Thursday 30 September 2010

BIG RESPONSE TO BURMA STAR SERVICE

This coming Sunday afternoon (October 3) veterans and the families of those who served in the Burma campaigns of World War II will attend a service at 3.30 pm in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast.
During the service the Standard of the Belfast Branch of the Burma Star Association will be received by the Dean, Very Rev Dr Houston McKelvey and laid up for safekeeping.

Commenting on the service, Dean McKelvey said, "We have been greatly surprised at the response to this occasion. People are travelling from several parts of England and the Republic to attend. 

“Whilst the three armed services each played a full role in this theatre and will be represented at the service, there were two local regiments which played key roles in the land battles.

"in the first battle of the Arakan peninsular, the 1st Battalion of the Inniskillings were almost wiped out with immense loss of life. The battalion lost three commanding officers in two days, such was the ferocity of the fighting and the impossible goals which they had been set.

"The 8th City of Belfast, Heavy Air Defence Regiment of the Royal Artillery, which had fought the retreat to Dunkirk, was one of the few gunner regiments to bring their guns home, and later took part in the defence of Southern England during the Battle of Britain. The regiment was transported to Western India and then motored across the entire Indian sub - continent, driving up the Indus valley, down the Ganges valley and into Burma where in the second battle of the Arakan, the fighting was so ferocious that the guns were used in a ground to ground role, earning the regiment the nickname of "The Twelve Mile Snipers”.

Several prominent Belfast businessmen were involved in the regiment. The Commanding Officer at the end of the war was Colonel Jimmy Cunningham whose family owned “The Northern Whig” newspaper and other interests, Sir Robin Kinahan later Lord Mayor of Belfast,was adjutant,and also serving were Harry Porter, Harry McKibbin , and Irish rugby international and Norman Brand.

Family members in responses to me have stated how important the Burma Star Association was in their lives as wives, widows, and children.

The Association Standard was dedicated at a service in St Anne’s by Dean Cyril Elliott who had served as a chaplain in the First World War, and the sermon was given by Canon Graham Craig who had served as a chaplain in Burma.

The hymns and Bible readings on Sunday are the same as included at the service of dedication. The lesson readers will be Danny Kinahan, MLA, son of Sir Robin, and by Commander Martin Quinn, the Commanding Officer of HMS Hibernia, the naval reserve base which has succeeded HMS Caroline, which served as the Navy's recruitment base in the city during both world wars. Colonel Cunningham's son will also be present.

The Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor will be present and Col. John Steele, Deputy Lord Lieutenant, who commanded the successor TA regiment to 8th City of Belfast, will represent Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

ARCHBISHOP’S SUPORT OF SUDAN PROCESS

The Archbishop of Armagh has issued a statemesupporting Archbisho Deng of the Sudan in his concerns for the forthcoming elctions in 2011.
Archbishop Alan Harper states,”In 2005 a Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed ending 23 years of warfare in Southern Sudan resulting in the death of 1.9 million people and the displacement of 4 million. One of the key provisions of that agreement was a commitment to hold a referendum in Southern Sudan to determine whether the south of the country should separate from the north and become a separate, independent state. That referendum is due to be held on 9 January 2011. The vote is now less than 100 days away.
‘The Sudanese peace process is therefore at a critical point. In April 2010 the first multi-party electoral process in 24 years was completed. The referendum in Southern Sudan together with associated consultations in the Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile border regions are at hand

‘Archbishop Deng informs me that “…there are aspects of the CPA that have not yet been fully implemented including the demarcation of the 1st January 1956 borders” as required in the judgement of the International Court of Arbitration at the Hague. The Church of Sudan is fearful that the registration of voters will not be fairly carried out; that the rights of people in the Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile will not be respected; and that internally displaced southerners currently living the North will be denied citizenship.

‘Therefore, having most particularly in mind the safety, livelihoods and rights of the poorest and most vulnerable people, I join Archbishop Deng in calling upon the international guarantor governments, signatory to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005, to ensure full implementation of the agreement including a free and fair referendum. I also call upon people everywhere, and especially in the Church of Ireland, to pray for our brothers and sisters in Sudan. Pray especially that Sudan may not fall back into a war which will destroy more lives and communities bringing further misery to a land that has seen so much horror in the recent past.’

Most active links between Ireland and Sudan have been established over recent years through CSMI and Can Cecil Wison’s endeavours, as well as diocesan and Mothers’ Union links.

KILDARE CATHEDRAL’S NEW CD

'The wonder of His works' is the title of St Brigid’s cathedral choir’s new CD . 

'The wonder of His works' celebrates 30 years of the establishment of the cathedral choir by its founder Dean John Paterson and the completion of the restoration of the cathedral’s fine Conacher pipe organ.
Derek Verso, director and producer of the CD, says, “The wonder of His works' offers the listener an enjoyable selection of the cathedral choir’s repertoire and an opportunity to experience the wonderfully restored sounds of the cathedral organ.”

It was launched on Sunday 26th September 2010 by Bishop Richard Clarke at a service of harvest thanksgiving in the cathedral.The CD will be on sale in the cathedral and at Kildare Heritage Centre.   
Further information: Derek Verso 086 8564762 or Idris Bowen 0876849960.

BISHOP OF CORK - REVIEW OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION LEGISLATION NEEDED

In the wake of reports of controversy surrounding the election by Cork County Council of the community representatives to Cork County Vocational Education Committee, the Church of Ireland Bishop of Cork - the Right Reverend Paul Colton - has called for a review by the Department of Education and Skills, and by the Oireachtas, of the implementation of the legislation setting up VECs.

LECTIONARY 2011 READINGS BOOKLET AVAILABLE

The Season of Advent begins on the 28 November, and with it starts a new liturgical year and a fresh cycle of daily scripture readings. Church of Ireland Publishing has announced the availability of Sunday and Weekday Readings 2011. This annual booklet is compiled by Canon Brian Mayne with the assistance of the Revd Ken Rue. 

The price of Sunday and Weekday Readings 2011 is unchanged from the last two years, costing £3 in Northern Ireland and €4 in the Republic of Ireland. Copies are available from the Good Bookshop, Donegall Street, Belfast and the Resource Centre, Holy Trinity, Rathmines, Dublin.

The Liturgical Advisory Committee has now made the text of the weekday readings accessible on the Church of Ireland website – www.ireland.anglican.org/worship.

EVELYN RETIRES FROM BOOK SHOP

Former manager of the Good Book Shop, Belfast, Mrs Evelyn Lewis, has retired after 24 years of service with the bookshop and prior to that with APCK.

To mark the occasion the Board of Directors hosted a lunch at Church of Ireland House on Monday September 27 for Evelyn and her husband Canon Walter Lewis. The lunch was also attended by staff from Church House, and Evelyn’s former colleagues in the Good Book Shop.

Thanking Evelyn for her many years of dedicated service, Mr Dermot O’Callaghan, vice chair of the Board of Directors, said he had been a satisfied customer over the years. He added that the diligence and helpful service he and others received from the bookshop was often down to Evelyn and he thanked her for all her hard work.

Monday 27 September 2010

C OF I JUDGE’S LIFE TIME OF SERVICE RECOGNISED

In the  recent 2010 Rehab People of The Year Award, Dunmurry born, Judge Catherine McGuinness was awarded a People of the Year Award for her pioneering and vast contribution to Irish life in many roles over a lengthy career.

These included her appointment as a High Court and Supreme Court Judge, as President of the Law Reform Commission and as a Senator, as well as for her unique contribution as an advocate for children’s rights reform. The Award was presented by broadcaster Gay Byrne.

By Jillian van Turnhout, Chief Executive of the Children’s Rights Alliance in a press statement said, “The Children’s Rights Alliance warmly congratulates Justice Catherine McGuinness on receiving the Rehab 2010 People of the Year Award.  Justice McGuinness is a most worthy recipient of this prestigious award.  Her leadership and commitment to children’s rights is second to none. She brings her razor sharp intellect, but also her humanity, to every issue she addresses.

“Justice McGuinness has played a leading role in fighting for the rights of children in Ireland for many years.  In 1993, in her capacity as Chair of the Kilkenny Incest Inquiry, she identified the need to strengthen children’s constitutional rights to ensure children are adequately protected from abuse. This was a watershed moment for children’s rights in Ireland.  Subsequently, she was a member of the Constitutional Review Group that in 1996 recommended the inclusion of express rights for children in the Constitution.

“Over the past two years, Justice McGuinness has played an active role in monitoring the Government’s performance in keeping its promises to children, as a member of the External Assessment Panel for the Children’s Rights Alliance Report Card 2009 and 2010.  She has called on Government to implement the recommendations put forward by the Alliance, and has lobbied to keep children’s rights at the core of the Government’s agenda.

“The Alliance’s Report Card process has been enriched by Justice McGuinness’ involvement, and it would not have the credibility it has today without her very fine contribution, both behind the scenes and in the public eye.  I am absolutely delighted that one of our leading lights has been given the recognition she so rightly deserves today – not only for her work in 2010 but over decades.”

Now in their 36th year, the Awards were presented by GrĂ¡inne Seoige with Mary Hanafin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport as Guest of Honour at the event.

Ireland’s answer to an honours system, the People of the Year Awards provide a unique opportunity for the Irish public to honour outstanding contributions made by individuals and organisations to life in Ireland. The winners of the People of the Year Awards are chosen by members of the public through a nomination process and finalised by a panel of adjudicators.

The other People of the Year Award winners for 2010 were :
Graeme McDowell Awarded a People of the Year Award
The Families of the Victims of Bloody Sunday Honoured
Life of the late Gerry Ryan Celebrated
Steve Carson, Director of Programming, RTÉ Television, added:
“RTÉ is very proud of its long standing association with Rehab and the People of the Year Awards. It’s a very special night, not just for the winners but also for their families, their friends and everyone whose lives they have touched.

Last year over 400,000 viewers tuned in to see the enormous range of achievements of Ireland’s everyday heroes be recognised and we are delighted to play our part in seeing generosity and courage of this magnitude brought to the fore.”

www.peopleoftheyear.com or www.facebook.com/rehab25 

AUSTRALIAN BISHOP RESIGNS BEFORE HEARING

The embattled Anglican Bishop of the Murray, Ross Davies, has resigned the day before he was due to face a church disciplinary hearing according to a report in “The Australian” newspaper. The issue centres on his handling of sexual misconduct allegations against his archdeacon Peter Cooke.

The Australian states: Bishop Davies, who is on sick leave, was given a $150,000 payment for "certain expenses", including legal fees, by his diocese. The announcement of his resignation was read to parishioners yesterday.

Bishop Davies was due to face a Special Tribunal today (Sept 27) on nine internal charges alleging disgraceful conduct, wilful violation of church ordinances and wilful and habitual disregard of the consecration vow, but is not expected to attend the hearing.

Bishop Davies resigned on Friday and tried to relinquish his holy orders on Saturday.

His resignation brings to an end a turbulent time for the bishop, who has faced calls to stand down over his handling of sexual misconduct allegations against his archdeacon, Peter Coote, and his conduct towards priests and lay workers.

An internal church report in 2005 found that allegations that Mr Coote had behaved inappropriately towards three women were "credible", but Bishop Davies did not respond except by referring Mr Coote to a counsellor.

Bishop Davies stood down Mr Coote as archdeacon after The Australian revealed the complaints in July 2007.

Yesterday, Anglican Archbishop of Adelaide Jeffrey Driver said that Bishop Davies had decided to resign after a "long period of illness".

Archbishop Driver said while Bishop Davies had resigned, he remained on sick leave.

"I wish Bishop Ross and Christine (his wife) well as they move into a new phase of life together and I continue to pray for the Diocese of the Murray as it moves through a time of transition," he said.

Murray Diocese administrator Richard Seabrook said in a statement: "The clergy and people of the Diocese of the Murray wish Bishop Ross well for the future, particularly regarding his health and we pray for his health to be restored."

Archbishop Driver said the tribunal would consider Bishop Davies' resignation when it meets today.

"It lies with the tribunal itself to determine how it deals with these matters from here," he said.
.
In July it was reported that Bishop Davies wrote a letter to Diocese of the Murray Synod members saying he was not guilty and that he could not afford to pay a lawyer to represent him.

He was reportedly offered $50,000 towards his legal costs by the Synod on the condition that he step down as bishop while the tribunal was sitting but he refused.

Bishop Davies was unable to be contacted for comment

NEW LABOUR LEADER PRAISES CHRISTIAN SOCIALISM

Labour's new leader, Ed Miliband, has praised the work of Christian Socialist Movement, one of the party's recognised affiliated bodies.

In one of his first engagements since his election to head up the opposition last week, Mr Miliband, who is a non-believer himself, was speaking at CSM's 50th anniversary reception.

The reception was held after the Labour Party's traditional annual conference church service in Manchester Cathedral, which drew hundreds of people.

He said that the Christian Socialist Movement was at the forefront of Labour's renewal and in particular he highlighted CSM's 'Labour Neighbours' project as a good example of reconnecting the party at the grassroots.

The new leader's comments came as the breakdown of election results showed that CSM members opted for Mr Miliband in significant numbers on the first preference round of voting, the Movement said.

The younger of the Miliband brothers was seen as the 'change' candidate, and took the poll from expected winner David on 1.3% of the vote, after the transfer of first preferences from the other candidates - Ed Balls, Andy Burnham and Diane Abbott.

Both the party's previous leaders and Prime Ministers, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, have been CSM members - though this did not stop them adopting pro-war policies opposed by the majority of CSM's membership.

This time there were no Christian Socialist Movement candidates standing for the Labour leadership, in the election which followed the party's defeat at the 6 May 2010 general election and the coming to power of a Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government.

Christian Socialism has a long history, and many who use the term are not members of the Labour Party, or left CSM when it agreed to affiliate to the party.

More on CSM at: www.thecsm.org.uk

Sunday 26 September 2010

GOING GLOBAL 2010 - MISSION EXPLORATION

Going Global is an event organised by CMS Ireland to help paticipants consider how to take their engagement in God’s mission to a deeper level.  Going Global is aimed at those who are thinking about their part in God’s mission and are asking ‘What next?’

The event will take place in Kilcronaghan Activity Centre, Tobermore  near Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry on Sat/Sun 9th-10th.October. 

The publicity states,”You may be sensing that God is calling you to get involved in a specific type of mission service, perhaps in another country. Or maybe you’ve already had a particular experience of cross-cultural mission and as a result, you feel inspired to live differently at home.

“Going Global aims to help you explore such issues; it offers you the chance to take time away from the chaos, to be still and listen to God, to look into mission. The Going Global weekend is a place for you to reflect on your experiences and perceptions of global mission and to think about some of the 
ways in which to take things further.
So who is it for?

“Going Global is aimed at those who are thinking about their part in God’s mission and are asking ‘What next?’
In particular, the event is designed with three main types of people in mind:
- Those who are exploring the possibility of some form of mission service in another place, whether for short-term or long-term.
- Those who have returned home after some form of mission service elsewhere, (whether on a team, or some form of mission placement), and want to consider how their experiences can impact their life and mission in their Irish context.
- Those who simply want to think more deeply about ‘mission’ and what it might mean for them.”

Kilcronaghan Activity Centre, Tobermore, is  near Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry. Further details: belfastoffice@cmsireland.org: dublinoffice@cmsireland.org

NORTHERN PERSPECTIVE ON PAPAL VISIT

The Dean of Belfast, Dr Houston McKelvey, was the guest columnist on the Churches Pages of the Belfast published Newsletter on Sept. 25. He writes:
My wife and I had the immense privilege of being presented to Pope John Paul II on a dais in St Mark’s Square which was packed with pilgrims from all over the world on a gloriously hot Rome afternoon. 
The fact that we were there as part of an international dialogue between Christians and Jews made the occasion even more remarkable. 

It was genuinely a very humbling experience as I recalled the Catholic friends of my childhood village who were the most faithful members of their Church. In particular I said a prayer of thankfulness for my friend’s mother Mary, who cycled five miles each day to attend the daily mass in St Comgall’s, Antrim, and recalled the innumerable messages and acts of service she did for her protestant neighbours when on her daily journey of faith.

I am not one who will dodge denominational differences. And anyone who knows my track record in the introduction of child protection measures in the Church of Ireland, knows that this is not an issue that I will compromise on. I have met with too many victims and will carry their shared memories to my grave.

Despite this, I rejoice that the visit of Pope Benedict was a resounding success. His meeting with the Queen at Holyrood, the youth rallies, the visit to Westminster Hall and especially the services at Westminster Abbey and Cathedral, spoke to me and uplifted me immensely spiritually. I found the response of my fellow Christians of the Roman Catholic persuasion to be inspirational and moving. 

There is nothing quite as infectious as seeing people at prayer. The merging of ceremonial worship with a depth of enthusiasm was potent and Divine. I found renewal of my faith in simply watching the devotion of these Christians. For it by far outdistanced my concerns about inter-church doctrinal differences, issues of sexuality and so on.

One of the most eccentric and wonderful characters I have ever met was the late Hugh Charles Fay, a Quaker and head of classics at Inst. He will be chortling in some part of God’s heaven when I say that it was a phrase in Latin which summed up this entire visit for me - Charlie having said to me a few months before I was ordained, “Good heavens McKelvey, you don’t mean to say the Church of Ireland is going to pollute the countryside with a clergyman who knows very little Latin and even less Greek”. Sadly he was true, but it was a Latin phrase which got to me. It was to the fore at the ceremony declaring Cardinal John Henry Newman from henceforth would be called “Blessed” - the first English”confessor of the faith” to be beatified in more than 600 years.

Over 50,000 people had stood in the wet, in a muddy park, for five hours for this service. And before them were displayed the words, “Cor ad Cor loquitur”, Heart speaks unto Heart - the motto taken by Newman from his hero, the 16th century St Francis of Sales. These were the words embroidered on his funeral pall when he was buried in 1890. In Cofton Park, Birmingham, they were visible around the altar and on the tabbards the stewards wore.

The little valley resounded to the word’s of Newman’s magnificent and best known hymn “Praise to the Holiest in the height” , which forms part of the Dream of Gerontius, the oratoria later set to music by Elgar. This was complimented by the Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei, to setting specially commissioned for this service by the leading church composer, James McMillan.

At a time when secularism is threatening to engulf western society, I certainly don’t begrudge a penny of tax to pay for this visit. I saw thousands of people being uplifted in their faith, and over the past week I have surfed along on the tide of wonderful spirituality, music and reverence which this visit generated. I wonder how many non-Roman Catholics were also affected by this Pope.

BISHOPS ASK MASSGOERS TO IGNORE BOYCOTT

The country's Catholic bishops urged parishioners to ignore a proposed boycott of today's masses.

The call was made by women's rights campaigner, Jennifer Sleeman, who lives in west Cork.

The bishops' appeal - issued in response to a query from RTÉ News - was interpreted by 81-year-old Ms Sleeman as a sign that the hierarchy was worried.

She said her boycott campaign had prompted what she called an 'upswelling of women who want(ed) to be equal in the church'.

The bishops warned that 'the celebration of the mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation (was) essential to the practice of the Catholic faith'.

They also said that every day here, lay people, priests, nuns and brothers together made decisions for their parish communities.

RTE Sunday, 26 September 2010 15:26

Saturday 25 September 2010

COMING EVENTS IN IRELAND SEPT- OCTOBER

Please note whilst every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, please check with the organisers of the event. We hope to carry this as a weekly feature. Please send information on forthcoming events in similar format to that below, to : churchnewsireland@gmail.com


SEPTEMBER - 2010

Tues 28
The Kesher course
At St Molua's Parish, Stormont, Belfast. Looks at the Jewish roots of the Christian faith and the place of Israel in God’s purposes today. It begins at 8pm and runs on successive Tuesdays for 10 weeks. Further information see blog on this site. Contact: stormont@down.anglican.org

Wed 29
Mothers’ Union Festival Service in Castleknock
The Archbishop of Dublin will preside

Limerick Ordination
In St Mary’s Cathedral the Bishop of Limerick will ordain the Revd Vicki Lynch to he priesthood.

Thurs 30
Clogher Diocesan Synod
 St Macartin’s Cathedral Hall, Enniskillen

OCTOBER- 2010

Fri 1
Blessing of Community House in Carlow
The Archbishop of Armagh will bless the new Church of Ireland Community House at St Mary’s Church and then preach at the Harvest Festival in Urglin parish church.

Ballina Institution
In St Michael’s Church, Ballina, the Bishop of Tuam will institute the Revd Wendy Callan as Rector of the Kilmoremoy union of parishes.


The Priory Singers - Concert of Sacred Music on Friday 1 October at 8 pm in St Thomas’ Church, Belfast. Conductor Robert Thompson.  Admission £10.  Tickets from Parish Office.

Fri 1 - Sun 3 
Flower Festival & Harvest Thanksgiving Week-end to mark the re-opening of the newly re-furbished Lisnaskea Parish Church. The church will be open for viewing on Saturday from 11.00am – 5.00pm and Sunday from 2.00pm – 5.00pm.

Sun 3
Evensong, Christ Church Cathedral. Dublin 3.30., celebration of Archbishop Donald Caird’s ministry. See report this site.

Tues 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th 
Teaching on the Prophetic with Priscilla Reid (Christian Fellowship Church, Strandtown). Willowfield Parish, Belfast
See report this site.

Wed 6 – Fri 8 
Mothers’ Union All Unit Meetings
Swanwick, Derbyshire, England

Thurs 7
War Crimes in Sri Lanka: International Implications. TCD
An International Peace Studies Public Lecture to be given by Denis Halliday & Mary Lawlor at 7 pm in the J. M. Synge Theatre, Arts Building, Trinity College Dublin - isedir@tcd.ie
www.tcd.ie/ise/peace/   See blog this site.


Sat 9 - Sun 10 
Going Global 2010 
Organised by CMS Ireland to help paticipants consider how to take their engagement in God’s mission to a deeper level.  Going Global is aimed at those who are thinking about their part in God’s mission and are asking ‘What next?’ Venue:  Kilcronaghan Activity Centre, Tobermore  near Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry. Further details: belfastoffice@cmsireland.org: dublinoffice@cmsireland.org


Mon, 11 
CMSI series of monthly prayer gatherings continues for the people and the work of CMS Ireland, their global partners and their regions. CMS Ireland Offices, Belfast at 7.30pm.

Tue 12
Challenges of Leadership - Ballyclare 
Andrew Cowley, Senior Leadership Advisor, Churches Pastoral Aids Society. Exploring issues of leadership in Parish Life.  St Johns’s Parish, Ballyclare 10am-3pm

Wed 13
The AGM of the Church Education Society, Dublin.
7pm in the Church of Ireland College of Education.

Friday 15
Installation Service of The Revd Kenneth R.J. Hall as Dean of Clogher
St Macartan’s Cathedral, Clogher at 8.00pm. The preacher will be the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church and Bishop of Saint Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane, the Most Revd David Chillingworth.
Fri 15 - Sat 16 
Mothers’ Union All Ireland Young Members Week-end
City North Hotel, Julianstown, Dublin

Sat 16
Mother’ Union All Ireland Trustees
10.00 a.m. St Michan’s Church, Dublin

Sat 16 -Sun 17
Mothers’ Union Stand at Big Into Baby - “The Show for tots to tens!”
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Odyssey Arena, Belfast









Celtic Spirituality Event 
Study weekend with Sean O’Duinn OSB, author of ‘Where Three Steams Meet’ a foundational study in Celtic Spirituality. The weekend also includes a visit by coach to Nendrum, one of the best preserved Celtic Monastic sites in Ulster. Advance booking: Rev Grace Clunie tel: 028 38 870667, Celtic Spirituality, Armagh Cathedral

Mon 18 
Children’s leaders – 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, Belfast, 7.30pm peter.traincoord@connor.anglican.org
Tues 19 
God’s Healing of Anxiety, Depression and Stress
Seminar  for Clergy, Church Workers and Prayer Group Members by the Churches’ Council for Health and Healing.  Cooke Centenary Presbyterian Church, 217 Ormeau Road, Belfast. Email: jcampbell@presbyterianireland.org
See also blog on this site for further details.

My Family - helping it survive and thrive! 
Rob Parsons -Craigavon Civic Centre. 7.30pm. Evangelical Alliance - Tickets £7 each or four or more for £6 each. To book or find out more, tel 028 9262 8050 or: www.careforthefamily.org.uk

Wed 20
Connor Age-Ability Committee half day conference in the Dunadry Hotel, Templepatrick on the topic of Alzheimer’s. The conference is open to both clergy and lay people. antrim@connor.anglican.org

Teenagers - What every parent has to know! 
Rob Parsons. Antrim Grammar School. Evangelical Alliance - Tickets £7 each or four or more for £6 each. To book or find out more, tel 028 9262 8050 or: www.careforthefamily.org.uk

Thur 21 
Clogher Mothers’ Union Autumn Council Service
St John’s Church, Fivemiletown at 7.30 pm.

My Family - helping it survive and thrive! 
Rob Parsons -Lodge Hotel, Coleraine. 7.30pm. Evangelical Alliance - Tickets £7 each or four or more for £6 each. To book or find out more, tel 028 9262 8050 or: www.careforthefamily.org.uk

Fri 22
Sacred Concert - Inishmacsaint
Parish Church at 7.30pm.
Sat 23
Magheraculmoney Parish Auction
Kesh Community Centre

Thur 28 
Halloween Social Evening 
Aghadrumsee Orange Hall at 9.30pm. Music by Country Features. Tickets (including supper) £5.00


GOD AND THE RYDER CUP

Leading a Christian life is like golf, according to Archbishop of Wales Dr Barry Morgan, who is leading a service in the run-up to the Ryder Cup. 

‘It requires lots of practice, patience and the understanding of those around us,’ he said. Dr Morgan will conduct a service at the only church sited on a golf course in England and Wales. The small stone church of St Peter sits on land adjoining the St Pierre golf club in Chepstow on the site of the former parish and hamlet of the same name. The service will be broadcast on Radio 4’s Sunday Worship on 26 September, just days before the world’s biggest golf-team contest tees off at Newport’s Celtic Manor hotel on 1 October.

Source: Western Mail/Wales Online (22/9)
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/

DR BILLY MARSHALL’S NEW BOOK ON ANGLICAN THEOLOGY

Next Tuesday evening, 28th September in the Long Room of Trinity College Library the Archbishop of Dublin will launch a new book on Anglican theology written by the Revd Dr W.J. Marshall

Scripture, tradition and reason is published by Columba Press.

Now retired from the stipendary ministry, Billy Marshall has taught in Bishop Hubback Theological College, India, has been a chaplain in TCD and was Rector of Rathmichael in Co. Dublin. His final post was as Vice-Principal of the Church of Ireland Theological College where, among other things he taught the course on Anglicanism and it is in that teaching that the origins of this book lie.

The table of contents clearly indicates the scope of the study. It begins with a question, ‘Is there such a thing as Anglican theology?’ and concludes with a discussion of features of Anglican theology. In between the thinking of some of the great Anglican theologians is examined – Cranmer, Jewel, Hooker, Ussher, Jeremy Taylor, FD Maurice, Temple and, of course, Michael Ramsey.

This is a timely publication. As the author observes, ‘Problems in the lives of churches and individual Christians can only be faced satisfactorily by going back to basic principles’. Current divisions in Anglicanism are reflected inevitably in the Church of Ireland and those who profess to be members of the Church of Ireland would do well to read this book.

From Irish Times C of I notes, September 25.

AUSTRALIA AND THE ANGLICAN COVENANT

The General Synod of the Anglican Church of Australia met in  Melbourne last week. The Synod debated the proposed Anglican Covenant (Monday 20th) and agreed to an Australia-wide process for considering an international covenant designed to enhance the unity of the worldwide Anglican Communion. 

The Anglican Church of Australia’s General Synod agreed to ask all 23 dioceses to consider whether to back the Anglican Communion Covenant which aims to clarify how national members relate. A decision on whether or not to adopt the covenant will then be taken at the next meeting of the Synod, which will be in 2013.

There is a report by Mark Brolly at Anglican Media Melbourne: http://www.melbourne.anglican.com.au/main.php?pg=news&news_id=38374&s=157

There is also an official press release. See Media releases at:
http://www.anglican.org.au/Web/Website.nsf/content/News_and_Media_Releases

The Sydney Morning Herald reports this as Anglicans try to resolve issue of gays. At:
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/anglicans-try-to-resolve-issue-of-gays-20100920-15jlm.html

CHAPLAINS SOFT TARGET IN HEALTH CUTS

Health cuts threaten hospital chaplains – even though the government and NHS bosses have underlined their importance. 

Unite the Union – Britain’s biggest trade union – is launching its own investigation as anecdotal evidence points to chaplains being culled in growing numbers. ‘Although we know staff are going across the whole of the NHS, the healthcare chaplains are being disproportionately targeted,’ said Carol English, Unite’s officer responsible for this area. ‘They’re a soft target.’ Parliamentary under-secretary for the Department of Health, Earl Howe, and NHS chief executive Sir David Nicholson have both stressed the need for hospital chaplains. But one chaplain said his NHS trust expects to cut four of its five chaplaincy positions.

Source: Church of England Newspaper (24/9)

METHODISTS REJOICE OVER POPE’S VISIT

Pope Benedict XVI has proved ‘more subtle, winsome and gentle’ than the hard-nosed theologian image some people were expecting. 

That was the view of General Secretary of the Methodist Church Revd Dr Martyn Atkins, who hailed the Pope’s recent state visit to the UK as a success. ‘Some time will have to be spent analysing just what he has said and how it was said,’ he added, ‘before we know to what extent this moves formal positions between Rome and other Churches in Britain.’ However, Methodists are encouraged to ‘rejoice’ in what the visit has accomplished, particularly since it is said to have reminded people that faith has a place in secular society – and served as a visible witness to Christianity nationwide.

Source: Methodist Recorder (23/9)
http://www.methodistrecorder.co.uk/

MAKE YOUR FAITH MORE VISIBLE - ENGLISH CATHOLICS TOLD

Roman Catholics in England and Wales are being urged to build on the visit of Pope Benedict by being more confident in expressing their faith.

The Archbishop of Westminster told Catholics the Pope's visit was "marvellous and unforgettable"
The Archbishop of Westminster says Catholics should be more ready to make the sign of the cross and say "God bess you" to people.

Vincent Nichols said believers had been given "new heart" by the Pope's four-day visit to Scotland and England.His pastoral letter will be read out in Westminster archdiocese this weekend.

Writing a week after the papal visit, Rev Nichols said: "With the blessings of this visit we can be more confident in our faith and more ready to speak about it and let it be seen each day.
"A small step we can all take is to be quicker to say to others that we will pray for them, especially to those in distress.

Report at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11408569

Full text of pastoral at:
http://www.rcdow.org.uk/diocese/default.asp?content_ref=3031

Friday 24 September 2010

FORMER RECTOR IN COURT ON PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES

The Belfast published “Newsletter” reports today that the Rev Spencer Gilchrist, former rector of Kells & Connor Parish near Ballymena, Co. Antrim, was in Antrim Court yesterday facing 24 charges of pornography relating to having indecent images of chidren.

Spencer Gilchrist, 44, appeared in a packed courtroom for a preliminary enquiry.

District Judge Des Perry released the former churchman – whose address was given as Church Road, Kells – on bail.

An application was also submitted for legal aid.

During the short hearing Mr Perry asked for only the first charge to be read to the court "given the number of charges", which was dated October 13, 2008.

Mr Gilchrist, who was wearing a navy suit and blue tie, made no comment to the charges at Ballymena Magistrates Court, sitting in Antrim.

The former clergyman resigned from his clerical duties at Saint Saviours parish in Kells in 2009.

He began ministering at the north Antrim parish in 1997.

Last night a Church of Ireland spokesman said: "We are aware that charges have been laid against the former incumbent of the parish of Connor (Kells) in Connor diocese.

"When an investigation was instigated by the authorities the individual concerned was suspended from his duties and alternative pastoral provision for the parish was put in place.

"He subsequently tendered his resignation. He cooperated with the authorities during the investigation.

"As the matter is before the courts it is sub judice and no further comment can be made at this time."

The defendant was released on his own bail of £500 to appear at the Crown Court sitting at Antrim on a date to be fixed.

Published: 24 September 2010
Report by Gemma Murray of The Newsletter.

RELIGION IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE

Dr. Kenneth Milne in a personal paper to the Conference of European Churches has outlined the approach taken by the Church of Ireland in what were  politically divergent approaches to social issues in the two jurisdictions.
He states,”given the overwhelming numerical strength of the Roman Catholic Church in the Republic, and the effectiveness of that church’s discipline, social legislation and social mores in the Republic, especially where family matter such as divorce and contraception were concerned, have, until comparatively recently, been strongly influenced by Roman Catholic teaching.  Because Northern Ireland has experienced since the 1940s the benefits of the British welfare state and of a largely free education service, and it is only in more recent years that social welfare provision in the Republic has begun to match that in the United Kingdom, society in the two jurisdictions has developed along separate lines.”.

Dr Milne contends that there has been a convergence in process in recent times

He says,” This is due to several factors affecting the Republic in particular. The economy of the Republic has made huge advances, recent setbacks notwithstanding, enabling the state to intervene to a much greater extent in social provision. Whereas in the past health and education services in the Republic were largely dependent on church effort, mainly, but by no means solely, under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Church, this extremely high church profile in social provision is in decline.  Again, because of immigration to Ireland, partly, but not exclusively from within Europe, the Republic has become a much more diverse society than had traditionally been the case, bringing about a situation where the Muslim population is the third largest faith community after the Roman Catholic Church and the (Anglican) Church of Ireland. A further agent of change has been the revelation of grave shortcomings in the past in the Roman Catholic Church’s response to serious abuses in some church-run institutions, so that  that  church’s influence may not be what once it was.

“In an endeavour to meet such a transformation of society in the Republic, the government has initiated a consultation process whereby it intends to meet with representatives of the churches and other faith communities on a regular basis. However, as with the citizens’ initiative provided for by the Lisbon Treaty, this Irish initiative will in large measure depend on the churches themselves if it is to bear fruit”

He refers to different initiatives taken in Northern Ireland and the Republic.

The full text is available on the C of I web site at:
http://www.ireland.anglican.org/index.php?do=news&newsid=3188

Thursday 23 September 2010

CULTURE NIGHT BARGAIN BOOKSHOP

To celebrate Culture Night in Belfast on September 24, the Good Book Shop is offering 15 per cent off all stock on sale for a two hour period.

The bookshop, adjacent to St Anne’s Cathedral in Donegall Street, will open late specially to mark this occasion on the Belfast cultural calendar, and all stock, excluding sale items, will be available for purchase at 15 per cent less than the usual price between 7pm and 9pm.

Offer of the Week at the Good Book Shop is £2 off Max Lucado’s new book Outlive your Life, which will retail for a limited period for £7.99 (usual price £9.99).
For further information email: sales@goodbookshop.com or visit the website www.goodbookshop.com
At the recent Connor Synod, Richard Ryan, acting manager of the Good Book Shop, appealed to those present to support the business and outlined several ways parishes could do this. He urged Sunday Schools to come to the Good Book Shop for their resources and said items could be sent by post or by Ulsterbus. Parishes were also asked to consider having a book stall in the church from which they could sell books for the Good Book Shop, earning commission in the form of money off for their efforts.

Finally, Richard asked parishes to pray for the Good Book Shop. “We are a Christian ministry, a light at that end of Donegall Street, and we don’t want that light to go out,” he said. “We are a shop filled with books but we are also a God filled shop.”

Bishop Alan Abernethy described the Good Book Shop as ‘an excellent resource’ and said it was sad the shop was not used as it should be.

Belfast Cathedral, Derry and the two Dublin Cathedrals are open for Culture Night.