cash” and “Crafty Cards”.

Tough issues are tackled like “Sanctuary for Strangers” and the challenges, frustration and joy of fostering and adoption.

It is a most professional production which will compare more than favourably with the secular glossies ..... and its got Bishop Ken Clarke as well. 

Families First cost £12 for six issues. Cheques to Mothers’ Union, 20 Tufton Street, London, England SW1P 3RB or order at www.familiesfirstmagazine.com.   Payments can be made by credit card. For prices outside UK phone 020 7222 5533.

HIGH QUALITY DAILY PRAYER GUIDE

Anyone looking for a short but thoughtful focus for daily prayer would find a first class source in “Families Worldwide” published by Mothers’ Union for January - June 2011.

There is a theme for each week on current concerns such as the commercialisation of childhood and international harmony; as well as Lent and Easter. Each of these themes is presented on successive right hand pages.

The various countries in which the Mothers’ Union works are highlighted on the left hand pages: from Angola and Botswana to Sudan and Tonga.

Bishop Ken Clarke, Central Chaplain, writes on “Clear Vision”.

These insights are complemented with articles on major Mothers’ Union programmes : parenting, literacy and family development. “Families Worldwide” is provided free to MU members and to subscribers to the MU’s “Families First” magazine.

Email: publications@the mothersunion.org

Tuesday 26 October 2010

SEXUALITY MAY IMPACT ON PRIMATES MEETING - CANADIAN ARCHBISHOP

Montreal -The strain caused by differences of opinion about matters of sexuality appears to be evident among primates of the world’s Anglican churches. This could affect a primates’ meeting planned for January, says the primate of the Anglican Church of Canada.

“There is a lot of tension within the group,” Archbishop Fred Hiltz said last Sunday in his address to the Oct. 22-25 joint meeting of the Anglican House of Bishops and the Lutheran Conference of Bishops in Montreal. Some primates seem “unwilling to come to the table with everyone present,” he said. This suggests that some primates strongly opposed to same-sex marriages would not be willing to attend with primates of more favourable or nuanced views.

Archbishop Hiltz said the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams may try to deal with this problem by arranging prior meetings of smaller groups of like-minded primates.

The pastoral statement on sexuality that came out of the General Synod 2010 last June in Halifax confirmed that Canadian Anglicans differ on the issue but are still willing to walk together. Copies of the statement were sent to the Archbishop of Canterbury as well as to all primates across the Anglican Communion. Few primates commented, but those who did were quite favourable to the views expressed, noted Archbishop Hiltz.

Speaking in a broader context, the primate said his recent visits to Canadian dioceses have encouraged him. “This is a time of buoyancy in the life of the church.”

DIRECTOR WANTED FOR ANGLICAN ALLIANCE

The new cross-Communion alliance set up to connect and strengthen the development, relief and advocacy activities of the Anglican Communion is seeking a Director.

Once appointed, the Director will oversee the work of the Anglican Alliance which is made up of churches and agencies collaborating and sharing knowledge and skills to add value to the range of development and relief activities already undertaken by Anglicans around the world.

"The Director will have a vital role providing strategic direction to the new global alliance of Anglican churches and agencies, building their collective capacity to transform poverty and injustice," explained the Communion's Director for Mission, Revd John Kafwanka.

"In consultation with Alliance participants, he or she will deliver a learning strategy for global skills and knowledge transfer and for fostering greater Anglican and ecumenical collaboration."

The Alliance (full title Anglican Alliance - Development, Relief, Advocacy) was developed in response to the recommendations made by Anglican bishops at the 2008 Lambeth Conference that a specific mechanism was needed to help resource, co-ordinate and publicise the ongoing international development work of the Anglican Communion

 "This is an exciting opportunity for someone to help the Communion to work better together," explained Revd Kafwanka, "to share knowledge, best practice and resources; to map the scale, quality, outcomes, impact and potential of Anglican development, relief and development activities; and promote best practice by identifying strong Anglican examples to serve as a learning resource for others and to build the evidence and visibility of Anglican work, as a tool for advocating for wider external support.

"We are looking for someone with passion, skills, vision and credibility to lead and develop this global initiative and are very much looking forward to receiving applications from people from right across the Anglican Communion."

Full job description for £52 - £56K post at:
http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/news.cfm/2010/10/26/ACNS4743

AVOID SUICIDE BY GOVERNANCE - EPISCOPAL CHURCH TOLD

US Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has challenged the Episcopal Church's Executive Council to look outwards and avoid "suicide by governance."

Jefferts Schori said that the council and the church face a "life-or-death decision," describing life as "a renewed and continually renewing focus on mission" and death as "an appeal to old ways and to internal focus" which devotes ever-greater resources to the institution and its internal conflicts.

The Presiding Bishop said that research shows that when the Episcopal Church tells its story well, it attracts young adults for its liturgy, social-justice stances and passion for wholistics mission; and migrants and women at transition points in their lives.

"However, I think we're in some danger of committing suicide by governance by focusing internally rather than externally," she added.

"Dying organisms pay most attention to survival. Our Haiti initiative is a positive counter-force to that. It's an example of what's possible when we turn outward rather than inward."

The Council (25 October 2010) reaffirmed its February challenge to the church to raise US$10 million to help begin to rebuild the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti.

"We need some structural change across the Episcopal Church," Jefferts Schori said. "Almost everywhere I go I hear dioceses wrestling with this; dioceses addressing what they often think of as their own governance handcuffs, the structures that are preventing them from moving more flexibly into a more open future."

Later in her remarks, the Episcopal Church (Anglican) leader said "we need a system that is more nimble, that is more able to respond to change," calling for "a more responsive and adaptable and less rigid set of systems."

The Presiding Bishop, who also chairs the council, issued her challenge during her traditional opening remarks to its first plenary session, which came in the middle of its 23-25 October meeting.

Episcopal Church: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/

Monday 25 October 2010

CANTERBURY’S TRIBUTE TO CHURCH OF SOUTH INDIA

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, laid out the road map for the growth of the South Kerala Diocese of the Church of South India (CSI), emphasising the need to be selfless in its service to society.

“The Hindu” newspaper reports that : Delivering his message yesterday, October 24,  on the occasion of the golden jubilee celebrations of the South Kerala Diocese of the CSI here, the Archbishop wanted the Church to be a questioning church and a praying church, one which has learnt to trust in God.

He marvelled at the “unusual Christian diversity” in Kerala and said he was convinced that this was based on deep trust and relationship.

“Kerala is a land of great religious diversity, but not of conflict. In the last few centuries, it has been a land of unusual Christian diversity. But my stay here in the last few days has shown that it is based on deep trust and relationship. Within the spectrum of Christian differences, the South Kerala Diocese has a special place,” he said.

Complimenting the Diocese for growing in numbers and with a vision, the Archbishop said a church with numbers and vision should be doing several things — it should be a praying church, which does not just talk about prayers or going to church.

“A praying church is one which knows it cannot do everything by itself. A praying church is one which has learnt to trust God. A church must be a questioning church. It must be asking questions about itself. A praying and questioning church must also be a selfless church. It does not exist to protect itself or acknowledge itself,” he said.

More at : http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article847337.ece

BUY BUY CHILDHOOD - GOOD RESPONSE TO MU

The response to the recently launched Mothers’ Union “Buy, Buy Childhood” initiative has been such that the MU have produced an A5 flyer to further promote the campaign.  

It is designed for local parish branches and members to add local contact information which can be distributed to people, put on noticeboards, inserted into Church newsletters or sent out in mailings etc. 

There is a space to enter branch or diocesan phone numbers, email or postal address  

It is also available on the campaign website. A version suitable for use in the Republic of Ireland is being designed at present.

C of I BOARD'S RESPONSE TO ECONOMIC SITUATION

The Church of Ireland Board for Social Theology has issued the following comment on the current economic situation.  

The Board states: “Alongside the people of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, the Board for Social Theology recognises that the Comprehensive Spending Review from the Chancellor of the Exchequer in London and the imminent Dublin Budget will lead to difficult times in the years ahead. The cuts to both benefits and public sector jobs will inevitably impact on lifestyles and have costs at a human level.

“The Board for Social Theology calls on members of the Church of Ireland and the wider community, North and South, to remain committed to the Christian principles that underpin society at its best. We affirm the life-giving value of relational living, which has always been a premium in Irish society.

“In the run-up to Christmas, we encourage all people to remember the value of living within our own means and of taking a responsible approach to the season. We ask people to remain faithful to charitable giving – conscious of those in the world, at home and abroad, who have less than nothing.

“We call on society at large and particularly decision makers in Dublin, Belfast and London, to remain committed to protecting the most vulnerable in our society.”
Statement issued: October 25.

Sunday 24 October 2010

FIRE DESTROYS CHAPEL AT LEADING US SEMINARY

A fire on Oct. 22  destroyed the 129-year old Immanuel Chapel at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. Founded in 1823, Virginia Theological Seminary is the largest of the 11 accredited seminaries of the Episcopal Church. The seminary prepares men and women for service in the church worldwide, both as ordained and lay ministers, and offers a number of professional degree programmes and diplomas.

"At this stage, the cause of the fire is unclear. The VTS Community is saddened and devastated by this catastrophe," said the Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, the seminary's dean, in a statement posted on its website. "The buildings nearby are intact and safe. The ministry and mission of VTS continue, even as the community grieves."

Alexandria Fire Department spokesman John North said no one was injured in the fire, according to the Alexandria Times. He also said the chapel was fully engulfed in flames when the first fire crews arrived. He said the final damage is likely to be a "terrible loss," according to an Associated Press report.

North was unsure whether the chapel was occupied when the fire first started, the Times reported. 

VTS confirmed that stained glass windows, including a large iconic window underneath the words "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel," were destroyed.

The chapel is also one of the worshipping sites for Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill, an Episcopal church in Alexandria. In a message posted by the Dean, he writes: We mourn on this day after the fire which destroyed the Seminary’s beloved chapel. As flames engulfed that sacred site yesterday afternoon, we gathered in Scott Lounge for prayers. I offered the following prayer, and I humbly share it with you: 

Loving God, we give thanks. Our sense of loss is great—so our pain, our worry, our concerns. We give you the thousands of memories that go with our chapel. We trust that in you our memories are captured and saved for our eternal life. We give thanks for the community services that came to help us—firefighters and police. Our community is at prayer, and we give thanks that the fire was contained and that no lives were lost. We give you our concerns and worries. We pray for wisdom and discernment and we offer this moment and ourselves to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. 

http://www.vts.edu/default.aspx

VATICAN BANKER SAYS CHURCH IS UNDER ATTACK

An Italian probe into the Vatican Bank for alleged violations of money-laundering laws is another example of a “fierce attack” on the Roman Catholic Church following criticism of Pope Benedict XVI and scrutiny of clerical sex- abuse cases, the bank’s Chairman Ettore Gotti Tedeschi has said, according to a report by Bloomberg, the financial service.

“The fierce attack on the church’s credibility started just six months after the publication” of Benedict’s encyclical “Caritas in Veritate” (Charity in Truth) in July 2009, he said yesterday, October 23, at a conference in Fermo, central Italy. “First it was the attack on the pope, then the pedophilia-related facts, and now it carries on with the case that involves me.”

Gotti Tedeschi’s remarks were confirmed by Milko Vitali, moderator of the conference. Gotti Tedeschi declined to comment further on his remarks, Vitali said by phone.

The Vatican Bank and its top executives, Gotti Tedeschi and Director General Paolo Cipriani, were put under investigation by Rome prosecutors last month for allegedly omitting data in wire- transfer requests from an Italian bank. Prosecutors froze 23 million euros ($32 million) in an account registered to the Institute for Religious Works, or the IOR as the Vatican Bank is called, at a Rome branch of Credito Artigiano SpA.

The IOR “took note” of a decision this week by a court in Rome to uphold the seizure of the funds, and reiterated that it is committed to financial transparency, Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said in a statement late yesterday. Lombardi declined to comment by phone on Gotti Tedeschi’s remarks.

Other Cases
Three other IOR transactions are under scrutiny for alleged violations of money-laundering laws, Corriere della Sera said on Oct. 21, citing court documents. In one case, a priest allegedly moved 300,000 euros from an account in San Marino and transferred it to a businessman, Bloomberg reported.

CHURCH PAID PRIEST MONTHLY DESPITE ALLEGATIONS

The Roman Catholic church faces fresh child abuse questions following Robinson’s conviction after the court heard he was paid up to £800 a month by the Archdiocese of Birmingham – despite officials knowing of the allegations against him. according to a report in The Birmingham Mail.

Judge Thomas described the Roman Catholic Church’s role in Robinson’s case as highly questionable as it emerged he was paid until December 2001.

“It is not for me to judge,” he said. “Others may take the view that a full investigation and full disclosure of the results of that investigation is due to the members of that church and (Robinson’s victims).”

But the Archbishop of Birmingham, the Most Rev Bernard Longley, refused to answer questions about the Church’s role in Robinson’s case. In a statement, he said: “This has been a very difficult time for everybody involved and our thoughts and prayers have been especially with the victims and their families throughout this ordeal
.
“The Archdiocese of Birmingham sincerely regrets James Robinson’s serious betrayal of the trust placed in him. We wish to express our heartfelt concern for all those who have been involved in this case or affected by it.The Archdiocese of Birmingham has co-operated fully with West Midlands Police throughout this case, assisting them with their inquiries wherever and whenever possible.

“The Archdiocese of Birmingham remains committed to the safety and protection of children and vulnerable individuals and has robust safeguarding policies in place, which are continually reviewed and updated. As the matter remains the subject of legal proceedings it is not possible, or appropriate, for the Archdiocese of Birmingham to make any further comment at this time.”

http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2010/10/23/

Friday 22 October 2010

FORECAST OF EVENTS - NOVEMBER 2010

This calendar will be updated and  published fortnightly pending the CHURCH NEWS IRELAND web site coming on stream. Please note whilst every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, please check with the organisers of the event. Please send information on forthcoming events to :  churchnewsireland@gmail.com
* indicates further information in a report on this site
NOVEMBER 2010
Mon 1
Divine Healing Ministries - Belfast Cathedral*
All Saints Day service for the bereaved. Speaker Rev M McCann. St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, 8.00 pm.

Tues 2
Lecure at St Bartholomew’s Parish Church - Belfast*
“Theological Musings on the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence”, by Rev. Dr Ron Elsdon. 1.10pm.
Tues 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd November - Belfast
Prayer Ministry Training with Margaret Saunders & George Newell. Willowfield Parish.
Thurs 4 
Mothers' Union Eucharist - Dublin 
Christ Church Cathedral, 11.15 am
MU Derry and Raphoe Council- Londonderry 
Diocesan Centre. 7.30pm

Sat 6 
Mothers’ Union All Ireland Council - Dublin 
Church of Ireland College of Education. 10.00 a.m.

Irish Association of Change Ringers - Ballymena
Northern District Practice 
St Patrick’s  - 14.30 - 16.30


Launch of Hymns for Haiti - Armagh
In Armagh Cathedral, the Dean of Derry, The Very Reverend William Morton, the Dean of Derry,  will launch a CD entitled, “Hymns for Haiti” sung by The Lowry Singers with their director, Earl Moffitt and organist Phillip Elliott. This CD marks the choir’s tenth anniversary.  All profit from the sale of the CD will be donated to The Haiti Earthquake Appeal. 11.30 am.

Church21 Introductory Day  - Dublin
Isaac’s Hotel, Stor Street, Dublin 1. 10:00 ? 13:00  An opportunity to find out what is involved. Details at http://www.church21.org/


Civic Opening of  CofI Community House - Carlow 
By Right Rev’d Michael Burrows, 3.00 pm.  Planting of trees by the Cathaoirleach of the County Council and the Cathaoirleach of the Town Council. Opening of “Ar scath a cheile ...” an exhibition of oil paintings by Joan Coen, Carlow. Unveiling of a plaque acknowledging funding from the Deighton Trust and the Blessing by the Most Rev’d Alan Harper on 1 Oct 2010. The new House consists of meeting room to seat up to 60 people, lounge,and ancillary facilities.   To besed for Sunday School, after services, bowling, confirmation classes, retreats, vestry meetings and much more. Bookings - contact The Rev’d Olivia Williams 059 9132565.

Sun 7
Belfast Cathedral - Service of Remembrance
Royal Irish Regimental Association annual service 3.30 pm. Preacher: Bishop of Connor. Anthem: They gave their bodies to the commonweath. Band of the Territorial Army, NI.

Mon 8
Church’s Ministry of Healing - Banbridge
AGM, Holy Trinity Church Hall, 1.00 pm
healing@ireland.anglican.org

Energize - Ballymena
Connor youth - St Patrick’s Hall, , 6.30pm

Wed 10, Thurs 11 - Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit, Dublin
The Exchange, 50 Gardiner Street Lower, Dublin 1.
Details: http://www.willowcreek.org.uk/gls/

Thurs 11
St Martin’s Church - Belfast
Patronal Evensong on St Martin’s Day, 7.30 pm
Preacher: Rt Rev Dr G.McMullan.
Contact: 028 9048 4454

Fri 12 - Sun 14
Mothers’ Union Conference Rosscarbery
Changing Times/ Changing Roles - in the Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery. Speaker:
Helen Clarke,of Kilmore Diocese. Details email: jennifer@cdyc.ie

Sat 13 
Mothers’ Union Parenting - Dublin
Follow up day for Parenting Facilitators & Diocesan Presidents. 10.00 a.m. St Michan's Church.

Eucharist for Archbishop's Course in Theology - Dublin
Christ Church Cathedral, 12.45 pm
http://cccdub.ie/index.php?/archbishop-s-certificate-course/

‘Building Blocks’ Children’s Ministry Conference - Dublin*
All Hallows College, Drumcondra. Key-note speaker is Ivy Beckwith who is an author and also Minister for Children and Families in a Church in Connecticut, USA.
Rev. Anne Taylor Tel: 00 353 1 4905543 Email: dublin@buildingblocks.ie.
www.buildingblocks.ie

Irish Association of Change Ringers
Eastern District Practice
Christ Church, Taney, Dundrum, Dublin - 14.00 - 16.00
Sun 14
Belfast Cathedral -  Remembrance Sunday
Act of Remembrance at 11.00 am Eucharist.
Belfast Cathedral - Past Choristers’ Evensong
3.30 pm. Presentation of Choral Scholarships and Exhibitions.

Service of Light for the Cancer Society of Ireland - Dublin 
Christ Church Cathedral, 3.30pm
The work of the Cancer Society of Ireland (1963-2010), will form a 'Celebration of Life' as part of choral evensong. Speaker Michael Murphy, RTÉ. Sung by the cathedral choir, the music will include Richard Lloyd 'View me Lord', Pott 'O Lord Support us', Clements 'Come my way, my truth, my life' and Radcliffe 'God be in my Head'.
Dromore Cathedral - ‘Come and Sing’ Faure Requiem*
The Requiem will be rehearsed in the afternoon from 2.30 until 5 followed by a short tea and then a concert performance at 6pm. Replies to :Dromore Cathedral Choir, 30 Church Street, Dromore ,Co Down BT25 1AA or by email to David Falconer,  organist@dromorecathedral.co.uk or Tel:028 9267 4418

All Saints’ Antrim, Evensong 6.30 pm*
Sung by Choir of Cambridge House School, conductor Tracey Martin and Parish Choir, director Norman Finlay.

Recognition of lay ministry, Bangor Parish
Service celbrating the witness of John Bateman, 35 years a diocesan reader. Preacher, Bishop of Down. 7.00 pm. christine.galloway@talktalk.net

Tues 16
MU - Derry and Raphoe Trustee Body, Diocesan Centre, Londonderry. 7.30pm.
Thurs 18
Children’s leaders Connor - Belfast*
An evening with Nick Harding, Children’s Advisor for Nottingham Diocese talking about ‘The problem with boys?’ There will be an opportunity for networking and a chance to look at available resources. St Peter’s Parish, 7.30pm

Concert: Irish Baroque Orchestra - Dublin
Christ Church Cathedral, 8.00 pm.
The Irish Baroque Orchestra Chamber Soloists present a concert of 'The Three Fiddlers' featuring Monica Huggett (artistic director),Claire Duff and Emilia Benjamin. This concert celebrates the acousticperfection of the four-stringed fiddle which acquired such a rich repertoire in the seventeenth-century, and presents the best of the three-violin works concluding with the Vivaldi's jubilant homage to his favourite instrument. The programme will include works by Bach, Bertali, Castello,Marini, Pachelbel, Purcell and Vivaldi. Tickets are 20 & 15 euro (concessions 16 & 12 euro) and are available online at:
http://www.irishbaroqueorchestra.com/boxoffice/index.php?event_id=33
Sat 20
‘Building Blocks’ Children’s Ministry Conference*
Orangefield Presbyterian Church, Castlereagh Road, Belfast. Key-note speaker is Ivy Beckwith who is an author and also Minister for Children and Families in a Church in Connecticut, USA. Donna Thompson & Kathy Brown Tel: 028 90322284 Email: belfast@buildingblocks.ie
www.buildingblocks.ie 

Church of Ireland Historical Society - Dublin 
The chapter room of Christ Church, Cathedral 10.30 - 4.00. Tadhg Ó hAnnracháin on 'The Church of Ireland and the native Irish in plantation Ulster', Mark Empey on the Protestant contribution to Gaelic culture in the seventeenth century, Susan Parkes on sources for the history of Irish education in the nineteenth century, and Eimhin Walsh on the Church of Ireland in China. All are welcome, and invited to become members. The
society meets twice a year alternatively in the Public Library in Armagh and Christ Church in Dublin. Hon Sec, Adrian Empey, telephone +353-1-4055056 or e-mail: adrianempey@gmail.com.
http://cccdub.ie/index.php?/church-of-ireland-historical-society

Sun 21
Disability Awareness Sunday
Irish Eucharist, Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin
The eucharist will be said in Irish in the Lady chapel.5.00 pm This is held on the fourth Sunday each month except July and December.
 http://cccdub.ie/index.php?/Cumann-Gaelach-na-hEaglaise/
http://dublin.anglican.org/resources/services_in_irish.php
Sat 27
Advent Preparation Quiet Day - Dublin 
Christ Church Cathedral,10 am- 12pm. Repeated 2 - 4 pm. As part of the development of a spirituality programme at the cathedral, the day will explore prayer through walking in a labyrinth located in the south transept. Thelabyrinth will remain there throughout Advent and all are welcome to use it.
http://cccdub.ie/index.php?/special-services/

Irish Association of Change Ringers - Dublin
Association Surprise Practice
St Patrick Cathedral, Dublin - 13.30 - 15.30

USOC President’s Day - Drumbeg
Organists visit to Parish Church. 3.00 pm.

Dublin Symphony Orchestra Concert - Dublin
The Dublin Symphony Orchestra begins its Autumn season with a concert at Christ Church at 8.00pm which will pay tribute to Aloys Fleischmann in this the 100th anniversary year of his birth. Conducted by Fergus O'Carroll, and led by Aveen McEntee, the programme will include: Aloys Fleischmann 'Overture ‘The Four Masters’', Beethoven 'Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73 ‘Emperor’' with Silvan Negrutiu as soloist, and Dvorak 'Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op. 88'. Tickets are 18 and 15 Euro (concessions). Details on the DSO website:
http://www.dublinsymphony.org/index.cfm/event/concert.showConcert

Sun 28
Advent Procession - Dublin
Sung by the Christ Church cathedral choir and cathedral girls' choir,the candlelit Advent procession forms a dramatic turning point in the yearly liturgical cycle of the church. 5.00 pm Music at will include Boles 'Adam lay Y Bounden', Britten 'Hymn to the Virgin', Bruckner 'Virge Jesse', Goldschmidt 'A Tender Shoot', Manz 'E'en so Lord Jesus' and Praetorius 'Magnificat Quinti Toni'. 
http://cccdub.ie/index.php?/special-services/

Tues 30
Healing on the Streets with George Newell & Margaret Saunders on ministering healing and wholeness. Willowfield Parish, Belfast.





C OF E PROBES CLAIMS OVER PRIESTS AND CHILD ABUSE

An investigation is to be carried out into allegations that two priests were allowed to continue working despite being accused of serious child abuse offences, the Church of England has confirmed.

Collin Pritchard was the vicar of St Barnabas, in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, until 2007, despite having been first reported to police for sex offences 10 years earlier. He was only suspended when a new safeguarding officer at the diocese decided he was a risk to children.
He was charged with sexually abusing the two young boys the same year and was then jailed for five years in July 2008 when he pleaded guilty to four counts of indecent assault and three counts of committing an act of gross indecency on the two children.

Pritchard was in charge of a church in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, in the early 1980s when he committed the offences, Northampton Crown Court was told.

Jurors heard one of the boys was also abused by Roy Cotton, who worked as a parish priest in Brede near Rye, East Sussex, but prosecutors decided there was not enough evidence to charge him before he died in September 2006.

The allegations emerged after an investigation by BBC South East following the acquittal of a former alter boy accused of murdering an elderly vicar.

Christopher Hunnisett was originally found guilty of murdering 81-year-old Ronald Glazebrook following a trial in 2002, but a jury cleared him at last month's re-trial at Lewes Crown Court after hearing evidence that the vicar had sexually abused him.

Cotton had also been convicted of a sexual offence against a boy in 1954, the BBC reported.

The Archdeacon of Lewes and Hastings, the Ven Philip Jones confirmed the Church had launched an investigation.He said in a statement: "The Diocese of Chichester gives the protection of children the highest priority and takes seriously all concerns raised."

BISHOP GOOD HAILS PAPAL VISIT

The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe has said the Pope's visit to Britain proved there is greater interest in Christianity than is normally reflected in the media.

Bishop Ken Good has told his diocesan synod in Londonderry, attended by senior figures from the Catholic, Methodist and Presbyterian churches, that faith in God was more mainstream than was usually portrayed.

He said that any attempt to marginalise the positive influence of religion risked undermining the good of work of people of faith.He cited the reception given to Pope Benedict as evidence of the continued healthy state of religious communities and he warned against marginalising them through a "misguided political correctness".

"The recent visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Scotland and England confirmed what many of us have known, namely that there is in fact a higher level of public interest in the Christian faith and in issues to do with Christian leadership and influence than might be assumed from the normal fare of media coverage," he said.

"Despite the best hopes and efforts of some of the 'new atheists', matters to do with religious faith, far from disappearing into the background of social consciousness, are very much to the fore in many people's minds and, if anything, are gaining a more prominent place in social discourse rather than receding into the mists of oblivion.

"It is a good and healthy thing for society that religious faith, moral issues, ethical debate and church teaching appear on the front page of newspapers and in the headline news on TV and radio - as they certainly did during the papal visit.

"We believe that society would be very much the poorer if religious values and practices were to be sidelined and marginalised, whether by a misguided political correctness or by a mistaken attempt supposedly to 'not offend' anyone."

The synod was attended by Moderator of the Presbytery of Derry and Donegal Rev Dr Brian Brown, Catholic Bishop of Derry Dr Seamus Hegarty and President Designate and Superintendent of the North West District of the Methodist Church in Ireland Rev Ian Henderson.

In his address he has also welcomed recent comments by Conservative Party chairman Baroness Warsi highlighting the Government's desire to see churches play a role in strengthening community life. He added: "These are indeed exciting times in which to be living as a person of faith."

CARDINAL CRITICISES ROBINSON'S STANCE ON EDUCATION

The leader of the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland has said that Peter Robinson's comments on the NI education system have created "distrust and suspicion".
Cardinal Sean Brady said the comments were "a stark warning" which "set back" the future of education.It follows a speech by Mr Robinson in which he described the current system as a "benign form of apartheid".The first minister said that while he had no objection to church schools, he objected to the state funding them.

In a speech on Thursday the cardinal referred directly to the controversy over Mr Robinson's remarks."Recent suggestions that schools in Northern Ireland should be forced into one single state system are a stark warning to all those who respect diversity and the rights of parents," he said.

"It seems strange that people in Northern Ireland are being told that they should accept a lower standard of rights and freedoms than they would have if they lived in Britain, Scotland or the south of Ireland.

"People in Northern Ireland deserve to live in a normal society."

The cardinal said the comments had "set back" discussions on the future of education, north and south and had created "distrust and suspicion".

The speech which sparked the controversy was made by Mr Robinson last Friday.In an apparent reference to Roman Catholic schools, he said he had no objection to church schools but he did object to the state paying for them.