INDEX TO REPORTS

Page

1. Representative Church Body...... 3 2. Church of Pensions Board ...... 91 3. Standing Committee...... 135 4. Church in Society ...... 239 5. Board of Education...... 263 6. Youth Department ...... 281 7. The Covenant Council...... 297 8. Commission for Christian and Dialogue ...... 307 9. Liturgical Advisory Committee ...... 313 10. Church of Ireland Council for Mission...... 319 11. Commission on Ministry...... 327 12. Church of Ireland Marriage Council...... 331 13. Commission on Church Buildings ...... 335 14. Church’s Ministry of Healing ...... 339 15. Board for Social Responsibility (NI) ...... 345 16. Board for Social Responsibility (RI) ...... 355

If you require the Book of Reports in any other format, please contact the General Synod Office. Tel: 01 497 8422 Email: [email protected]

1

2 CHURCH OF IRELAND

THE REPRESENTATIVE CHURCH BODY

REPORT 2008

3 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008 CONTENTS

Page Representative Church Body – chairpersons and offices 5 Representative Church Body – membership 6 Committees of the Representative Body 9 Mission and responsibility 14 Main points 14 Operating and financial review 2007 15 Allocations recommended to the General Synod 2008 17 Investments and markets 20 Clergy remuneration and benefits 25 Property and Trusts 26 Historic Churches Advisory Committee 29 Library and Archives Committee 31 Donations and bequests to the Church of Ireland 33 Miscellaneous and general 35 Resolutions recommended to the General Synod 36 Financial statements year ended 31 December 2007 37

APPENDICES Page A Total income applied by the Representative Body in 2007 60 B Extracts from the accounts of the Church of Ireland Theological 61 College for the year ended 30 June 2007 C Fund performances – Comparative total returns 2003-2007 63 D General Unit Trusts – Financial statements and investment manager’s 64 reports for the year ended 30 June 2007 E Socially Responsible Investment – Annual review and report of the 80 Investment Committee F Church Fabric Fund – Grants allocated during 2007 81 G Accessions of archives and manuscripts to the Representative Church 82 Body Library, 2007 H Funds received by the Representative Church Body in 2007 for 88 parochial and diocesan endowment etc

4 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008 THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND Chairman Most Rev AET Harper, Archbishop of Armagh

Committee Chairpersons Executive Mr S Gamble Allocations Mr GC Richards Most Rev Investment Mr RS Neill Alan Harper Property Mr RH Kay Stipends Mr HJ Saville Library and Archives Mr MJT Webb * Legal Advisory Mr LJW MacCann SC † Audit Mr GC Richards Historic Churches Advisory Mr RS Neill

Chief Officer and Secretary Mr DC Reardon

The Representative Church Body (RCB) was incorporated by Charter in 1870 under the provisions of the Irish Church Act, 1869. Its legal structure is that of charitable trustee or trust corporation with perpetual succession. The main activities of the Representative Body involve management of investments, administration of trusts and deeds of covenant, payment of stipends and pensions, property and legal transactions and treasury management as well as supporting the core work of the Church by providing finance for the sustentation of the clergy and pensioners, training of ordinands, education, youth, communications etc. The RCB Library is the repository for the archives of the Church and the Library for the Church of Ireland Theological College and the Church at large. The committee structure is designed to reflect these mainline activities and responsibilities.

Office Library Church of Ireland House Braemor Park Church Avenue Churchtown Rathmines Dublin 6 Dublin 14 Tel 01-4978422 Fax 01-4978821 Tel 01-4923979 Email [email protected] Fax 01-4924770 Website www.rcb.ireland.anglican.org Email [email protected]

______* in place of Mrs CH Thomson (retired 2006) † in place of Mr RL Nesbitt SC (retired 2006)

5 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND In accordance with the Charter of Incorporation (1870) the Representative Body is composed of ex officio, elected and co-opted members. The Charter provides that the ex officio members shall be the archbishops and bishops, the elected members shall consist of one clerical and two lay representatives for each diocese or union of dioceses presided over by one bishop and the co-opted members shall consist of persons equal in number to the number of such dioceses for the time being. (See also Constitution of the Church of Ireland, Chapter X).

The Representative Body is composed of the following sixty members. The attendance of each at the four meetings of the Representative Body held during the year 2007 is denoted by the figure placed before each name.

A Archbishops and Bishops: ex officio members (12)

4 Most Rev AET Harper, Archbishop of Armagh 5 Beresford Row, The Mall, Armagh 4 Most Rev JRW Neill, Archbishop of Dublin The See House, 17 Temple Road, Dublin 6 3 Most Rev RL Clarke, Bishop of Meath and Kildare Bishop’s House, Moyglare, Maynooth, Co Kildare 4 Right Rev MGStA Jackson, Bishop of Clogher The See House, Fivemiletown, Co Tyrone BT75 0QP 4 Right Rev KR Good, Bishop of Derry and Raphoe The See House, Culmore Road, Londonderry BT48 8JF 4 Right Rev HC Miller, Bishop of Down and Dromore The See House, 32 Knockdene Park South, Belfast BT5 7AB 2 Rt Rev AF Abernethy, Bishop of Connor* Bishop's House, 113 Upper Road, Greenisland, Carrickfergus, Co Antrim BT38 8RR 4 Right Rev KH Clarke, Bishop of Kilmore 48 Carrickfern, Cavan 4 Right Rev RCA Henderson, Bishop of Bishop’s House, Knockglass, Crossmolina, Co Mayo 4 Right Rev MAJ Burrows, Bishop of Cashel and Ossory Bishop’s House, Troysgate, Kilkenny 3 Right Rev WP Colton, Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross The Palace, Bishop Street, Cork 2 Right Rev MHG Mayes, Bishop of Limerick and Killaloe 12 Eden Terrace, North Circular Road, Limerick ______* from June 2007

6 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008 B Elected members (36) Every member elected, except to a casual vacancy, must retire from office on the first day of the third Ordinary Session of the Diocesan Synod after that member’s election (Constitution Chapter X, Section 3). The date in brackets after each member’s name denotes the year in which that member is due to retire. Outgoing members are eligible for re-election provided they have not reached 74 years of age by 1 January preceding election.

Armagh 3 Ven RG Hoey, The Rectory, 2 Maytown Road, Bessbrook, Co Down BT35 7LY (2009) 1 Mrs E Harkness, 134 Coagh Road, Stewartstown, Co Tyrone BT71 5LL (2010)* 3 Mrs J Leighton, 14 Drumbeemore Road, Armagh BT60 1HP (2008)

Clogher 2 Ven CT Pringle, Rossorry Rectory, Derrygonnelly Road, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh (2009) 3 Mr JWC Allen, Aughnahinch, Newtownbutler, Co Fermanagh (2010) 3 Mr WJ Dickson, Carrickanure, Annyalla, , Co Monaghan (2008)

Derry and 4 Ven DS McLean, 12 Station Road, Castledawson, Co Derry BT45 8AZ (2008) Raphoe 3 Mr JHD Livingston, 28 Station Road, Garvagh, Coleraine, Co Londonderry BT51 5LA (2009) 2 Mr S Gamble, 14 Spruce Road, Dysart, Strabane, Co Tyrone (2010)

Down and 4 Ven PF Patterson, 69 Church Road, Newtownbreda, Belfast BT8 7AN (2009) Dromore 2 Mr TA Wilson, 11 Ballymoney Road, Banbridge, Co Down BT32 4DS (2010)† 3 Mr WL Dermott, 3 Ashdene Grange, Comber, Newtownards, Co Down BT23 5SL (2008)

Connor 1 Rev Canon JO Mann, St John’s Rectory, 86 Maryville Park, Belfast BT9 6LQ (2009) 4 Mr RH Kay, 2 Brookvale Terrace, Portrush, Co Antrim BT56 8EY (2010) 4 Mr JW Wallace, The Hermitage, 7 Ahoghill Road, Randalstown, Co Antrim BT41 3BJ (2008)

Kilmore, 4 Rev AJ Forster, The Rectory, 26 Circular Road, Dungannon, Co Tyrone Elphin and BT71 6BE (2008) Ardagh 2 Mrs HR Hicks, Garvary Lodge, 49 Teemore Road, Derrylin, Co Fermanagh BT92 9QB (2009) 4 Mr AC McElhinney, 10 Taughrane Heights, Dollingstown, Craigavon, Co Armagh BT66 7RS (2010)

Tuam, 3 Ven RE Dadswell, The Rectory, Ballisodare, Co Sligo (2008) Killala and 3 Mrs A Walton, Bon Air, Uggool, , Co (2009) Achonry 1 Mr B Bradish, Frenchfort, , Co Galway (2010)‡ ______* in place of Mr HW Young (retired 2007) † in place of Mr WH Montgomery (retired 2007) ‡ in place of Mrs CH Thomson (retired 2007)

7 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

Dublin and 2 Ven DA Pierpoint, The Vicarage, 30 Phibsborough Road, Dublin 7 (2009) Glendalough 3 Mr DA Seaman, Rivendell, Templemills, Celbridge, Co Kildare (2010) 3 Mr DG Perrin, Barn Close, Ballybrack Road, Shankill, Co Dublin (2008)

Meath 4 Rev LTC Stevenson, The Rectory, Portarlington, Co Laois (2009) and 2 Mr RF Colton, Highfield, Ballyduff, Tullamore, Co Offaly (2010) Kildare 3 Mr D Gillespie, Griffinstown, Dunlavin, Co Wicklow (2008)

Cashel 4 Very Rev LDA Forrest, The Deanery, Ferns, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford (2008) and 2 Mr PC Clifton-Brown, Ballinamona House, Cashel, Co Tipperary (2009) Ossory 4 Mr C Galloway, Newtown, Waterford (2010)

Cork, 4 Ven REB White, Moviddy Rectory, Aherla, Co Cork (2008) Cloyne and 4 Mr JK Roberts, Corran, Ferney Road, Carrigaline, Co Cork (2009) Ross 4 Mr JE Stanley, Scart House, Belgooly, Co Cork (2010)

Limerick 2 Very Rev SR White, The Deanery, Killaloe, Co Clare (2008) and 4 Mrs LM Gleasure, Phoenix Farm, Kilflynn, Tralee, Co Kerry (2009) Killaloe 1 Mr RW Benson, Templehollow, Killaloe, Co Clare (2010)

C Co-opted Members (12)

3 Prof P Barker, Karibu Sana, Broomfield, Malahide, Co Dublin (2008) 2 Mr TH Forsyth, 3 Hainault Lawn, Dublin 18 (2010) 3 Mr LJW MacCann SC, 2 Knapton Terrace, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin (2009) 2 Mr TB McCormick, 24 Dartmouth Walk, Dublin 6 (2008) 4 Mr RS Neill, Killegar Park, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow (2009) 1 Mrs JM Peters, The Deanery, Rosscarbery, Co Cork (2010) * 4 Mr GC Richards, 32 St Alban’s Park, Dublin 4 (2009) 4 Mr HJ Saville, 22 Church Road, Boardmills, Lisburn BT27 6UP (2009) 2 Mr DAC Smith, Knockleigha, Shaw’s Bridge, Co Down BT8 8JS (2009) 3 Mr GW Stirling, 3 Alma Road, Monkstown, Co Dublin (2008) 2 Mr MJT Webb, 2 Mount Salus, Knocknacree Road, Dalkey, Co Dublin (2010) * 0 Mr RP Wilson, 109 Ballyward Road, Castlewellan, Co Down BT31 9PS (2008)

The following co-opted members retire in May 2008: Mr TB McCormick Mr GW Stirling Mr RP Wilson Prof P Barker Note During 2007 Lady Sheil and the late Very Rev RD Harman attended meetings of the Representative Body as Honorary Secretaries of the General Synod. ______* co-opted in place of Mr JRB Hewat and Mr RL Nesbitt SC (both retired 2007)

8 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

COMMITTEES OF THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY The Executive, Allocations, Investment, Property, Stipends, Library and Archives and Legal Advisory Committees are elected from the members of the Representative Body in September each year and their chairpersons are appointed triennially. The Audit Committee and Historic Churches Advisory Committee are appointed triennially. Membership details, number of meetings held between 1 January and 31 December 2007 and record of attendances are given below.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

(6 meetings)

Mr S Gamble (5) (Chair) Mr Sydney Gamble Most Rev AET Harper (5) Rev AJ Forster (5) Most Rev JRW Neill (6) Ven CT Pringle (4) Most Rev RL Clarke (6) Ven REB White (6) Mr GC Richards (6) * Prof P Barker (2) Mr RS Neill (5) *Mr TH Forsyth (2) Mr RH Kay (6) * Mr LJW MacCann SC (3) Mr HJ Saville (4) Mr DG Perrin (5)

The Executive Committee has an overall responsibility to protect the interests of the Representative Body and its trusts, to consider and, if thought fit, to give approval to the recommendations of the subsidiary committees, to give formal approval to routine property and trust transactions, to formulate legislative proposals and policy for approval, to liaise with other central organisations and dioceses and to deal with all matters affecting the employment and remuneration of staff including specialist appointments where the Representative Body is a party to any contract of employment. The Archbishops and the Chairpersons of the Allocations, Investment, Property and Stipends Committees are ex officio members of the Executive. During 2007 the late Very Rev RD Harman attended Executive meetings as an Honorary Secretary of the General Synod.

Prayer read at the commencement of all Executive Committee meetings “Almighty God, we meet in your presence to exercise stewardship of the resources of this Church. Grant to us a clear mind and judgement in all things, a willingness to seek your will for the Church and an awareness of the trust and responsibility given to us. Guide us with your wisdom and lead us in the paths of truth. This we ask through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.”

______* in place of Mr RW Benson, Mr JRB Hewat and Mrs CH Thomson (all retired 2007) 9 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

ALLOCATIONS COMMITTEE

(3 meetings)

Mr GC Richards (3) (Chair) Mr Graham Richards Mr WL Dermott (3) * Most Rev AET Harper (2) Rev AJ Forster (3) Mr JE Stanley (3)

The function of the Allocations Committee is to investigate requests for financial support and make recommendations to the Executive Committee or the Representative Body as appropriate, to maintain a “watching brief” on the use and deployment of resources allocated to committees and organisations including their budgetary procedures and accounting policies, to anticipate financial pressures ahead and plan forward accordingly, to ensure that trust limitations are observed in the use of Representative Body funds and to co-ordinate with other financial bodies (Priorities Fund Committee, Investment Committee, Stipends Committee, Pensions Board etc).

INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

(7 meetings)

Mr RS Neill (6) (Chair) Mr Robert Neill Mr WL Dermott (7) Mr TB McCormick (5) Mr TH Forsyth (5) Mr GW Stirling (6) Mr D Gillespie (6) Mr RP Wilson (3)

The function of the Investment Committee is to oversee the invested funds of the Representative Body and other funds held in trust, to monitor portfolio and investment management performance, to maintain an appropriate level of reserves, to formulate lending policies and approve parochial and glebe loan applications, to advise with regard to investment policy and strategy and generally report to the Executive Committee or to the Representative Body as appropriate.

______* in place of Most Rev RHA Eames (retired 2006)

10 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

PROPERTY COMMITTEE

(5 meetings)

Mr RH Kay (5) (Chair) Mr Robert Kay Mr JWC Allen (5) * Mrs J Leighton (3) Mr PC Clifton-Brown (4) Mr JHD Livingston (5) Mr RF Colton (4) Ven DS McLean (5) Very Rev LDA Forrest (5) Mr JK Roberts (5) The function of the Property Committee is to process all matters affecting glebes, churches, parochial buildings and graveyards vested in the Representative Body in accordance with statutory responsibilities as laid down in the Constitution of the Church of Ireland, to manage the buildings directly under the control of the Representative Body, to co-ordinate with diocesan see house committees and care for see houses and all residences provided for the use of church officers, to care for all properties assigned by the Representative Body for the use and occupation of retired clergy and surviving spouses, to assist and provide guidance in the planning and disposal of redundant churches and the contents thereof, to provide technical support and advice to parishes and dioceses, to maintain property records and registers and generally to report to the Executive Committee or to the Representative Body as appropriate. Note: Representatives of the dioceses who are members of the Representative Body are entitled to attend meetings of the Property Committee when relevant diocesan property matters are under consideration.

STIPENDS COMMITTEE

(2 meetings)

Mr HJ Saville (2) (Chair) Mr Henry Saville Mr RW Benson (1) Ven DS McLean (2) Rt Rev WP Colton (1) Mr DG Perrin (1) Mrs L Gleasure (2) Ven CT Pringle (1) Mrs J Leighton (2) Mr D Smith (1) The function of the Stipends Committee is to make recommendations concerning Minimum Approved Stipends, mileage rates for locomotory expenses, and the remuneration, expenses and budgets for the episcopate and other church officers, to monitor changes in taxation and State legislation insofar as clerical remuneration matters are concerned, to investigate and make recommendations in relation to grant aid requests from dioceses for the support of the Ministry and the training of newly ordained clergy, to consult with dioceses and make recommendations to provide for the better maintenance of the Ministry generally, to monitor and report on the implementation of the recommendations of the Clergy Remuneration and Benefits Committee as approved by General Synod in 1990 and report to the Executive Committee or to the Representative Body as appropriate. ______* in place of Mr N Prins (retired 2006) 11 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES COMMITTEE

(3 meetings)

*Mr MJT Webb (0) (Chair) Mr Michael Webb Most Rev RL Clarke (3) Ven REB White (2) Rt Rev MGStA Jackson (1) Very Rev SR White (1) Advisory Members – Rev Canon CA Empey (2) – Dr K Milne (3) – Mrs V Coghlan (1)

The function of the Library and Archives Committee is to manage the RCB Library and its resources having regard to trusts and objectives, to maintain archives and Church records generally (including records of contents of churches and of church plate), to co- operate with the Theological College and Committees using the Library premises and to provide a cost-effective service to the Church and the public at large subject to the approval of the Executive Committee or the Representative Body as appropriate and budget limitations.

LEGAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

(0 meetings)

† Mr LJW MacCann SC (Chair) Mr Lyndon MacCann Mr AC Aston SC Mr RLK Mills SC His Honour Judge JG Buchanan ‡ Mrs JM Peters The Hon Mr Justice DNO Budd Master JW Wilson QC

The function of the Legal Advisory Committee is to advise the Representative Body on any legal or trust matter which the Executive Committee or the Representative Body may properly refer to it.

______* in place of Mrs CH Thomson (retired 2007) † in place of Mr RL Nesbitt SC (retired 2007) ‡ in place of Mr LJW MacCann (appointed to Chair 2007)

12 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

AUDIT COMMITTEE

(3 meetings)

Mr GC Richards (3) (Chair) Mr Graham Richards Prof P Barker (2) Mr HJ Saville (3) Mr RW Benson (2)

The Audit Committee’s primary function is to assist the Executive Committee in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities by reviewing the financial statements, the systems of internal control and the audit process. The Committee meets twice yearly with the auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, to review the scope of the audit programme prior to audit, the outcomes for the year when the audit is completed and any issues arising from the audit.

HISTORIC CHURCHES ADVISORY COMMITTEE

(2 meetings)

Mr RS Neill (2) (Chair) Mr Robert Neill ‡ The O’Morchoe (1) Very Rev LDA Forrest (1) ‡ Ven DA Pierpoint (0) Mrs P Wilson (2)

The Historic Churches Advisory Committee was formed following a resolution passed by the Representative Church Body at its meeting in September 2003. Its function is to act as a Historic Churches Advisory Committee to the Church of Ireland generally but with particular reference to the revised statutory guidelines issued in relation to the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (R.I.)., with power to consult.

The Committee consists of three elected members, at least two of whom shall be members of the Representative Church Body and at least one of whom shall be a member of the Property Committee, with power to co-opt two further members. ______‡ co-opted member

13 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008 MISSION AND RESPONSIBILITY

The Representative Body, as trustee for the Church, strives to operate within a framework of sound practice based on principles of integrity and accountability. Its historic and primary mission is to serve and support the Church’s ministry with full legal accountability for its governance of property and financial assets. Over the long term, the Representative Body seeks to manage investments to obtain the best possible return for present and future beneficiaries and to work for improvements in clergy stipends and pensions.

MAIN POINTS

Last year’s RB report to the General Synod referred to the continuing growth in capital values of both General and Specific Funds held by the Representative Body. Unfortunately, this cannot be the case for the year 2007.

Capital values at year end 2007 have decreased by some €28.7m in the case of General Funds and €59.5m for Specific Trusts. Of these reductions €21.6m can be attributed to currency translation movements, €92.5m to stock market value reductions with both profits on sales of investments €11.8m and new capital €14m partially offsetting these decreases.

Income for 2007 when compared to last year did however continue to show an increase of 8.5% to €8.7m despite the weakening of the Sterling exchange rate versus the Euro.

This year’s surplus income has allowed a further addition of €400k to be made to the Allocations Reserve. It also permitted an increase of some 7.1% in the amount allocated towards central Church activities.

The movement in the Sterling exchange rate versus the Euro (some 8.4% reduction in value in 2007), should it continue in 2008, will have a significant impact in our Euro expressed income next year in 2008. This will offset any expected small increases in the general levels of actual incomes expected for 2008.

The committees of the Representative Body have continued to perform in a most conscientious and hardworking manner and each member of these various committees is to be sincerely thanked for their commitment over the year.

The very significant increasing level of activity required in the management of the Representative Body’s portfolio of See Houses is proving to be significant. Likewise an ongoing extensive review by the Investment Committee of the external investment management of funds in terms of risk and return is in hand.

The issue of long-term pension funding requirements and having to account for these on an annual basis continues to require significant annual revenue and balance sheet adjustments which tend to complicate the short-term financial results shown in our annual accounts.

14 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008 OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW 2007 The accounts of the Representative Church Body for the year ended 31 December 2007 commence on page 37. • Summary of financial position Balance Sheet The net assets shown in the Balance Sheet (p44) belong to three different funds. - The General Funds are those available to be utilised for the purposes of meeting the operating expenditure of the Representative Body and funding for Allocations. - Pension funds represent the funds employed by the Clergy Pensions Fund, and are dedicated to that purpose. - Other trust funds generate the investments and deposit income shown in Note 1 to the accounts (p47) and belong to parishes, dioceses and sundry Church of Ireland trusts.

The breakdown of value between these funds at the year end is shown following: Balance Sheet summary 2007 2006 €'000 €'000 General funds 217,516 246,218 Pension funds 125,687 138,399 Other trust funds 318,625 365,437 ______Balance sheet total 661,828 750,054 ______Revenue Account The surplus for the year is the net income derived from general funds less operating expenses (see p43). Revenue Account summary 2007 2006 €'000 €'000 Surplus for the year 6,409 5,649 Net allocations (5,818) (5,571) ______Surplus after allocations 591 78 ______• Commentary The revenue account shows a surplus of €591,000 for the year compared to a surplus of €78,000 in 2006, an increase of €513,000. The reported surplus is greatly influenced by the annual accounting adjustment required by Financial Reporting Standard 17 (FRS 17), accounting for retirement benefits, which records a change of €375,000 year on year. Extracting the influence of this adjustment would change the increase in surplus for the year from €513,000 to €138,000. The surplus available before allocations is €6.409m (2006 - €5.649m), an increase of €760,000, and this also is affected by the movement in the FRS 17 adjustment. The charge for 2008 allocations is €6.045m (2006 - €5.644m), an increase of 7.1%. 15 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

• Income (p43)

Despite the turbulence in the financial markets which started to become manifest mid way through the year, 2007 proved, like 2006, to be an exceptional year for increases in corporate dividends, and also, partly as a result of the same pressures in financial markets, to be a much improved year for growth in interest earnings, as credit markets tightened. Income overall has increased by €688,000 over 2006, expressed in euro, a rise of 8.5%. Income expressed in euro in 2007 was €1.515 million higher than 2005, which is an increase of 21% over the two year period and reflects the general buoyancy in corporate distributions over the period.

Appendix A (page 60) shows charts illustrating the sources and application of all the income and expenditure managed by the Representative Body, including trust incomes and disbursements.

• Operating expenditures (p54)

Operating expenses show the costs of maintaining the central capability and services managed from Church of Ireland House, offset by income generated and resource recharged to wider church activities.

The cost overall has decreased by €91,000, but this reduction is caused by the technical pension accounting adjustment referred to above, without which the overall cost would have increased by €97,000. Much of this increase relates to inflation-related higher salary costs amounting to €94,000, and depreciation has increased by €14,000.

Under the heading ‘Costs Recovered’ is the category ‘Specific Trusts’, which shows the amounts generated from the management and administration of the Unit Trusts and the deposits in the care of the Representative Body. For the second year, and as a result of the increased values and income of directly managed investments and cash, costs recovered have increased substantially by €84,000, an increase over 2006 of 16.1%. Legal costs recovered in the year have declined, as the property market subsided, showing a reduction of €116,000 against 2006.

The category ‘Other charges’ under the heading of ‘Costs recovered’ includes recharges relating to the contribution to wider church activities made by staff employed through the Representative Body, and charges relating to the recovery of Gift Aid taxation, and these other charges totalled €739,000 (2006 - €711,000).

• Allocations (p43)

Allocations for 2008 are charged against income in 2007 and amount to €6,044,772 (2007 - €5,644,819). A subvention from the Stipends Fund of €75,000 has been made available for a further year, following the expiry of a commitment over the previous three years, and this subvention has been utilised to offset costs associated with the provision of clergy pensions.

The charge to the revenue account represents an increase of 7.1% over the previous year.

16 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

• Reserves (p44)

The allocations reserve is maintained to provide protection against the possibility of being unable to meet commitments in a particular year. At the year end the value of the allocations reserve expressed in euro was €4.685m which represents 76.6 % of the gross euro denominated provision for allocations as shown in the Balance Sheet.

At the year end the actuaries of the Staff Pension Fund are required to update the valuation of the fund and at 31 December 2007 the fund showed an actuarially calculated surplus of €289,000 (2006 - €339,000). The charge shown in the accounts, as per the provisions of FRS 17, is calculated retrospectively and reflects not only the cash payments made into the fund, but also includes the actuarially assumed expected performance of investments over the period. The Staff Pension Scheme has been closed to new members since 1 January 2007 and is now a contributory scheme. The detail of the movement in the year is shown in note 15 to the audited accounts.

• Currency translation rates

Year end sterling balances have been translated into euro a rate of €1 = £0.7333 or £1 = €1.3637 (2006: €1 = £0.6715 or £1 = €1.4892).

ALLOCATIONS RECOMMENDED TO THE GENERAL SYNOD 2008

• The cost of allocations recommended amounts to €3,824,491 (2007 - €3,312,372) and £1,628,132 (2007 - £1,566,238), showing increases of 15.5% and 4.0% respectively over the previous year. The combined total of allocations expressed in euro reflects an increase of 7.1% over 2007, and is offset to some extent by the decline in value of the pound sterling. At a constant rate of exchange, the increase year on year would be 10.7%.

• The liability in the Balance Sheet at €6,119,772 is the gross amount required to cover expected allocations needs and is greater than the charge to the revenue account by reason of a subvention of €75,000 from the Stipends Fund which has been applied against the cost of provision of the Clergy Pensions Fund.

• The allocations listed below represent net amounts to be allocated after taking into account, where appropriate, income from endowment funds, the episcopal levy and the Child Protection Officers levy paid by all parishes/dioceses and any other sources of funding which offset the costs of financing ministry and other central commitments.

17 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

2008 % 2008 % 2007 % 2007 % GROUP A € £ € £ Episcopal Stipends and Expenses 1,083,107 660,201 1,104,472 629,756 less Episcopal Levy (366,947) (342,576) (346,233) (324,799)

716,160 317,625 758,239 304,957 Deans of Residences/University Chaplains 84,099 114,595 81,085 110,815 Queen’s University, Belfast, Bursar - 13,510 - 12,923 C of I in Queen’s University, Belfast - 500 - 500 C of I in Trinity College, Dublin 3,000 - 2,000 - Clerical Relief - Children’s Allowances 55,000 30,000 55,000 30,000 - Discretionary Grants 2,000 1,500 2,000 1,500 Stipends Related Costs 16,215 - 18,421 - St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin 10,000 - 10,000 -

886,474 23.2 477,730 29.3 926,745 28.0 460,695 29.4 ______GROUP B Clergy Pensions Fund 544,488 495,365 506,411 457,552 Stipends Fund and Sundry (75,000) - (75,000) - Supplemental Fund Benefits - Retired Clergy, Surviving Spouses 99,475 3,680 97,352 7,485 Discretionary Grants - Retired Clergy - 13,000 - 13,000 - Surviving Spouses - 8,500 - 8,500

568,963 14.9 520,545 32.0 528,763 16.0 486,537 31.1 ______GROUP C Training of Ordinands 473,590 - 500,786 - Theological College 759,250 - 694,400 - Ministry formation project 392,847 - - - Bishops’ Selection Conference 35,000 - 32,000 -

1,660,687 43.4 - 0.0 1,227,186 37.0 - 0.0 ______GROUP D General Synod/Standing Committee 602,588 281,669 500,064 273,707 Board of Education 48,256 91,111 69,275 96,416 Church of Ireland Youth Department - 202,497 - 214,738 Youth Link grant - 25,000 - - Child Protection Officers 32,023 22,080 34,939 26,645

682,867 17.8 622,357 38.2 604,278 18.2 611,506 39.0 ______GROUP E RCB Library 25,000 7,500 25,000 7,500 Regular Sunday Services in Irish 500 - 400 -

25,500 0.7 7,500 0.5 25,400 0.8 7,500 0.5 ______3,824,491 100 1,628,132 100 3,312,372 100 1,566,238 100 ______

18 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008 Summary expressed in euro as per General Fund Revenue Statement: 2008 2007 € % € % A - Maintenance of the Stipendiary Ministry 1,537,954 25.4 1,612,814 28.6 B - Pension related costs 1,278,829 21.2 1,253,315 22.2 C - Training of Ordinands 1,660,687 27.5 1,227,186 21.7 D - General Synod Activities 1,531,574 25.3 1,514,935 26.8 E - Miscellaneous 35,728 0.6 36,569 0.7 ______6,044,772 5,644,819 ______• Commentary Group A - Maintenance of the Stipendiary Ministry - €1,537,954 The allocation towards the maintenance of the stipendiary ministry consists largely of the funding of episcopal stipends and expenses. This part of the allocation, 75% of the group total, represents the budgeted costs and estimates for 2008 in respect of stipends, pension funding, employer’s state contributions, office, secretarial and travel expenses and also the cost of running and maintaining the see houses of the Church. The net total episcopal cost of €1.149 million is supported by a diocesan levy which is budgeted to realise the equivalent of €834,000, approximately 42.1% (2007 - 40.6%) of the total gross cost at the 2007 year end exchange rate. In 2008 the diocesan levy is set at £1,324 and €1,863 per cure (2007 - £1,249 and €1,758) and is 5.4% of the minimum approved stipend. Other amounts included in group ‘A’ support the provision of university deans of residence and child and discretionary allowances paid to the clergy. Group B - Pension related costs - €1,278,829 Allocations towards pension provision and other amounts payable in respect of retired clergy and their spouses are dominated by the contribution towards the Clergy Pensions Fund which is a total of €1.220 million for 2008 (2007 – €1.188 million). This is a calculated amount based on a formula approved at General Synod and represents 8.2% of minimum approved stipend. As noted above a subvention of €75,000 from the Stipends Fund has been applied to offset this cost in the allocation for 2008. Benefits payable via the Supplemental Fund amount to €98,268 in 2008 (2007 - €108,499). This decline in cost reflects in part a reducing need to supplement the pensions of those who did not have entitlement to the full state benefit. Group C - Training of Ordinands - €1,660,687 The cost in allocations for the training of ordinands is increased by 3.3% as against 2007, excluding the impact of the cost of the Ministry Formation Project. This is a project initiated by the House of Bishops to construct a new approach to training for the ministry of the Church, and the budgeted cost of the project for the period to the end of 2008 is €392,847. For the year 2008, as a consequence, the proportion of allocated spend designated for the Training of Ordinands has increased from 21.7% to 27.5%. 19 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008 The provision includes the grants for students, and in addition to the costs of training and accommodation, married students will receive a personal grant in 2007/8 of €7,350 (€7,000) and the single grant is €4,200 (€4,000). Total grant payable is also affected by the anticipated number of ordinands, which is 28 for 2007/8 (2006/7: 28). Two non- stipendiary clergy are enrolled to transfer to the stipendiary ministry (2006/7: 2). For 2008/9 the grants proposed are €7,700 for married and €4,400 for single ordinands. Extracts from the accounts of the Theological College are included as Appendix B (page 61). Group D - General Synod Activities - €1,531,574 This allocation includes provision for the General Synod and Standing Committee, the Boards of Education and the Church of Ireland Youth Department. Beginning in 2007 it also includes amounts for the centrally funded portion of the costs relating to Child Protection Officers. The net cost of the Board of Education in the is supported by a grant from the Department of Education. The allocation proposed for the Church of Ireland Youth Department is £202,497 (2007 - £214,738). This year a grant of £25,000 is also proposed to assist the inter church organisation, Youthlink, to establish in new premises in Belfast. Group E – Miscellaneous - €35,728 The RCB Library allocation comprises grants towards the purchase of new books and provision for the conservation of books, documents and paintings. The running costs of the Library are a component of RCB operating expenses. INVESTMENTS AND MARKETS • Ireland The Irish economy is estimated to have grown by between 4.5 and 5% in 2007 compared to 5.7% achieved in 2006. The weakening economic situation is driven by the slowdown in the domestic housing market and downward revisions to completions both in 2007 and 2008, which will impact on unemployment as layoffs in the construction sector feed through to labour market statistics. The performance of the Irish equity market in 2007 was very disappointing with the ISEQ Index falling by 26% versus mid to high single digit gains in UK and European markets. The Irish financials were particularly weak as they had to contend with the negative sentiment toward the sector globally on the back of sub-prime lending issues in the US in addition to the domestic environment and fall off in mortgage applications. Despite the issues surrounding the domestic housing market and the decline in new mortgage lending, the domestic banking system remains healthy in terms of asset quality, solvency and profitability, albeit the share prices remain sensitive to the macro environment. The Irish banks are believed to have minimal exposure to sub-prime lending. Although earnings are expected to decline for Irish banks in 2008 it is expected that dividends will continue to grow due to the healthy level of dividend cover in place. • UK Economic growth in the UK remained robust over the year and is expected to have grown by approximately 3.1% in 2007, ahead of 2006. The UK consumer remained resilient and government spending also increased. 20 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008 The UK equity market was not immune to the sub-prime issue and Northern Rock became a casualty of the subsequent credit crunch as banks’ refusal to lend to one another created liquidity issues, resulting in a run on the bank and a subsequent collapse in its share price. Despite the fall in UK banks’ shares the FTSE 100 rose 3.8% in capital terms buoyed by very strong gains in mining stocks. However, the weightings in the UK financials and real estate sectors more than offset any gains from mining as these fell heavily over the year. The fallout from sub-prime has begun to feed through to the broader market and the re-pricing of risk is beginning to impact on other areas. One area of interest is the repercussion for private equity and the increased cost of credit. This is likely to result in a more muted takeover environment and a reduction in merger & acquisition speculation, a key contributor to UK equity market gains in recent years. A more subdued earnings climate is envisaged in 2008, which is likely to impact dividend growth rates with some companies even cutting dividends. The forecasted growth rate for the UK economy for 2008 is 2%. • Continental Europe The European Central Bank, having raised rates twice in the first half of 2007, left them unchanged in the second half as the economic outlook became less benign. Euro strength versus the dollar and renewed inflationary concerns on the back of a surge in the price of oil limit the scope for interest rate reductions. The ECB remains firm in its stance on inflation which hit a six year high in November/December at 3.1% albeit with an average rate of 2.1% for 2007 overall, above the ceiling rate for an eighth consecutive year. Following a reasonably strong start to 2007, European economic confidence fell in December to a two year low with many companies citing ‘more challenging times’. Despite negative sentiment, the European economy continued to grow and unemployment in the euro region remained at a record low of 7.2% in November. In relation to equity markets, the Dow Jones Eurostoxx 50 managed a capital gain of 6.8%, despite a fall of approximately 15% in the financial sector. Telecom stocks performed strongly over the period as did utilities. • Valuations of the various portfolios and comparative figures at year end were as follows: Portfolio Valuations Total returns (weighted) 2007 2006 2007 2006 General Funds/Reserves UK and Foreign £122,941,449 £121,670,493 5.3% 14.3% Irish €39,760,591 €54,839,193 -24.7% 28.8% Allocations Reserve €4,098,332 €4,157,070 -2.1% 5.9% Clergy Pensions Fund £43,216,235 £43,433,355 2.6% 7.0% Republic of Ireland €61,427,878 €67,984,864 -7.9% 11.3% Specific Trusts RB General Unit Trust (RI) €232,638,896 €276,963,933 -12.8% 22.1% RB General Unit Trust (NI) £32,830,094 £33,145,173 2.4% 19.2% The market value of the portfolios (expressed in euro) decreased over the year from €699m (translated at €1 =£0.6715) to €608m (translated at €1 =£0.7333). 21 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008 Total return performances of relevant equity markets in 2007 were: Ireland (ISEQ) -24.7% DJ Eurostoxx 50 10.3% (net) US (S&P Composite) 5.5% UK (FTSE 100) 7.3% (net) Five year fund performance figures are included as Appendix C (page 63). • Unit Trusts Extracts from the financial statements of the two RB General Unit Trusts for the year ended 30 June 2007 are included as Appendix D (page 64). • Income The Representative Body’s General Funds/Reserves investment income for 2007 came in marginally ahead of target (set at the beginning of the year). It is expected that income on the General Funds will not increase by the same magnitude going forward as earnings growth has begun to moderate. • Asset Management The UK and Foreign section of the General Funds is managed from London by Lazard Asset Management. The Clergy Pensions Fund (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland) was managed by Bank of Ireland Asset Management in 2007. Information relating to the investments for the Clergy Pensions Fund may be found in the Financial Statements which form part of the report of the Church of Ireland Pensions Board. An extensive review of the management of the assets (risk and return) of the Clergy Pensions Fund was carried out during the year following a period of underperformance by Bank of Ireland Asset Management. Following on from this review, the assets of the Clergy Pensions Fund were invested passively with Irish Life Investment Managers with effect from 24 January 2008. This means that the funds will track given indices until such time as the extensive review in relation to the benefits of active versus passive management and the identification of the most suitable manager or managers for the long term future of the Fund is concluded. The RB General Unit Trusts and the Irish portion of the General Funds portfolios are managed by the staff of the Representative Body’s investment department reporting to the Investment Committee. General investment policy or strategy is to focus on long term capital and income growth (although capital performance has been disappointing in 2007) and to seek to optimise the long term total return for the Representative Body and its trust beneficiaries. Companies with strong balance sheets, reasonable dividend yields and progressive dividend policies are sought to achieve this objective. The Investment Committee meets with its external managers on a regular basis to review policy, performance and investment strategy. • Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) Review The Investment Committee continues to monitor and carry out an SRI assessment review at least once every year. During the year, the decision to restrict tobacco stocks was taken and any holdings in this sector have been sold. In December, the Investment Committee reported to the Representative Body that it was satisfied that the investment managers are sensitive to the Church’s concerns and expectations with regard to ethical and socially responsible investment. The report is included as Appendix E (page 80). 22 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008 GENERAL FUNDS PORTFOLIO BY GEOGRAPHICAL AND ASSET CATEGORIES – 31 DECEMBER 2007 Under in-house management €39.76m Cash UK - Fixed 5% Equities Interest 11% 11%

Ireland - Equities 73%

Under Lazard management £122.94m (€167.66m)

UK - Fixed European European Interest Equities Fixed 14% 26% Interest 12% Ireland - Equities Cash 1% 5% UK - Equities 42%

Combined portfolio €207.42m

UK - Fixed Cash European Interest Equities 5% 11% 21%

Euro Fixed Interest 12% Ireland - Equities 15% UK - Equities 36%

23 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008 CLERGY PENSIONS FUND PORTFOLIO BY GEOGRAPHICAL AND ASSET CATEGORIES – 31 DECEMBER 2007 Clergy Pensions Fund (RI subdivision) €61.43m Ireland Total Cash Total Fixed Equities 7% Income 18% 16% Ireland Rest of Property World 8% Equities 13% Europe UK Equities N American Equities 5% equities 23% 10%

Clergy Pensions Fund (NI subdivision) £43.22m (€58.93m) Europe Total Fixed Total Cash Equities Income 5% 15% 17% USA Equities 10% Rest of World Equities 14% UK Equities 39%

Clergy Pensions Fund (RI & NI sub divisions combined) €120.36m

Ireland Total Cash Total Fixed Equities Ireland 6% Income 9% Property 15% 4% Rest of Europe World Equities Equities 20% 14% N America UK Equities Equities 22% 10%

24 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008 CLERGY REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS • Minimum Approved Stipends 2009 The minimum stipends recommended for approval by the General Synod to take effect from 1 January 2009 are: 2009 (recommended) 2008 Northern Ireland £25,498 £24,400 Republic of Ireland €36,219 €34,494 The recommendations for 2009 represent increases of 5% (Republic of Ireland) and 4.5% (Northern Ireland). Before concluding on this recommendation the Stipends Committee considered a range of factors including inflation indices, national wage agreements (where appropriate), movements in average earnings and movements in other professions’ pay scales. Clerical representation on the Committee, as well as a number of Diocesan Secretaries, also helped inform the Committee’s deliberations. Whilst, in general, the Committee is not aware of significant expressions of dissatisfaction with regard to the level of Minimum Approved Stipend, the Committee is nonetheless aware that, particularly for single income families, unexpected expenditure can cause significant problems and the Committee will be looking at how these concerns might be addressed. • Locomotory Allowances 2008 The approved pence/cent per mile rates for locomotory allowances are based on public service rates for Northern Ireland and Revenue approved civil service rates for the Republic of Ireland and are as follows: Northern Ireland Per mile: first 8,500 miles 55.80p over 8,500 miles 14.40p Republic of Ireland Per km: first 6,437 km 78.32c over 6,437 km 36.65c • Children’s Allowances 2007/2008 The Children’s Allowances Scheme is designed to assist clergy and surviving spouses with the cost of secondary school education, or higher level education leading to primary qualifications including certificate, diploma and degree. Grants are paid on a per capita basis, without any form of means test, in respect of each child as follows: Academic year starting 1 September 2007 Republic of Ireland Northern Ireland Over 11 attending secondary school €600 £100 Third level students (up to age 23) €300 £400 Eligible orphans €600 £400 Grants may be paid in respect of a child under 11 years of age where that child is in residence at a boarding school or, in exceptional cases, in respect of a student who may be over age 23. In either case, grants are at the sole discretion of the Representative Body. Grants are also available from other sources eg Clergy Sons, Clergy Daughters, Secondary Education Committee (Republic of Ireland only) and Jubilee Fund (under the management of Protestant Aid). 25 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008 • Clergy Car Loans Car loans for clergy are available from the Representative Body in accordance with the following formula, linked to the statutory Minimum Approved Stipend (MAS): New Cars Used Cars Maximum loan MAS x 2/3 MAS x 1/2 Maximum term 4 years 3 years Interest rate per annum 8% 8% This ratio of maximum loan to minimum stipend is designed to maintain a reasonable relationship between borrowing capacity and ability to pay. At 31 December 2007 there were 71 loans outstanding with a total value of €0.531m. • Central Church Fund – Removal (relocation) Grants Grant assistance is available to clergy towards the cost of moving household belongings to/from a rectory/curatage on a new appointment or retirement but should not be made more frequently than at a three year interval to any one individual other than in exceptional circumstances or where clergy might be required to move on appointment as a Dean or Bishop/Archbishop. The revised approved level for an individual relocation grant is limited to 2/3 of actual cost and is subject to a maximum of €2,500 or £2,000 in the case of moves within the island. In the case of moves to the island the maximums are €5,000 and £4,000. With prior approval an equivalent grant amount may be paid towards the procurement of furniture in lieu of the cost of a move into the island. Claims for such grants must be supported by receipted documentation. PROPERTY AND TRUSTS • General The demand for church land and buildings including redundant churches remained relatively high during 2007 particularly in the region of dormitory towns and major cities but this demand appears likely to reduce during the coming year. The residential property market in the Republic of Ireland slowed considerably during 2007 due to interest rate increases and also a general lack of confidence following a forecast of lower economic growth and turmoil in the financial markets. There has been a correction in the property market in the Republic of Ireland of some 15% but with housing stock reducing and fewer house starts it is anticipated that the result may be a more stable and consistent market. In Northern Ireland the residential property market increased by an average of some 17% in the first six months of 2007 but then fell back by an average of 10% during the second half of the year. • Roles and Responsibilities As the legal owner of the vast majority of Church of Ireland properties held in trust for the Church, the Representative Body has both a statutory function as laid down in Chapter X of the Constitution and a general duty of care under the common law. Property transactions by their nature involve strategic, technical and legal issues which must be considered in great detail and processed with accuracy and technical certainty. The procedure for dealing with Church property may appear to be cumbersome and bureaucratic from time to time, given the chain of decision making from Select Vestry through Diocese and finally by the Representative Body in its corporate legal role. However, this is a 26 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008 consistent, careful and transparent process which reflects this duty of care to past, present and future generations and the legal responsibilities of trustees and custodians. • Title and Contract Issues Timely notification of potential property transactions taking account of the time which can elapse for procedural reasons is always helpful especially where a title, underlying trust, covenant or mapping problem emerges on investigation. It is important, too, that no implied contracts are entered into between local parish representatives and contractors or developers prior to formal approvals being given by the Representative Body and all legal formalities having been observed. • Church Fabric Fund The Church Fabric Fund (Constitution of the Church of Ireland, Chapter X) is held by the Representative Body to make grants to defray ‘the costs, in whole or in part, of restoration or repair of the fabric of any church or chapel, if same is vested in it, and it is satisfied that it is in use and certified by the diocesan council to be essential for worship by the Church of Ireland’. The Fund was established in 1930 and has grown from the allocation of a minimum of 20% of the net proceeds arising from the majority of churches sold to a capital fund of €4,518,458 and £486,811. Grants of €190,750 and £66,850 were allocated by the Representative Body from the income of the Fund on the recommendation of the Primate in 2007. Applications for grants, subject to criteria, are considered in March and October (details from Church House, Dublin). A list of grants allocated during 2007 is included as Appendix F (page 81). • Marshal Beresford Fund Grants of €60,510 and £37,350 for repairs to churches were made from the Beresford Fund in 2007. The allocation of the income, in accordance with the trusts, is made by the Archbishop of Armagh who does so in conjunction with his recommendations for grant assistance from the Church Fabric Fund. • The See House, Armagh Plans for the new See House at Cathedral Hill, Armagh were developed during the year and formally approved by the Representative Body at its meeting in September. The Application for Planning Permission for the project was lodged in December 2007. • The Palace, Cork The Representative Body approved the sale of a site of circa 0.25 acres of The Palace grounds to St Fin Barre’s Cathedral for the construction of a new Deanery. • The See House, Kilmore, Cavan The sale of the See House, Kilmore, Cavan was completed on 31 August, 2007. It is intended to build a new See House on a greenfield site on portion of the remaining see house lands. Plans for the new See House will be developed during 2008. • The Bishop’s House, Kilkenny The Bishop moved into the new Bishop’s House at Kilkenny during 2007. • The Bishop’s House, Limerick The plans for the construction of a new Bishop’s House on a greenfield site at Adare, Co Limerick are presently being finalised and an Application for Planning Permission will be lodged during 2008. 27 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008 • Stained Glass (surveys) The professional survey of stained glass windows in the Church of Ireland by Dr David Lawrence, an expert in stained glass, has resulted in surveys in St Patrick’s Cathedral Dublin, the Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross (including St Fin Barre’s Cathedral), Meath and Kildare, Cashel and Ossory, Ferns, Tuam, Killala and Achonry, Dublin and Glendalough, Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh, Limerick, Ardfert, Aghadoe, Killaloe, Clonfert, and Emly. It is planned to complete the fieldwork and photography in the Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, carry out the survey and photography for Christ Church Cathedral Dublin and commence the survey in the Diocese of Clogher during 2008. To date funding of €162,913 has been received from the Heritage Council towards the project. The Representative Body is grateful for the generous ongoing support of the Heritage Council for this important work and has itself contributed €191,655 towards the project over the past seven years. A new stained glass survey database has been developed which will be centrally maintained and available at the RCB Library and the Irish Architectural Archive, Merrion Square, Dublin. The database will enable the user to search by diocese, church, artist, studio, by religious subject matter, by date and so on.

• Civic Structures Conservation Grants Scheme (Republic of Ireland) – see report of Historic Churches Advisory Committee (below)

• Architectural Heritage Protection for Places of Public Worship (Republic of Ireland) – Guidelines for Planning Authorities The text of the Guidelines is available on the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government website at www.environ.ie

• Churchyard and Graveyard Walls Potentially serious financial loss to parishes due to ageing walls surrounding churchyards and graveyards was again evident in 2007. Parishes are strongly advised to inspect walls regularly, to seek technical advice and to carry out preventative maintenance where possible. Parishes should be vigilant when any form of development takes place on adjoining or adjacent sites and ensure that buttresses, foundations and other supporting structures are not interfered with to the detriment of the churchyard or graveyard walls.

• Insurance Where church premises are occupied by a third party under a lease or licence agreement, it is obligatory that parishes obtain written confirmation from the insurance company of the occupant that they have a policy of public liability insurance in place. Parishes should not enter into arrangements with third parties to receive contributions towards public liability insurance costs, unless such arrangement has been discussed with and has received the sanction in writing of their insurance company. It is imperative that parishes ensure all graveyards in their care are adequately covered by a policy of public liability insurance.

28 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008 • Smoke-Free Legislation (Northern Ireland) The Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 came into effect on 30 April, 2007. The legislation makes provision for the prohibition of smoking in enclosed and substantially enclosed public places and workplaces. A no-smoking sign shall be displayed in a prominent position at the entrance to smoke-free premises and shall be flat, rectangular, not less than 148 millimetres x 210 millimetres and display the no-smoking symbol consisting of a single burning cigarette enclosed in a red circle of at least 75 millimetres in diameter with a red bar across it. The sign is required to be displayed at churches and church halls in order for parishes to comply with the legislation. • Safety and Parish Premises The attention of select vestries is drawn to current Health and Safety legislation in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, particularly in relation to the ‘occupier’s’ duty of care to visitors and recreational users of church property. It is imperative that each parish should have a formal Health and Safety Statement and that parish premises should meet the required standards. HISTORIC CHURCHES ADVISORY COMMITTEE In addition to considering the submitted Forms of Certificates of Consent to Alterations, during 2007 the Committee examined a variety of issues including uses for redundant churches and the ways and methods through which it can best offer assistance and advice to parishes. Work also continued on finalising the Historic Churches Advisory Committee website. • Forms of Certificates of Consent to Alterations (“Blue Forms”) No change can be made in the structure, ornament, furnishing or monuments of a church (whether by alteration or removal) without the consent of the Bishop, Incumbent and Select Vestry and until an accurate description or design of the proposed change has been approved. Forms of Certificates of Consent to Alterations must be signed by the Bishop or Ordinary, Incumbent, Select Vestry and Architect (where applicable). The forms are then submitted to the Representative Body and the applications are made available to the Committee which is in a position to offer help and advice on the proposals wherever appropriate. Thirty-six applications were received in the past year encompassing a variety of alterations, but with particular emphasis on stained glass windows. In undertaking work of this nature the attention of parishes is drawn to the guidelines on memorials in churches, which can be viewed on the website, for which the address is given below. Supplies of Forms of Certificates of Consent to Alterations may be obtained from the Secretary of the Historic Churches Advisory Committee, Church of Ireland House, Rathmines, Dublin 6. Copies may also be downloaded directly from the Historic Churches Advisory Committee website at www.historicchurches.ireland.anglican.org • Meeting with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government On behalf of the Committee, Very Rev LDA Forrest, together with two members of Representative Body staff, attended a meeting with the Secretary General and other members of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in June. Representatives of the other main Churches were also in attendance. The meeting was convened to discuss the effects on Churches of the Planning and Development Act, 2000. 29 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008 It was agreed that difficulties experienced since the introduction of the Act have varied from Church to Church. It was stressed to the Secretary General that for the Church of Ireland, where so many of its churches are listed as Protected Structures, the major issue is one of funding for restoration and repair, particularly in parishes with small congregations and insufficient funds to carry out necessary works. Assistance and co-operation with most Local Authority Conservation Officers has been helpful to parishes, but greater standardisation in relation to interpretation of regulations is required. The Secretary General expressed the Department’s willingness to examine all issues raised and re-iterated the Government’s commitment to heritage funding. Since the meeting, publication by the Department has taken place of two very informative guides: “Maintenance – A Guide to the Care of Older Buildings” and “Windows – A Guide to the Repair of Historic Windows” Both are available from the Government Publications Sales Office, Molesworth Street, Dublin.

• National Heritage Memorial Fund Grants (Northern Ireland) Parishes in Northern Ireland may make application to the National Heritage Memorial Fund for a grant to assist in the preservation and maintenance of a church. The Church of Ireland has benefited considerably from such grants in recent years. The project must be seen as being of particular importance to the national heritage. Conditions applying to the terms of the grant include a requirement that the church building must be open for 40 days a year apart from Sundays. Additionally, it should be ensured that the church will remain viable for a considerable period as there is a ten year clawback period in respect of the grant. Formal approval must be sought from the relevant Diocesan Council and the Representative Body before an Agreement may be entered into in respect of a Grant.

• Listed Places of Public Worship Grants Scheme (Northern Ireland) The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme returns, in grant aid, all or part of the actual amount spent on VAT on eligible repairs to listed places of worship. The Scheme is currently due to continue until the end of March 2011. It is designed to assist the repair of places of worship where the costs would be the responsibility of a local congregation or a recognised denomination faith group. The building must be used as a place of worship at least six times a year. The Scheme: ™ applies only to repairs and maintenance to listed buildings that are used principally as places of worship; ™ applies to listed places of worship throughout the UK which are included on the public registers of listed buildings; ™ applies to listed places of worship owned by or vested in specified organisations which look after redundant churches; ™ is non-discretionary; 30 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008 ™ covers work carried out on and after 1st April 2001; ™ only accepts applications made in arrears. It should be noted that the amount of VAT returned is determined by the date of the repair works: ˆ Eligible works carried out between 1st April 2001 and 31 March 2004 will receive the difference between 5% and the actual amount of VAT paid. ˆ Eligible works carried out on or after 1st April 2004 can reclaim the full amount of VAT paid. Full information and application forms may be obtained from www.lpwscheme.org.uk or by contacting: Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, PO Box 609, Newport NP10 8QD, South Wales (Tel. 0845 601 5945). • Civic Structures Conservation Grants Scheme (Republic of Ireland) The Scheme, operated by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, provides grants in relation to the restoration and conservation of the architectural heritage of buildings which are in public ownership or open to the public generally and which are seen as being of considerable architectural merit. This includes places of worship. Closing date for applications is generally in mid-February each year. Details may be obtained from the Department’s website at www.environ.ie • Website The Committee commissioned a website in order to provide an easily accessible reference guide to the various papers and guidelines which have been compiled by the Committee, including advice on topics such as the Care and Maintenance of Churches. The website is linked to the Church of Ireland website. Presentations of the website were given to the Diocesan Secretaries at their annual meeting in Church of Ireland House and to the RCB Property Committee. Their comments and suggestions are appreciated and have been incorporated into the site. Churches are encouraged to use the website as a resource before undertaking any alterations, whether internal or external. LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES COMMITTEE • Committee Membership Mrs Mary Thomson retired as Chairman of the Committee in September having served with dedication, determination and good humour for nine years. Mr Michael Webb was appointed as Chairman in her stead. • Allocations The General Synod allocated €11,000 and £7,500 for the purchase of books. This was generously augmented from the following sources: Armagh diocese (£400); Cashel and Ossory dioceses (€400); Cork, Cloyne and Ross dioceses (€500); Derry and Raphoe dioceses (£500); Down & Dromore dioceses (£260); Dublin and Glendalough dioceses (€1,000); Elphin and Ardagh diocese (€150); Ferns diocese (€400); Limerick, Killaloe and Ardfert dioceses (€250); Meath and Kildare dioceses (€400); Monkstown (Dublin) parish (€300); Tuam, Killala and Achonry dioceses (€500). 31 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008 • Accessions Books and periodicals which were purchased to meet the requirements of those in training for ministry and the needs of the wider church were augmented by donations from publishers, authors and by selections from the collections of a number of individuals, notably, Rev Charles Baker, Canon John Crawford, Rev Kevin Dalton, Rt Rev Gordon McMullan, Rt Rev Samuel Poyntz, and the late Rev Robert Whiteside. The principal archival accessions were records from some 100 parishes, bringing to over 990 the number of parish collections which the Library manages. A substantial body of administrative records were transferred form the Theological College in respect of which the Librarian and Archivist provides a confidential information service for the College staff. A list of accessions of archives and manuscripts to the Library during 2007 is included as Appendix G (page 82). • Ministerial Training In support of ministerial training, one of the core functions of the Library, induction sessions were provided for candidates on the Bishops’ Selection Conference, ordinands in the Theological College, those in training for the non-stipendiary ministry (NSM) and for the students on the Archbishop of Dublin’s course in theology. On the weekends on which there was NSM training in the Theological College the Library remained open until 7.30 pm. • Cataloguing Work continued on converting the catalogue of printed books from cards to computer with the intention of making the new catalogue widely available on the internet. Almost 16,500 books have been entered into the computer catalogue and the services of a commercial bibliographical agency have been obtained to assist with this project. Records from 100 parishes and chapels of ease were catalogued. The cataloguing of diocesan records of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh was completed as was a significant collection of correspondence of Richard Mant, bishop of Down & Connor, 1823-47. Among the smaller collections which were catalogued during the year were the scrapbooks of the Ven WA Macourt, 1964-2004; sermons of the Rev Charles Hickman (later bishop of Derry), 1689-1702; the records of the Meath branch of the GFS, 1895-2005; and a collection of autograph letters of Irish, British and colonial churchmen, 1827-1918. • Conservation Twenty-two volumes of parish registers were repaired and rebound, as were 34 volumes of reference works. A new microfilm of the 14th century Liber Niger of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, was made to facilitate academic research in the USA. • Church Plate Progress continued to be made with the church plate inventory and over 90% of the inventories have been returned and checked. The transfer of plate from local custody continued as parishes reduced the holdings in their safes and removed items from local banks. The Library continued to facilitate the re-allocation of pieces to other parishes. 32 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008 Items of church plate were provided for an exhibition of Limerick silver in the Hunt Museum and for an exhibition of church plate from the Dublin city parishes in the crypt of Christ Church Cathedral. • Episcopal Portraits The portrait of Richard Chenevix Trench, archbishop of Dublin 1854-84, in Christ Church Cathedral, was repaired and cleaned in preparation for the celebration of the 200th anniversary celebration of Trench’s birth. Portraits of Anthony Dopping, bishop of Meath 1682-97, and William Carmichael, bishop of Meath 1758-65, have been sent for repair and cleaning prior to hanging in the Meath & Kildare Diocesan Centre. The Connor diocesan portraits were transferred from the Bishop’s House in Greenisland to temporary storage in Church of Ireland House, Dublin. A new survey was made of the Cashel & Ossory diocesan portraits most of which have been hung in the new Bishop’s House in Kilkenny and the portraits have been photographed. • Outreach The eleventh volume in the Library’s parish register series, Register of the cathedral of St Patrick, Dublin, 1677-1869, edited by JH Bernard and Raymond Refaussé, was published as was the third volume in the Library’s texts and calendars series, The vestry records of the united parishes of Finglas, St Margaret’s, Artane and the Ward, 1657-1758, edited by Dr Maighréad Ní Mhurchadha. Lectures on the Library and its resources were given to students on the Master in Urban Building Construction course in UCD, the Pauline Circle, Omagh Churches Group, Probus Business Club and the Dublin & Glendalough retired clergy group while seminars were facilitated for students from the UCD Archives school and the MA in history course in NUI Maynooth. Library staff facilitated the making of the BBC1 ‘Would You Believe’ programme in Carnew, Co. Wicklow.

DONATIONS AND BEQUESTS TO THE CHURCH OF IRELAND • Trustee role of the Representative Church Body The Representative Body was incorporated by Charter to hold property and funds in trust for the Church. As a permanent trustee body it administers a large number of trusts donated or bequeathed for specific Church purposes, parishes and dioceses. There is considerable advantage in donating or bequeathing in trust to a permanent trustee body such as the Representative Body (or the Church of Ireland Trustees in Belfast) rather than to local trustees. For instance, with a permanent trustee body there is no need to appoint new trustees from time to time. Donations and bequests can be in the form of money, stocks and shares, securities, chattels, houses or lands or the whole or part of the residue of an estate. They can be left to the Representative Body in trust: - for the general purposes of the Church of Ireland; or - for any particular funds of the Church or any diocese or parish; or - for any particular Church purpose. 33 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008 The Representative Body applies funds arising from a specific donation or bequest strictly in accordance with the purposes declared in the trust instrument or Will. However, the Church of Ireland is in great need of unfettered funds to help finance its ongoing responsibilities – training ordinands, providing retirement benefits for clergy and their spouses and maintaining the ministry generally. An unfettered donation or bequest can be given or left to the Representative Body in trust “for such charitable purposes in connection with the Church of Ireland as the Representative Body of the Church of Ireland may from time to time in its absolute discretion approve”, giving the Church the flexibility to finance its most pressing needs from time to time. (Please see suggested Form of Bequest below.) • Tax relief on charitable donations Northern Ireland The Gift Aid scheme gives tax relief on charitable donations and is available to all taxpayers resident in Northern Ireland. Tax can be reclaimed on donations of any size, as long as the amount reclaimed does not exceed the amount of tax paid by the donor during the tax year. Information on how to avail of Gift Aid is available from Church of Ireland House, Dublin. The total value of the subscriptions collected under Gift Aid on behalf of parishes in 2007 was £5,078,228 to which the income tax recovered by the Representative Body added £1,432,313 to give a total of £6,510,541 as compared with £5,923,726 in the previous year. Republic of Ireland Section 45 of the Finance Act 2001 introduced tax relief on donations of €250 or more by individuals and corporate donors to eligible charities and approved bodies. In the case of donors who are PAYE only, tax reclaimable by the charity represents 25% of the original donation for standard rate tax payers and 69% of the original donation for higher rate tax payers. If donors are self assessed for tax purposes, relief is available at the appropriate tax rate against the donation value. Many parishes and the Bishops’ Appeal have benefited greatly from Section 45 and they are utilising the opportunity to maximise the value of parochial and charitable giving. Information on the reclaim process is available from Church of Ireland House, Dublin. • Form of Bequest The following suggested Form of Bequest grants the Representative Body, as Trustee, permission to invest in any investments or securities at its sole discretion. Circumstances may alter from time to time and this Form of Bequest gives the Trustee freedom to act in the best interests of the parochial or other fund concerned. The Representative Body also recommends consulting a Solicitor to ensure that any bequests made under Will are valid and satisfy legal requirements. “I GIVE, DEVISE AND BEQUEATH ...... [here insert clear particulars of the benefaction ie, a particular sum of money, specific property, a share of the residue etc] to the Representative Body of the Church of Ireland in trust for ...... [here insert clear particulars of the object for which the benefaction is to be applied eg, parochial funds of the parish of ...... in the diocese of ...... or, as a perpetual endowment for the stipend of the incumbent of the parish of ...... in the diocese of ...... or, for such charitable purposes in connection with the Church of Ireland as the Representative Body of the Church of Ireland may from time to time in its absolute discretion approve]. 34 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008 I direct that any funds received by the Representative Body in pursuance of this my Will may be invested in any investments or securities whatsoever in its sole discretion and in all respects as if it were absolutely and beneficially entitled thereto.”

• Donations, Bequests and Funds Received A full list of funds received by the Representative Body in 2007 on behalf of parishes, dioceses and special trusts is included as Appendix H (page 88).

• Trusts for Graves The Representative Body does not accept any trust for the provision, maintenance or improvement of a tomb, vault, grave, tombstone or other memorial to a deceased person unless a specific benefit will accrue to the parish concerned. MISCELLANEOUS AND GENERAL

• Financing of the Episcopacy (Quinquennial Report) The Representative Body in accordance with Section 36 of Chapter VI of the Constitution reports that since 2003 the total number of cures (as defined in the chapter) has decreased by 5 (3 in Northern Ireland and 2 in the Republic of Ireland). The rate of contribution was increased from 4.3% of minimum approved stipend in 2003 to 4.6% in 2004, 4.8% in 2005, 5.2% in 2006, 5.35% in 2007 and 5.4% in 2008. In 1984, the first year after the relevant Statute was enacted, total contributions or levies financed approximately 41% of costs. This proportion had decreased to 36% at the time of the last quinquennial report in 2003 but now stands at 42%. Overall, since 1983 the number of cures has decreased by 57 to 457. Cures in Northern Ireland now total 260, having decreased by 15, while cures in the Republic of Ireland total 197, having decreased by 42.

• Clergy Severance Fund (Quinquennial Report) The Representative Body in accordance with Statute Chapter XVI of 2003 reports that the rate of contribution to the Fund was fixed at 1% in respect of each year from 2004 to 2007. Considering the balance of funds in the Fund (year end 2007: €603,606) and the lack of use of the Fund to date, the Representative Body agreed that no levy be fixed in respect of 2008.

• Deposit Interest (Rates) The rates of interest allowed or charged by the Representative Body are linked to the rates ruling from time to time in the money market. The following rates of interest were applied by the Representative Body in 2007: € £ Dr Cr Dr Cr QUARTER ENDED % % % % 31 March 5.75 3.55 5.25 5.10 30 June 6.00 3.75 5.75 5.30 30 September 6.00 4.10 6.25 5.75 31 December 6.00 4.25 6.50 5.85 35 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008 These rates only apply to revenue balances to credit of diocesan and other accounts and not to permanent capital other than in cases where, for some reason, there may be a delay in making a long term investment (eg proceeds of sales of glebes). Interest is calculated on daily balances and time weighted. • Inflation Statistics (5 year review) Year on year (December) UK (RP Index) Republic of Ireland (CP Index) 2003 2.8% 1.9% 2004 3.5% 2.6% 2005 2.2% 2.5% 2006 4.4% 4.9% 2007 4.0% 4.7%

RESOLUTIONS RECOMMENDED TO THE GENERAL SYNOD The Representative Body recommends that the following resolutions be adopted by the General Synod: I. Allocations That the General Synod hereby authorises the Representative Body to make the following allocations for 2008 from the balance on the General Funds Revenue Account for the year ended 31 December 2007: € Group A – Maintenance of the Stipendiary Ministry 1,537,954 Group B – Pension Related Costs 1,278,829 Group C – Training of Ordinands 1,660,687 Group D – General Synod Activities 1,531,574 Group E – Miscellaneous Financing 35,728 ______6,044,772 ______II. Minimum Approved Stipend That, in accordance with Section 51 (1) of Chapter IV of the Constitution and with effect from 1 January 2009 (a) no stipend shall be less than £25,498 per annum in Northern Ireland or €36,219 per annum in the Republic of Ireland in the case of an Incumbent or a member of the clergy appointed as Bishop’s Curate under the provisions of Section 42 of Chapter IV or of a Diocesan Curate over the age of 30 years appointed under the provisions of Section 43 of Chapter IV. (b) the stipend for a Curate-Assistant shall be in accordance with the following scale: First Year 75.0% of minimum stipend for incumbent Second Year 77.5% " Third Year 80.0% " Fourth Year 82.5% " Fifth and succeeding Years 85.0% "

36 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – PAGE 1

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2007

37 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2007 PAGE 2

CONTENTS

PAGE

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND OTHER INFORMATION 3

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT 4

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS 5

ACCOUNTING POLICIES 6

GENERAL FUND REVENUE ACCOUNT 7

BALANCE SHEET 8

STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS & LOSSES 9

CASH FLOW STATEMENT 10

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 11

38 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND OTHER INFORMATION PAGE 3

CHAIRMAN

- Mr S Gamble

MEMBERS (ex officio)

- The Archbishop of Armagh - Mr RS Neill (Investment Committee) - The Archbishop of Dublin - Mr RH Kay (Property Committee) - Mr GC Richards (Allocations Committee) - Mr HJ Saville (Stipends Committee)

MEMBERS (elected)

- The Bishop of Meath - Prof P Barker - Rev AJ Forster - Mr TH Forsyth - Ven CT Pringle - Mr LJW MacCann - Ven REB White - Mr DG Perrin

BANKERS

- Bank of Ireland - Bank of Ireland College Green, Dublin 2 Talbot Street, Dublin 1

AUDITORS

- PricewaterhouseCoopers One Spencer Dock, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1

OFFICERS

- Chief Officer and Secretary Mr DC Reardon - Head of Investments Mr PM Talbot - Head of Finance Mr TA Clements - Head of Property and Trusts Mr TJ Stacey - Head of Synod Services and Communications Mrs JM Maxwell - Senior Solicitor Mr M McWha

OFFICE: Church of Ireland House, Church Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6.

39 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT PAGE 4

Several exceptional years of income growth have enabled increases in the amounts provided for allocations, and in 2007 resulted also in the ability to make a substantial addition of €400,000 to the allocations reserve (Note 7 to the financial statements). The allocations reserve at 31 December 2007 was valued at €4.685m, and it represented 77% of the cost of allocations charged in the 2007 revenue account. Income growth in 2008, and in the near future, is expected to be at a more moderate pace. The provision in 2007 for allocations expenditure in 2008 was €6.045m, a 45.3% increase over the equivalent provision for allocations expenditure in 2004, using a consistent rate of exchange. The effects of market volatility in the second half of the year eroded the value of funds shown as at 31 December. A balance sheet value of €750m at the end of 2006 was reduced by €88m to €662m for year end 2007. Of this reduction in value around €21m arises in the accounts as the sterling portfolios are translated to euro for year end purposes at a weaker exchange rate. While the capacity to sustain income levels is generally regarded by the RB as being of prime importance over the short to medium term, in the case of pension funds the overall value is particularly relevant as funding needs are required to be assessed annually.

Statement of Trustee’s Responsibilities The Representative Body, as Trustee, is responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting practice in Ireland, including the accounting standards issued by the Accounting Standards Board and published by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland. The Trustee is required to prepare financial statements for each financial year that give a true and fair view of the state of its affairs and of its financial result for the period. In preparing the financial statements the Representative Body is required to: • select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; • make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; • prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that it will continue in business.

The Representative Body, as Trustee, confirms that it has complied with the above requirements in preparing the financial statements. The Trustee is responsible for keeping proper books of account which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the organisation and to enable it to ensure that the financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting standards generally accepted in Ireland and comply with relevant legislation. It is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the organisation and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 11 March 2008 S Gamble (Chairman, Executive Committee) 40 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

41 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND ACCOUNTING POLICIES PAGE 6

The significant accounting policies adopted by the Representative Body are as follows:

(i) Basis of preparation – The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting standards generally accepted in Ireland, which are those standards published by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland and issued by the Accounting Standards Board.

(ii) Historical cost convention – The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention except that investments are stated at valuation.

(iii) Investments – Investments are stated in the balance sheet at year end valuation. Quoted securities are valued at latest available trade price or middle market price ruling on the balance sheet date. Unquoted securities are valued by reference to the market value of the underlying assets. Loans are stated at book cost at the balance sheet date.

(iv) Income – Income includes interest and dividends receivable during the financial year and, in the case of the General Fund, reflects bought and sold interest on bond transactions in the accounting period.

(v) Foreign currencies – Balances in foreign currencies are translated into euro at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions are translated at year end rate, €1 = £0.7333 (2006 €1 = £0.6715) or the euro prevailing rate where converted during the year.

(vi) Tangible fixed assets and depreciation – Land is stated at cost. Other fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and are depreciated over the period of their expected useful economic lives. Depreciation is calculated using the following annual rates: Freehold buildings: 2%; Office equipment: 20%; System software 10%; Office furniture: 8%.

(vii) Pensions

Staff (Current) – The pension entitlements of employees in the Staff Pension Scheme are secured by contributions to a defined benefits scheme administered by Irish Pensions Trust. An actuarial valuation is carried out at intervals of not more than three years.

Staff (Retired) – Pensions paid to retired staff who were not eligible to participate in the scheme administered by Irish Pensions Trust are paid from income on an annual basis.

Clergy – The Fund is established under Chapter XIV of the Constitution of the Church of Ireland as amended from time to time by the General Synod. The Representative Church Body is the Trustee of the Fund which is administered by the Church of Ireland Pensions Board in accordance with the provisions of Chapter XIV.

42 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND GENERAL FUND REVENUE ACCOUNT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2007 PAGE 7

2007 2006 Notes €'000 €'000 INCOME Investments 7,463 7,208 Property and loans 199 160 Deposit interest 737 387 Sundries 170 156 Interest on reserves 169 139

8,738 8,050

EXPENDITURE Operating expenses 10 1,742 1,833 Professional fees (including investment management costs) 371 319 Audit fees (including Unit Trusts) 86 81 Pension liabilities 130 168

2,329 2,401

Surplus of income over expenditure 6,409 5,649 Allocations - Recommended (6,045) (5,644) - Prior year unexpended 227 73

Surplus after allocations 591 78 Transfers 7 - (to) allocations and FRS 17 reserves (588) (73) - from building development reserve 85 85 - from computer development reserve 75 75 - (to) staff pensions reserve - income in year (3) (5) - (to) general funds (160) (160)

- -

Signed: S Gamble G Richards Date: 11 March 2008

43 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND BALANCE SHEET 31 DECEMBER 2007 PAGE 8 2007 2006 Notes €'000 €'000 EMPLOYMENT OF FUNDS CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 1,663 1,512 Cash on short term deposit 14 65,075 59,205 Bank balances 14 552 1,693 67,290 62,410 CURRENT LIABILITIES Current account income balances 2 11,052 9,297 Recommended allocations 11 6,120 5,719 Creditors 1,189 1,142

18,361 16,158 NET CURRENT ASSETS 48,929 46,252 LONG TERM ASSET Staff pension scheme surplus 15 289 339 49,218 46,591 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS 3 3,797 3,914 INVESTMENTS Loans 1,602 1,868 General funds 4 209,871 238,170 Specific trusts 5 397,340 459,511

661,828 750,054 FUNDS EMPLOYED General funds 6 210,878 239,514 General reserves 7 6,638 6,704 217,516 246,218 Pensions and related funds 8 125,687 138,399 Other trust funds 9 318,625 365,437

661,828 750,054 Signed: S Gamble G Richards Date: 11 March 2008

44 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES AND RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENT IN GENERAL FUNDS EMPLOYED YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2007 PAGE 9

2007 2006 €'000 €'000

Surplus from general revenue 6,409 5,649 Currency translation movement (10,362) 2,195 Unrealised (deficit) / surplus on revaluation of investments and property (29,111) 10,358 Profit on investment sales 10,418 19,514 Actuarial (loss) / gain on staff pension scheme (238) 938

Total recognised (losses) / gains (22,884) 38,654

Recommended allocations (6,045) (5,644) Prior year unexpended allocations 227 73 Capital changes and other movements - (130)

(Decrease) / increase in funds employed (28,702) 32,953 Balance 1 January 246,218 213,265

Balance 31 December 217,516 246,218

Signed: S Gamble G Richards Date: 11 March 2008

45 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND CASH FLOW STATEMENT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2007 PAGE 10

2007 2006 Notes €'000 €'000

NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 12 6,658 6,203

ALLOCATIONS OF INCOME PAID (5,417) (4,933)

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS

Purchase of investments (29,953) (52,397) Sale of investments 30,087 59,551 Advances of glebe, miscellaneous and car loans (293) (36) Repayment of glebe, miscellaneous and car loans 558 439 Purchase of fixed assets (151) (186) Pension related adjustment and payments (188) (2,539)

NET CASH FLOW FROM CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS 60 4,832

FINANCING

Net cash inflow for specific trusts 4,291 6,745

NET CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING 4,291 6,745

INCREASE IN CASH 13 5,592 12,847

Signed: S Gamble G Richards Date: 11 March 2008

46 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PAGE 11

1 SPECIFIC TRUSTS FUND INCOME AND COVENANTS 2007 2006 €'000 €'000 INCOME Investments 13,448 11,849 Deposit interest 2,565 1,803

16,013 13,652 GIFT AID Income tax refund on Gift Aid donations 1,953 1,940

17,966 15,592 Less related administration charges (734) (634)

17,232 14,958 Applied or paid to specific trusts or parishes (17,232) (14,958)

A portion of specific trusts income is applied to the payment of stipends, allowances and pensions which in total amounted to €23.1m in the year ended 31 December 2007 (2006 €22.1m). The balance of the cost of remuneration and pensions is funded by transfers from dioceses and from General Synod allocations.

2 CURRENT ACCOUNT INCOME BALANCES 2007 2006 €'000 €'000 Diocesan stipend & general funds 6,649 5,502 Parochial endowments 289 307 Miscellaneous diocesan trusts 419 342 General Synod trusts 110 88 Other trust income & suspense balances 3,425 2,978 Clergy pensions & related funds 160 80

11,052 9,297

47 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED PAGE 12

3 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Premises Furniture Office Total and fittings equipment €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 Cost At beginning of year 3,493 435 1,080 5,008 Additions - 5 145 150 Currency adjustment (24) - (5) (29)

At end of year 3,469 440 1,220 5,129

Depreciation At beginning of year 397 197 500 1,094 Charge for year 64 35 144 243 Currency adjustment (3) - (2) (5)

At end of year 458 232 642 1,332

Net book value At beginning of year 3,096 238 580 3,914 At end of year 3,011 208 578 3,797

48 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED PAGE 13

4 GENERAL FUNDS – ANALYSIS OF FUND ASSETS 2007 2006 €'000 €'000 Investments at valuation Ireland Trustee 1,501 1,504 Bonds 1,646 1,442 Equities - financial 14,856 24,015 Equities - commercial (includes convertibles) 15,733 20,544

United Kingdom Equities 74,022 91,678 Unit trusts 22,978 20,341

Europe Bonds 21,579 23,377 Unit trusts 2,283 2,508 Equities 41,751 40,432

Rest of the world North America equities 45 33

196,394 225,874 Other assets Cash 11,021 10,157

207,415 236,031

General reserves – investments 2,456 2,139

209,871 238,170

49 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED PAGE 14 5 SPECIFIC TRUSTS – ANALYSIS OF FUND ASSETS 2007 2006 Investments at valuation €'000 €'000 Ireland Bonds - 928 Equities 9,236 14,735 Unit trusts (excluding RB) 6,461 8,948 United Kingdom Trustee 5,194 2,664 Bonds 3,525 2,678 Equities 26,788 37,610 North America Equities 11,871 16,600 Unit trusts - 534 Latin America Equities 850 315 Europe Unit trusts 14,125 7,713 Equities 23,949 25,034 Pacific Basin Equities 8,807 6,503 Australia Equities - 184 Japan Equities 6,507 8,003 117,313 132,449 Other assets Cash 3,584 1,891 RB General Unit Trusts 276,443 325,171

397,340 459,511

50 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED PAGE 15

6 GENERAL FUNDS Balance at Currency Capital Profit on Revaluation Balance at 1.1.07 translation changes/ investment movements 31.12.07 movements movements sales €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000

Realised value 168,781 (8,070) 160 10,418 - 171,289

Unrealised 70,366 (2,213) - - (28,931) 39,222 surplus on revaluation of investments Unrealised 367 - - - - 367 surplus on revaluation of property

239 ,514 (10,283) 160 10,418 (28,931) 210,878

7 GENERAL RESERVES

Balance at Surplus Currency Capital Profit on Revaluation Balance 1.1.07 translation changes/ investment movements at movements actuarial sales 31.12.07 losses €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000

Allocations 4,544 400 (79) - - (180) 4,685 reserve Staff pension - 339 188 - (238) - - 289 FRS17 surplus Building 1,141 - - (85) - - 1,056 development reserve Computer 600 - - (75) - - 525 development reserve Staff pensions 80 3 - - - - 83 reserve

6 ,704 591 (79) (398) - (180) 6,638

51 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED PAGE 16

8 PENSIONS AND RELATED FUNDS

Balance at Currency Capital Investment Revaluation Balance at 1.1.07 translation changes/ sales surplus movements 31.12.07 movements movements

€'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000

Clergy Pensions 133,320 (5,467) 10,302 - (16,876) 121,279 Fund

Widows and 3,361 (16) - - (517) 2,828 Orphans Funds

Supplemental 1,171 (74) - - (61) 1,036 Fund

Clergy Pensions 547 (14) 11 - - 544 Fund (AVC scheme)

138,399 (5,571) 10,313 - (17,454) 125,687

The Church of Ireland Pensions Board report includes more detailed financial statements covering a substantial portion of the above funds which are administered by the Board in accordance with the provisions of Chapters XIV and XV of the Constitution.

52 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED PAGE 17

9 OTHER TRUST FUNDS

Balance at Currency Capital Surplus on Revaluation Balance at 1.1.07 translation changes/ investment movements 31.12.07 movements movements sales €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000

Parochial trusts 215,433 (3,379) 1,240 831 (27,778) 186,347 and glebe sales

Diocesan 39,678 (845) 188 - (4,987) 34,034 stipend and general funds

Diocesan 16,899 (237) 23 - (2,326) 14,359 miscellaneous trusts

Diocesan 8,058 (169) 1 - (1,011) 6,879 episcopal funds

Less: diocesan (519) 18 (37) - - (538) car loans

279,549 (4,612) 1,415 831 (36,102) 241,081

Sundry trusts 68,820 (835) 2,449 - (7,480) 62,954

General Synod 14,797 (174) 65 - (2,014) 12,674 funds

Church of 2,271 (18) - - (337) 1,916 Ireland auxiliary funds

365,437 (5,639) 3,929 831 (45,933) 318,625

53 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED PAGE 18

10 OPERATING EXPENSES 2007 2006 €'000 €'000 General administration Salaries and wages 1,786 1,699 PRSI 184 177 Pension - inc actuarially calculated cost (note 15) 174 467 Other staff costs 126 122 Office supplies 129 117 Light, heat and power 35 26 Postage and telephones 54 45 Maintenance and repairs 29 24 Insurance, rates and taxes 89 77 Banking and other charges 7 6 Depreciation 243 230 2,856 2,990 Less costs recovered Specific trusts (607) (523) Legal fees (115) (231) Other charges (739) (711) 1,395 1,525 Library 209 192 Central committees 136 112 Episcopal electors 2 4 1,742 1,833

11 RECOMMENDED ALLOCATIONS Balance sheet provision 2007 2006 €'000 €'000 Maintenance of the stipendiary ministry 1,538 1,613 Retired clergy and surviving spouses 1,353 1,328 Training of ordinands 1,661 1,227 General Synod activities 1,532 1,515 Miscellaneous financing 36 36 6,120 5,719

54 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED PAGE 19

12 CASH FLOW RECONCILIATION

The Cash Flow Statement has been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard No 1 as required by the Accounting Standards Board and reflects the cash flows of the Representative Church Body General Funds and Reserves. Cash flows relating to Specific Trusts and Clergy Pension Funds are included to the extent that they are currently reflected in bank accounts or monetary asset and liability balances of the Representative Church Body at the financial year end. Reconciliation of surplus of income over expenditure to net cash inflow from operating activities: 2007 2006 Notes €'000 €'000 Surplus of income over expenditure 6,409 5,649 Change in other debtors (90) 79 Change in creditors 83 244 Amortisation of fixed assets 243 230 Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 13 1 Net cash flow from operating activities 6,658 6,203

13 ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN CASH DURING THE YEAR

2007 2006 €'000 €'000 Balance at 1 January 71,056 58,209 Net cash inflow 8,476 12,342 Effect of foreign exchange rate changes (2,884) 505 Balance at 31 December 76,648 71,056

14 ANALYSIS OF CASH BALANCES

2007 2006 €'000 €'000 Cash on short term deposit 65,075 59,205 Due from bankers 552 1,694 Cash held by investment managers 4 11,021 10,157

76,648 71,056

55 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED PAGE 20 15 RETIREMENT BENEFITS (a) The Representative Body operates a contributory defined benefit pension scheme with assets held in a separately administered fund. The most recent valuation was at 1 January 2005 and is available for inspection by the scheme members. The scheme will be subject to actuarial review as at 1 January 2008. The 2005 valuation showed that the market value of the assets of the scheme was €5.238m which represented 68% of the benefits that had accrued to members after allowing for expected future increases in earnings. An update on this valuation as at 31 December 2007 shows that the market value of the assets of the scheme to be €9.044m, and that this represents 103.3% of the value of benefits that had accrued to members as at that date. The market value of assets has increased as a result of a capital amount input of €2.4 million by the RCB at 31 December, 2006, and also of capital growth of the invested assets. The present value of scheme liabilities as calculated by the actuary has decreased from €9.032m to €8.755m in 2007, assisted by an increase in the discount rate. The assumptions which have the most significant effect on the results of the valuation are those relating to the rate of return on investments, particularly the discount rate, and the actuarial changes in mortality projections. The discount rate, as prescribed by FRS 17, is based on the market yield at the valuation date of high quality corporate bonds, and was set at 5.50%. The pension charge for the year as calculated under the guidelines of FRS 17 is €90,000 (2006: €395,000). Part of this charge is included in operating expenses as Pension Funding, and the balance is in respect of pension charges for the Library.

(b) Financial Reporting Standard 17 'Retirement Benefits' disclosures The actuarial valuation as at 1 January 2005 was updated at 31 December 2007 for Financial Reporting Standard 17 disclosure purposes by a qualified independent actuary. The main financial assumptions used in the valuations over the last three years were: 2007 2006 2005 Rate of increase in salaries 3.75% 3.75% 3.75% Rate of increase in pensions in payment 2.25% 2.25% 2.25% Discount rate 5.50% 4.60% 4.15% Inflation assumption 2.25% 2.25% 2.25%

56 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED PAGE 21 15 RETIREMENT BENEFITS - CONTINUED The assets in the scheme and the expected rate of return were:

Long-term Long-term Long-term rate of return Market rate of return Market rate of return Market expected at value at expected at value at expected at value at 31/12/07 31/12/07 31/12/06 31/12/06 31/12/05 31/12/05 % €'000 % €'000 % €'000 Equities 7.7 6,873 7.5 7,159 7.1 4,717 Bonds 4.3 1,117 3.9 1,115 3.5 807 Property 5.5 686 6.5 600 6.1 434 Other 2.5 368 2.5 497 2.0 248 9,044 9,371 6,206

The following amounts at 31 December 2007, 2006 and 2005 were measured in accordance with the requirements of Financial Reporting Standard 17: 2007 2006 2005 €'000 €'000 €'000 Total market value of assets 9,044 9,371 6,206 Present value of scheme liabilities (8,755) (9,032) (9,018)

Pension asset/(liability) 289 339 (2,812)

The pension liability amounts calculated above are recognised in the financial statements for 2007, and as illustrated below, also showing the comparative figures for 2006 and 2005. 2007 2006 2005 €'000 €'000 €'000 Net assets excluding pension asset/(liability) 217,227 245,879 216,077 Pension asset/(liability) 289 339 (2,812)

Net assets 217,516 246,218 213,265

Funds/reserves excluding pension 217,227 245,879 216,077 Pension asset/(liability) 289 339 (2,812)

Funds and reserves 217,516 246,218 213,265

57 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED PAGE 22

15 RETIREMENT BENEFITS - CONTINUED The following amounts are recognised in the performance statements for the year ended 31 December 2007, also showing comparative figures for the previous two years: 2007 2006 2005 €'000 €'000 €'000 Surplus after allocations 591 78 54 Current service cost for the year (299) (360) (345) Current service charge reflected in surplus after allocations (299) (360) (345)

Other finance income Expected return on pension scheme assets 631 340 331 Interest on pension scheme liabilities (422) (375) (379)

209 (35) (48) Statement of total recognised gains and losses

Actual return less expected return on pension scheme assets (922) 542 805 Experience (losses) and gains arising on the scheme liabilities (119) (371) 225 Changes in assumptions underlying the present value of the scheme liabilities 803 767 (938)

Actuarial (loss)/gain recognised in the statement of total recognised gains and losses (238) 938 92

Movement in year Surplus/(deficit) in scheme at beginning of year 339 (2,812) (2,777) Movement in year: Current service cost (inc Library) (299) (360) (345) Contributions paid (inc Library) 278 2,608 266 Other finance income 209 (35) (48) Actuarial (loss)/gain (238) 938 92

Surplus/(deficit) in scheme at year end 289 339 (2,812)

58 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE REPRESENTATIVE BODY OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED PAGE 23

15 RETIREMENT BENEFITS - CONTINUED 2007 2006 2005 €'000 €'000 €'000 Experience gains and losses for the years ended 31 December Difference between the expected and actual return on scheme assets (922) 542 805 Percentage of scheme assets (10.2%) 5.8% 13.0%

Experience (losses) and gains on scheme liabilities (119) 371 225 Percentage of the present value of the scheme liabilities (1.4%) 4.1% 0.2%

Changes in assumptions 803 767 (938) Percentage of present value of scheme liabilities 9.2% 8.5% (10.4%)

Total recognised in statement of total recognised gains and losses (238) 938 92 Percentage of the present value of the scheme liabilities (2.7%) 10.4% 1.0%

59 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

APPENDIX A

The total income applied by the Representative Body in 2007 was €26.704m as summarised below. These figures do not include parochial contributions to Diocesan Funds, the Bishops’ Appeal or the Priorities Fund.

Sources of Income (including Trust Funds and Covenants)

Interest on Property & Loans Deposits 1% 12% Gift Aid 7%

Miscellaneous 1%

Investments 79%

Application of Income on Funds vested in or administered by the Representative Body Operating Expenses 12% Allocations 22%

Parochial, Diocesan & General Trusts Professional Fees 64% 2%

60 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

APPENDIX B

Extract from the accounts of THE CHURCH OF IRELAND THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT For the year ended 30 June 2007 2007 2006 € € INCOME Grants from General Synod 691,655 661,453 Divinity student fees 139,977 113,181 Receipts from guests and conference 94,655 93,108 Non-stipendiary ministry training 41,379 16,489 Clergy study courses 2,651 5,331 Interest 805 556 ______971,122 890,118 ______

EXPENDITURE Academic expenses 347,696 274,961 Administration expenses 104,058 99,744 Operating expenses 232,927 222,968 Establishment expenses 269,254 269,211 Transfer to Chapel Library 1,500 800 ______955,435 867,684 ______

Surplus for the year 15,687 22,434 Balance at beginning of the year 24,738 4,082 Opening balance paid to RCB (22,698) (1,778) ______Balance at the end of the year 17,727 24,738 ______

Income and the surplus arose solely from continuing operations. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those dealt with above.

61 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

Extract from the draft accounts of THE CHURCH OF IRELAND THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE

BALANCE SHEET As at 30 June 2007 2007 2006 EMPLOYMENT OF CAPITAL € €

FIXED ASSETS 108,892 146,875 ______CURRENT ASSETS Stocks of goods for resale - Sundry debtors 38,552 19,577 Bank deposit accounts 8,260 8,225 Bank current accounts 9,800 29,602 Cash on hand 2 10 ______56,614 57,414 ______CURRENT LIABILITIES Bank current accounts 18,722 - Train a Deacon Fund 274 274 Sundry creditors and accruals 13,497 25,725 Undistributed Chapel collections 45 328 Development finance 32,002 39,380 ______64,540 65,707 ______

Net current liabilities (7,926) (8,293) Provision for retirement of long term employees (6,349) (6,349) Development finance (76,890) (107,495) ______17,727 24,738 ______CAPITAL AND TRUST FUNDS Accumulated surplus 16,580 22,698 Ferrar Memorial Fund for Liturgical Library 363 331 Gregg Memorial Fund for College Library 84 1,009 Principal’s Discretionary Fund 700 700 ______17,727 24,738 ______

62 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

APPENDIX C

FUND PERFORMANCES – COMPARATIVE TOTAL RETURNS

3 year 5 year annualised annualised 2007 2005-2007 2003-2007 % % % Euro based funds Clergy Pensions Fund (Irish) -7.9 6.9 8.7 General Funds (in-house) -24.7 4.9 11.0 RB General Unit Trust (RI) -12.8 8.9 12.0 Benchmark PRMS Average (Ireland) (a) -2.6 10.7 11.3 ISEQ -24.7 6.1 14.3 ISEQ (ex-Elan) -27.2 7.7 13.5 ISEQ Bond Index Total 2.1 2.4 n/a

Sterling based funds Clergy Pensions Fund (UK) 2.6 8.6 9.8 General Funds (Lazard) 5.3 13.4 15.0 RB General Unit Trust (NI) 2.4 14.0 15.5 Benchmark CAPS Discretionary Index (b) 8.7 13.9 14.3 FTSE All Share 5.3 14.8 15.8 FTSE ALL UK Gilt Index 5.3 4.6 4.5 ______(a) PRMS is the survey of balanced Irish segregated pension funds and is the benchmark for the Clergy Pensions Fund (Irish sub-division). However, the survey differs in its asset base to that of the General Funds (in-house) portfolio, which is predominantly invested in Ireland, and to that of the RB General Unit Trust (RI) which has significant weightings in Irish and UK stocks. (b) The CAPS Discretionary Index is a market-based index, constructed from the standard market indices for each of the sectors applied by balanced funds included in the UK pension pooled fund survey and is the benchmark for the Clergy Pensions Fund (UK sub-division).However, the index differs in its asset base to that of the RB General Unit Trust (NI), which is 100% sterling based.

63 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

APPENDIX D

GENERAL UNIT TRUSTS

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INVESTMENT MANAGER’S REPORTS

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007

Contents

Page

RB General Unit Trust (Republic of Ireland) 65

RB General Unit Trust (Northern Ireland) 73

64 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE RB GENERAL UNIT TRUST (REPUBLIC OF IRELAND) INVESTMENT MANAGER’S REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007

FUND OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the Fund are (i) to maintain a balanced spread of investments primarily in Irish, UK and Continental European equities and fixed interest stocks, and (ii) to generate a stable income base and, over the longer term, to seek to provide an increasing income stream with capital appreciation.

MARKET REVIEW

The positive momentum in global equity markets continued during the financial year with double digit capital returns from all major equity indices. Mergers and Acquisition (M&A) activity and a wave of private equity takeovers along with corporate earnings that exceeded expectations were key drivers.

Utilities and tobacco performed particularly well, due primarily to consolidation within these sectors. Over the 12 months Viridian and AWG (UK utility companies) and Endesa (a Spanish electricity company) were subject to takeover offers. Offers were also received for Alliance Boots and ABN Amro with other stocks such as Whitbread and Vinci rising on speculation of private equity interest.

Financial stocks underperformed in Ireland, the UK and Europe as interest rate hikes created uncertainty regarding debt levels. In addition, concerns over problems in the US sub-prime mortgage market, combined with a slowdown in the US housing market and a sharp decline in the Chinese equity market (due to the Chinese Government’s announcement of its intention to tighten controls on investment) in late February sent jitters throughout markets globally, with increased volatility seen in the second half of the financial year.

Within Ireland, signs have become increasingly evident that the housing market is in the midst of a slowdown, with completions forecast to decline in 2007 by approximately 10%, although these estimates are subject to further revision (in a downward direction). In addition the ‘SSIA’ phenomenon is coming to an end with consumer spending forecast to revert to a more sustainable level. On a positive note the Government’s spending on infrastructure under the National Development Plan should offset some of the decline on the construction side and GDP growth for Ireland is forecast by the Central Bank to be close to a healthy 5% for 2007, albeit less than the 5.7% growth for 2006.

Europe staged a recovery over the period with positive newsflow in Germany in relation to unemployment which in June 2007 declined to 9.1%, the lowest level in twelve years. Consumer sentiment and economic confidence also improved over the twelve months. This optimism is reflected in the German equity market which rose by 41% in capital terms over the 12 months to 30 June. This compares to a capital return for the ISEQ, DJ Eurostoxx 50 and FTSE100 (€ terms) of 24%, 23% and 16% respectively.

65 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE RB GENERAL UNIT TRUST (REPUBLIC OF IRELAND) INVESTMENT MANAGER’S REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007

Fixed interest stocks remained out of favour over the past twelve months as interest rates in many of the major economies continued on their upward trajectory. Part of the cash element of the Fund is in lieu of an exposure to fixed interest stocks and will be reinvested in bonds when interest rates plateau and conditions are deemed more favourable.

It was a year of two halves for oil. Over the six months to 31 December 2006 the price of oil fell back by 17% to $61 per barrel with a mild start to the winter; however this was largely recouped in H2 by the oil price rising 15%, as weather conditions changed and risks to Gulf supplies increased due to rising geopolitical tensions, to finish the financial year at $71.

KEY CHANGES TO THE PORTFOLIO

The gradual transition from Ireland into other markets (with a focus on Continental Europe) continued over the period primarily from the two main Irish banks with a sustained focus on income (historically, the Irish banks have been key contributors to income).

The Fund began new positions in French banks BNP Paribas and Societe Generale, Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche and increased its exposure to Germany via new positions in Deutsche Euroshop (property), Siemens (electrical) and Continental (tyre manufacturer).

Due to M&A activity the exposure of the Fund to the utility sector has been reduced. The proceeds from these takeovers were not fully reinvested in the sector due to the significant premiums attached to the valuations on account of consolidation. The proceeds were partially redirected to UK oil stocks such as BP and Royal Dutch Shell, bringing the weighting in the oil & gas sector to approximately 10% of the portfolio value at year end.

PERFORMANCE During the period under review, the capital value of a unit in the Trust rose by 15.0% while the total return (capital and income) was 18.7%.

Benchmarks Index Index Capital Total 30/06/07 30/06/06 Return Return

ISEQ Overall 9306.3 7516.3 23.8% 26.3 % ISEQ Financial 15107.0 13796.1 9.5% 12.8% FTSE All-Share (in €) 5046.9 4287.1 17.7 % 21.4% DJ Eurostoxx 50 4489.8 3648.9 23.0% 27.1% ISEQ Bond Index Total 97.8 100.6 -2.8% 1.4 %

66 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE RB GENERAL UNIT TRUST (REPUBLIC OF IRELAND) INVESTMENT MANAGER’S REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007

The Fund’s high weighting in financials detracted from performance particularly in Ireland with Allied Irish Banks and Bank of Ireland rising by 7.7% and 7.1% respectively over the period. UK banks also underperformed rising by only 6% in euro terms as against the FTSE 100 at 16.3%.

Construction stocks performed strongly with Lafarge and Vinci both rising by 38%, and CRH by 44%. As mentioned, M&A activity benefited the portfolio both on the UK and European side. Stock selection in Europe was strong with many stocks showing gains over the period in excess of 30%.

TRUST ASSET DISTRIBUTION The investment profile in terms of geographic distribution of the assets (by value) at 30 June 2007 is displayed in the following chart:

Geographic division Fixed Cash Irish Interest 7% USA / Rest Equities 8% of World 41% Equities 1%

United Kingdom Equities European 25% Equities 18%

The market value of the investments, including the value of the capital deposit account was €275,847,558. Of this figure, the value of euro denominated securities (including some International securities) and cash held by the Trust was €198,648,525 or 72% of the total value of the Fund.

The value of the UK holdings (denominated in sterling) including sterling cash was £52,032,148 (28% of the Fund). The closing exchange rate was €/Stg 0.6740.

67 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE RB GENERAL UNIT TRUST (REPUBLIC OF IRELAND) INVESTMENT MANAGER’S REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007

The ten largest equity holdings at 30 June 2007 were:

% of Fund % of Fund Allied Irish Banks 10.8 Irish Life & Permanent 2.7 Bank of Ireland 10.5 E.On 2.3 Anglo Irish Bank 5.3 ENI 1.6 CRH 4.9 Royal Dutch Shell 1.6 Total 3.2 BHP Billiton 1.3

INCOME DISTRIBUTION TO UNIT HOLDERS

The Trust increased its interim distribution from 5.1 cent to 5.6 cent and its final distribution from 8.5 cent to 10.4 cent giving a total distribution of 16.0 cent per unit for the financial year ended 30 June 2007, an increase of 17.6% over the previous year.

Corporate earnings were strong in the year with many companies substantially increasing their dividends to shareholders. The Trust earned supplementary income (non- repeatable) mainly as a result of the switch out of Irish financials into European equities, the cash offers for utilities and sales/maturity of fixed interest stocks.

Corporate earnings growth experienced in the year may not be repeated as companies are expected to return to lower levels of growth over the next few years.

Due to the exceptional income received, a sum of €353,772 was transferred to the dividend equalisation reserve as at 30 June 2007. The balance on the dividend equalisation reserve at the financial year end was €2,118,281 or 25.6% of net distributions paid to unit holders in December 2006 and June 2007.

The Trustee agreed that the cap on the dividend equalisation reserve (previously set at 25% of net distributions paid to unit holders in any year) may be raised (over the short to medium term) to a level so as to accommodate ‘exceptional’ income and to protect unit holders from undue volatility in distributions.

As a result of the positive capital return on the Trust in the financial year, and also allowing for the increases in the distribution rates declared (over the previous year), the income yield to unit holders at the financial year-end was 3.0% (from 2.9% in 2006).

Distributions will be increased in the financial year commencing 1 July 2007 in line with the expected lower levels of corporate growth.

68 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE RB GENERAL UNIT TRUST (REPUBLIC OF IRELAND) INVESTMENT MANAGER’S REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007

INPUTS INTO FUND

There was a net input of €3.04m for the twelve months reflecting new cash into the Fund (less redemptions of €1.3m).

OUTLOOK

Markets are expected to remain volatile over the foreseeable future with uncertainty surrounding the impact that higher interest rates will have on consumer spending, loan growth etc. The UK Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is expected to maintain its tightening bias with rates possibly reaching 6%, whilst in Europe at least 2 further increases of 25bp are expected, which would leave the ECB rate at 4.5% (with some analysts even predicting 5%).

Focus will be maintained on the Irish and US housing markets, and we look for a soft landing as opposed to a housing slump. Former US Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan’s comments of a recessionary risk remain a concern with any marked deterioration in the US economy likely to have a knock-on impact on the world economy. U.S interest rates are likely to be revised in a downwards direction as growth continues to moderate and the labour market may disimprove.

Inflation in the Eurozone has remained below the 2% ceiling for the 9 months to 31 May 2007, but inflationary risks have intensified as labour markets in France and Germany tighten with labour costs increasing. This, in conjunction with rising import prices add to the rationale for higher interest rates.

All in all, a more volatile period is expected, although the evidence of a ‘soft landing’ in housing activity in Ireland and of the US economy as opposed to a fundamental deterioration should provide some level of support.

The Fund retains its bias towards quality blue chip companies with strong balance sheets that offer security of income. We believe that this approach is particularly suitable given the anticipated volatility.

PM TALBOT Head of Investments 9 October 2007

69 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE RB GENERAL UNIT TRUST (REPUBLIC OF IRELAND) STATEMENT OF TOTAL RETURN YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007

30-Jun-07 30-Jun-06 Notes € €

Income 2 9,087 7,443 Expenses 3 (3) (2)

Net income 9,084 7,441

Net gains on investment activities - Net realised gains 7,052 4,008 - Net change in unrealised gains on euro investments 20,922 8,331 - Net change in unrealised gains on sterling investments 5,852 7,572 - Net change in currency exchange gains / (losses) 1,739 (1,475)

Total return of the financial year 44,649 25,877

Distributions 5 (8,730) (7,260)

Net increase in net assets from investment activities 35,919 18,617

Transfer (to) dividend equalisation reserve 11 (354) (181) Transfer of realised (gains to) trust capital account (7,052) (4,008) Transfer of unrealised (gains to) trust capital account (26,774) (15,903) Transfer of unrealised exchange (gains to) / losses from trust capital account (1,739) 1,475

- -

Signed on behalf of the Trustee: S Gamble RS Neill Date: 17 October 2007

70 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE RB GENERAL UNIT TRUST (REPUBLIC OF IRELAND) BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 JUNE 2007

30-Jun-07 30-Jun-06 €€ Notes Investments 256,811 228,555

Current assets

Debtors 7 2,214 384 Cash at bank 8 19,104 10,336

21,318 10,719

Current liabilities

Creditors (amounts falling due within one year) (163) (263)

Net current assets 21,155 10,456

Total assets 277,966 239,011

Trust capital fund 10 277,966 239,011

Signed on behalf of the Trustee: S Gamble RS Neill Date: 17 October 2007

71 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE RB GENERAL UNIT TRUST (REPUBLIC OF IRELAND) STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

30-Jun-07 30-Jun-06 €€

Net income 9,084 7,441

Net gains on investment activities 33,826 19,911 Net gains / (losses) on currency movements 1,739 (1,475)

Total return for the financial year 44,649 25,877

Distributions (8,730) (7,260)

Proceeds from units issued 4,289 6,062

Cost of units redeemed (1,253) (378)

Net increase in net assets from unit transactions 38,955 24,301

Net assets At beginning of year 239,011 214,710

At end of year 277,966 239,011

Signed on behalf of the Trustee: S Gamble RS Neill Date: 17 October 2007

72 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE RB GENERAL UNIT TRUST (NORTHERN IRELAND) INVESTMENT MANAGER’S REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007

FUND OBJECTIVES The objectives of the Fund are (i) to maintain a balanced spread of investments in UK equities and fixed interest stocks, and (ii) to generate a stable income base and, over the longer term, to seek to provide an increasing income stream with capital appreciation. MARKET REVIEW The positive momentum in global equity markets continued during the financial year with double digit capital returns from all major equity indices and the FTSE 100 gaining by 13%. In the UK particularly, Mergers and Acquisition (M&A) activity and a wave of private equity takeovers along with corporate earnings that exceeded expectations were key drivers. Utilities and tobacco performed especially well, due primarily to consolidation within these sectors. Over the twelve months Viridian and AWG (utility companies) were subject to takeover offers. Alliance Boots and Hanson were also on the receiving end of takeover activity, with other stocks such as Whitbread and Sainsbury rising on speculation of private equity interest. Real estate and pharmaceuticals were the worst performing sectors, with UK financials also disappointing. GlaxoSmithKline was one of the worst performers in the Index, and in the portfolio, falling by 14% over the period as US research claimed that its diabetes drug Avandia may increase the risk of heart attack. The UK economy continued to grow at a steady pace and unemployment continued to decline with the claimant count rate reaching 2.7% in May 2007 as against 3% the previous year. Inflation (CPI) however, was a cause for concern as it ticked up over the year hitting a 10 year high of 3.1% in March 2007 (the first time the measure has drifted more than a percentage point above the Bank of England’s 2% target) before falling back to the current level of 2.4%. The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee raised interest rates four times over the period taking rates to 5.5% at 30 June 2007 (and one subsequent increase in early July) with further hikes anticipated as core inflation remains high and earnings growth increases as the labour market tightens. The UK bond market struggled over the financial year as yields rose in anticipation of further interest rate increases, and this asset class had a negative capital return over the period. KEY CHANGES TO PORTFOLIO Due to M&A activity the exposure of the Fund to the Utility sector has been reduced. The proceeds from these takeovers were not fully reinvested in the sector due to the significant premiums attached to some valuations on account of consolidation; the proceeds were partially redirected to UK oil stocks such as BP and Royal Dutch Shell. 73 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE RB GENERAL UNIT TRUST (NORTHERN IRELAND) INVESTMENT MANAGER’S REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007

The Fund started new positions in British American Tobacco and Standard Life over the period and added to many positions including Barclays, Royal Bank of Scotland, Scottish & Newcastle, United Utilities and Wimpey.

The fixed interest exposure remains low at 7%; however part of the cash element of the Fund is in lieu of fixed interest stocks and reinvestment in bonds will take place when interest rates plateau and conditions are deemed more favourable.

PERFORMANCE

Over the period under review the capital value of a unit increased from £2.575 to £2.927 which represents a gain of 13.7%. The total return (capital and income) was 17.8%.

Benchmarks: Index Index Capital Total 30/06/07 30/06/06 Return Return

FTSE 100 6607.9 5833.4 13.3% 17.1% FTSE All UK Gilts 141.5 150.0 -5.7 % -0.7%

TRUST ASSET DISTRIBUTION

The investment profile in terms of distribution of assets (by value) at 30 June 2007 is displayed in the following chart:

Corporate Fixed Cash Government Interest 7% Bonds 4% 3%

Unit Trusts Equities (Equities) 69% 17%

74 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE RB GENERAL UNIT TRUST (NORTHERN IRELAND) INVESTMENT MANAGER’S REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007

The market value of the investments, including the value of the capital deposit account was £34,276,972 at 30 June 2007. The ten largest equity holdings at 30 June 2007 were: % of Fund % of Fund BHP Billiton 3.9 Alliance Trust 2.4 BP 3.6 BG 2.4 GlaxoSmithKline 3.3 Diageo 2.1 Royal Dutch Shell 3.1 Lloyds TSB 2.0 Royal Bank of Scotland 2.8 Kelda 1.9

INCOME DISTRIBUTION TO UNIT HOLDERS

The Trust increased its interim distribution from 3.7p to 3.9p and increased its final distribution from 5.1p to 5.7p, giving a total of 9.6p per unit for the financial year ended 30 June 2007, a rise of 9% over the previous year.

Corporate earnings were strong in the year with many companies substantially increasing their dividends to shareholders over the period. However, as it is expected that company earnings will return to more sustainable levels we would anticipate that the level of increase this year may not be repeated in the future.

Due to exceptional income received, a sum of £43,980 was transferred to the dividend equalisation reserve as at 30 June 2007. The balance of the dividend equalisation reserve at the financial year end was £308,870, or 27.5% of net distributions paid to unit holders in December 2006 and June 2007.

The Trustee agreed that the cap on the dividend equalisation reserve (previously set at 25% of net distributions paid to unit holders in any year) may be raised (over the short to medium term) to a level so as to accommodate ‘exceptional’ income and to protect unit holders from undue volatility in distributions.

As a result of the positive capital return on the Trust in the financial year, and also allowing for the increases in the distribution rates declared (over the previous year), the income yield to unit holders at the financial year-end was 3.3% (from 3.4% in 2006).

INPUT INTO FUND

There was a net input into the Fund of £469,950 representing new trusts (less a few redemptions).

75 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE RB GENERAL UNIT TRUST (NORTHERN IRELAND) INVESTMENT MANAGER’S REPORT YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2007

OUTLOOK

We look for the UK economy to continue growing at a steady pace and anticipate GDP growth in the region of 3% for 2007 and 2008. Although inflation has moderated in recent months there will be risks to growth should concerns persist and/or interest rates increase above the 6% level.

There are tentative signs of an easing in the UK housing market and consumer demand as the tightening cycle has a delayed impact. We watch this with interest and also the labour market for signs of wage appreciation that may add to inflationary risk. In addition, we remain mindful that any marked deterioration in the US economy is likely to have a knock-on impact on the world economy, with the UK being no exception.

In addition, with commodity and oil prices having risen, and these sectors now representing a significant weighting in the FTSE 100, the UK market is susceptible to a setback in energy or materials prices.

The portfolio retains a defensive and large cap bias with security of income.

PM TALBOT Head of Investments 9 October 2007

76 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE RB GENERAL UNIT TRUST (NORTHERN IRELAND) STATEMENT OF TOTAL RETURN

30-Jun-07 30-Jun-06 ££

Income 1,231 1,075 Expenses (2) (1)

Net income 1,229 1,074

Net gains on investment activities - Net realised gains 1,738 817 - Net change in unrealised gains 2,369 3,045

Total return for the financial year 5,336 4,936

Distributions (1,185) (1,067)

Net increase in net assets from investment activities 4,151 3,869

Transfer (to) dividend equalisation reserve (44) (7) Transfer of realised (gains to) trust capital account (1,738) (817) Transfer of unrealised (gains to) trust capital account (2,369) (3,045)

- -

Signed on behalf of the Trustee: S Gamble RS Neill Date: 17 October 2007

77 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE RB GENERAL UNIT TRUST (NORTHERN IRELAND) BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 JUNE 2007

30-Jun-07 30-Jun-06 ££

Investments 32,015 28,801

Current assets

Debtors 553 113 Cash at bank 2,017 1,059

2,570 1,172

Current liabilities

Creditors (amounts falling due within 1 year) - (8)

Net current assets 2,570 1,164

Total fund net assets 34,586 29,965

Trust capital fund 34,586 29,965

Signed on behalf of the Trustee: S Gamble RS Neill Date: 17 October 2007

78 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

THE RB GENERAL UNIT TRUST (NORTHERN IRELAND) STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

30-Jun-07 30-Jun-06 ££

Net income 1,229 1,074

Net gains on investment activities 4,107 3,862

Total return for the financial year 5,336 4,936

Distributions (1,185) (1,067)

Proceeds from units issued 537 218

Cost of units redeemed (67) (92)

Net increase in net assets from unit transactions 4,621 3,995

Net assets At beginning of year 29,965 25,970

At end of year 34,586 29,965

Signed on behalf of the Trustee: S Gamble RS Neill Date: 17 October 2007

79 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

APPENDIX E SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT ANNUAL REVIEW AND REPORT OF THE INVESTMENT COMMITTEE TO THE REPRESENTATIVE CHURCH BODY (DECEMBER 2007)

Ethical considerations form an integral part of the Representative Church Body’s investment management process in keeping with its Christian witness and values. The RCB seeks to invest in companies which will develop their business financially and generate acceptable investment returns for the shareholders, but which also demonstrate equitable employment, incorporate good corporate governance practices, are conscientious with regard to environmental performance and human rights and act with sensitivity to the communities in which they operate. The use of ‘positive’ ethical criteria in assessing companies is firmly incorporated within our ethical investment policy, although ‘negative’ criteria are also applied. The Representative Body is committed to striking a balance between investment that takes account of ethical considerations (which are complex and sometimes subjective) and the implications of Trust Law, which places a fiduciary responsibility on the RCB, as Trustee, to obtain the best risk adjusted financial return possible for the trust beneficiaries.

Investment is prohibited in any company that manufactures pornographic products. In addition, investment is to be avoided in companies with significant revenue (in excess of 10% of sales turnover) derived from the manufacture of tobacco products, end weapons or cosmetic products which have been tested on animals. End weapons refers to finished products that are designed to kill, maim or destroy and are sold exclusively for military uses. The RCB recognises that, given the complex and changing structures of many companies and their diversified subsidiary interests, some may develop/acquire business interests in areas the RCB might otherwise wish to avoid. Disinvestment will be considered if these interests become a significant proportion of the focus or business activity of the company with any disposals to take place within a six month time frame (so as to minimise any possible monetary loss).

The RCB remains sensitive to the issues of Environmental Damage and Human Rights and endeavours to invest in companies with high standards and policies in these areas. The investment managers have been charged with the authority to participate in constructive engagement with companies on these issues where deemed appropriate and following engagement, if no satisfactory conclusion can be reached, disinvestment may be considered.

The Investment Committee monitors and reviews the RCB’s investments including an ethical assessment at least once each year.

In addition, the Committee reviews the research findings of the Ethical Investment Advisory Group of the Church of England and participates in the Church Investors’ Group (a formal group representative of various Churches in the UK and Ireland) through correspondence and attendance at review meetings. Following this year’s annual review, and having received written reports from our external fund managers, the Investment Committee is satisfied that the investments held for all funds are consistent with the RCB’s investment policy and that the investment managers continue to be sensitive to the Church’s expectations on socially responsible investment issues. 80 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

APPENDIX F

CHURCH FABRIC FUND – GRANTS ALLOCATED DURING 2007

Diocese Church Amount £ € Armagh Clare 250 Drumbanagher 1,600 Raphoe Meevagh 2,000 Portsalon 1,500 Down Newtownards 35,000 Willowfield 30,000 Ardagh Kiltoghart 1,600 Tuam 2,500 Killala Collooney 1,400 Achonry Ballisodare 1,800 Dublin Bray Christ Church 16,300 Christ Church Cathedral 16,000 St Stephen's 9,000 Taney 21,500 Glendalough Leixlip 26,000 Waterford Waterford Cathedral 10,400 Ossory Kilkenny Cathedral 2,100 Cork Blackrock 23,000 Fanlobbus 10,000 Schull 4,000 St Fin Barre's Cathedral 15,650 Ardfert Ballyseedy 11,000 Kiltallaght 2,500

St Patrick's Cathedral Dublin 12,500 ______66,850 190,750 ______

81 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

APPENDIX G

ACCESSIONS OF ARCHIVES AND MANUSCRIPTS TO THE REPRESENTATIVE CHURCH BODY LIBRARY, 2007

The inclusion of material in this list does not necessarily imply that it is available to researchers.

1. ARCHIVES

(i) Parish Records

Aughrim (Clonfert) Aughrim: regs, vestry bks, accounts, preachers’ bks, 1726-1989 : regs, accounts, preachers’ bk, 1804-1936 : regs, vestry bks, reg of vestrymen, accounts, preachers’ bks, 1802-1953 : regs, preachers’ bks, 1845-1968 : regs, vestry bk, 1847-1929 Kilconickry: marriage reg, 1845-1907 : marriage regs, vestry bks, preachers’ bks, 1846-1953 Killinane: regs, vestry bk, accounts, 1845-1934 : marriage reg, 1845-1902 Kilmacduagh: regs, vestry bks, reg of vestrymen, accounts, reg of church members, tithe bk, 1809-1985 : tithe bk, 1824-25 : marriage reg, 1852 : regs, vestry bks, reg of vestrymen, accounts, preachers’ bks, 1747-1987 Tynagh: marriage reg, preachers’ bks, 1855-1934.

Belfast – St Stephen (Connor) St Luke: vestry bks, accounts, preachers’ bks, confirmations, records of parish societies, SS roll bk, magazines, 1868-1972 St Matthias: minutes, preachers’ bks, 1892-1966 St Saviour: preachers’ bks, visiting bk, 1896-1983.

Billy (Connor) Billy: preachers’ bks, tithe book, 1863-1963 Derrykeighan: reg of vestrymen, preachers’ bks, 1835-2004.

Clonsast (Kildare Carbury: papers, 1913-88 Clonsast: architectural drawings, annual reports, papers, 1892-1989 Rathangan: vestry bk, preachers’ bks, papers, 1801-1982.

Clontarf (Dublin) Clontarf: parish tennis club minutes & accounts, 1936-88.

82 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

Crumlin (Dublin) Kilmainham: architectural drawings, papers, photographs, 1879-1964.

Drogheda (Armagh) Ardee: regs, confirmations, 1823-1994 Ballymakenny: burial reg, 1890-1999 Beaulieu: burial reg, 1879-2003 Clonmore: marriage reg, 1845-50 Collon: marriage regs, 1823-1987 Drogheda: marriage reg, 2004-06 Dromiskin: marriage reg, vestry bks, accounts, preachers’ bks, 1765-1905 Drumcar: regs, vestry bks, preachers’ bks 1841-1994 Dunany: regs, vestry bks, regs of vestrymen, preachers’ bks, 1807-1998 Dunleer: marriage regs, vestry bk, preachers’ bks, 1786-1950 Kilsaran: regs, vestrty bks, reg of vestrymen, preachers’ bks, papers, 1783-2007 Mansfieldtown: marriage reg, 1850 Moylary: marriage reg, 1864 Rathdrummin: marriage reg, preachers’ bk, 1845-63 Stabannon: marriage reg, vestry bks, accounts, papers, 1688-1883 Termonfeckin: regs, 1881-2001

Drumcliffe (Killaloe) Kilfieragh: reg of vestrymen, 1941-62.

Dublin – St Ann Adelaide Hospital: preachers’ bks, minutes of linen guild, 1962-94 Mission to Seafarers: papers, 1888-1972 St Ann: accounts, architectural drawings, papers, 1724-1938.

Dublin – Christ Church Cathedral Group of Parishes Grangegorman: vestry bks, misc minute books, Guild of All Saints minutes, 1887-2005.

Dublin – St Patrick’s Cathedral Group of Parishes St Audeon: marriage reg, 1961-2006 St Catherine & St James: marriage reg, 1957-2007 St James: minutes, accounts, papers, magazines, 1902-1953.

Dun Laoghaire (Dublin) Mariners’ Church: photographs of clergy, 20th cent.

Dunleckney (Leighlin) Clonagoose: reg of vestrymen, 1906-2006 Dunleckney: vestry bk, 1963-88.

83 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

Galway (Tuam) Arran: preachers’ bks, 1895-1923 : accounts, 1924-60 Galway: regs, vestry bks, accounts, preachers’ bks, visitors’ bks, 1805-2002 : reg, 1812-2000 Killannin: vestry bk, preachers’ bk, 1870-1922 : accounts, 1896-1916.

Kells (Ossory) Ballaghtobin: baptismal reg, 1925-2000 Ennisnag: regs, reg of vestrymen, 1865-1998 Inistiogue: regs, vestry bk, reg of vestrymen, preachers’ bk, 1840-2006 Kells: regs, vestry bk, reg of vestrymen, accounts, preachers’ bk, 1870-1999 Kilfane: regs, 1884-2000 Kilmoganny: regs, reg of vestrymen, 1845-1997 Thomastown: school accounts, 1929-2000.

Killesher (Kilmore) Ballaghmeehan: preachers’ bks, 1923-52 Dowra: preachers’ bk, 1928-47 Killargue: preachers’ bks, 1890-1975 Killinagh: preachers’ bk, 1940-65 Kiltyclogher: preachers’ bk, 1945-66.

Killeshin (Leighlin) Cloydagh: accounts, 1929-42 Killaban-Castletown: preachers’ bk, 1946-98 Killaban-Mayo: accounts, preachers’ bk, 1947-98 Killeshin: vestry bks, preachers’ bk, SS roll bk, papers, 1914-2005.

Lack (Clogher) Lack: regs, 1845-2004.

Malahide (Dublin) Balgriffin: marriage reg, 1995-2007 Malahide: marriage reg, 1988-2007.

Mohill (Ardagh) Aughavass: marriage reg, 1935-49 Cloon: marriage regs, vestry bk, 1766-1932 Drumreilly: marriage reg, 1846-1953 Drumshambo: marriage regs, 1845-1952 Farnaught: marriage reg, 1936-56 Fenagh: marriage reg, 1854-1954 : vestry bk1869-1930 Kiltoghart: regs, vestry bk, 1827-2002

84 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

Kiltubrid: marriage reg, 1845-1947 Mohill: regs, vestry bk, 1759-1956 Outeragh: regs, 1833-1956.

Mostrim (Ardagh) Kilglass: marriage reg, preachers’ bk, 1845-1951 Mostrim: regs, 1801-1953.

Rathdrum (Glendalough) Glenealy: reg, 1871-2007.

Tullow (Dublin) Tullow: vestry bks, preachers’ bks, 1992-2002.

(ii) Diocesan Records

Cork, Cloyne & Ross: episcopal visitation, 2006 From the Bishop of Cork.

Kilmore: Board of Temperance minutes, 1953-87 From Kilmore Diocesan Secretary.

Kilmore, Elphin & Ardagh: Episcopal seal matrices of John Leslie and Charles Leslie, 1819, 1841, 1870 From Mrs Lesley Whiteside, Mullingar.

Tuam, Killala & Achonry: letter books, 19-20th cent. From St Nicholas’ Church, Galway.

(iii) General Synod Records

House of Bishops: Theological College minutes, student and administrative files, 1964-2007 From the Church of Ireland Theological College.

2. MANUSCRIPTS

Autographs: autographs & autograph letters of 19th cent. churchmen From Rev Kevin Dalton, Dublin.

Bartlett, Canon JR: sermons, 2007 From Canon JR Bartlett, Dalkey.

Brady Rev WM: his annotated copy of Henry Cotton, Fasti ecclesiae Hibernicae, vil. iii (Dublin, 1849) From Mr Jack Gamble, Belfast.

85 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

Carlow District Mental Hospital: chaplains, book, 1949-91 Carlow Protestant Orphan Society: accounts & annual reports, 1913-2007 From Rev Roy Byrne, Killeshin.

Chavasse, Rev Claude: his copy of WA Fisher, Forty years in the Church of Ireland with related corresp & presscuttings, 1911-85. From Dr Judith Chavasse, Balbriggan.

Co. Galway Protestant Orphan Society: minutes, 1881-1964 From St Nicholas’ Church, Galway.

Community of St John the Evangelist, Dublin: roll of professed sisters, 1912-72 & photograph albums. From CSJE, Dublin.

Dublin Junior Clergy Fellowship: minutes, 1948-68 From Mr John Kenny, Mullingar.

Dublin University Far Eastern Mission: accounts & papers, 1954-98 From Canon Patrick Comerford, Dublin.

Evelyn, FA: annotated copy of Songs on the way, 1952 From Very Revd RB MacCarthy, Dublin.

Girls’ Friendly Society – Meath: minutes, accounts & reports, 1895-2005 From Ms PL Strong, Kells.

Kerr, WS, bishop of Down & Dromore, 1945-55: diaries, corresp, papers & press cuttings From Mr D. Kerr, Newtownards.

Lane, Temple: papers rel. to Felicia Hemens, 1943-69 From Rt Revd SG Poyntz, Lisburn.

Leitrim Protestant Orphan Society: minutes, 1861-1982 From the Kilmore Diocesan Secretary.

Leslie, Canon JB: letter from, 1928 Nangle, Rev Edward: 2 letters to Archbishop Beresford & one copy reply, 1852 & 1854 From Very Revd WNC Barr, Derriaghy. Louth Clerical Meeting: minutes, 1872-95 Louth Clerical Union: meinutes, 1917-34 From Revd Michael Graham, Drogheda.

Macourt, Ven. WA: scrapbooks, 1964-2004 From Ven. WA Macourt, Belfast.

86 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

St Catherine’s Parish Trustees, Dublin: deeds & property files, 20th cent. From the Trustees.

Wall, Rev Garrett: marriage settlement, 1821 From P&F Whelan, Tonbridge, Kent.

Whitestone, Rev JT: copy marriage settlement & related deeds, 1838-63 From Mr Leo Ryan, Limerick.

Wilson, Rev GJ, rector of Mountmellick: diary, 1936 From Rev Olive Donohoe, Mountmellick.

3. PHOTOGRAPHS

Cathedrals: photographs of Church of Ireland cathedrals by Randal Henley. From Mr R. Henley.

Killeagh (Meath); photographs of the parish church, mid 20th cent. From Ms Brid McCabe, Dublin

87 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

APPENDIX H

FUNDS RECEIVED BY THE REPRESENTATIVE CHURCH BODY IN 2007 FOR PAROCHIAL AND DIOCESAN ENDOWMENT ETC

€ £ Abraham, Elizabeth M 3,809.21 APCK (addition) 70,000.00 Armstrong, Miss D 275.00 Armstrong, Miss V 245.00 Atkinson, Richard Trust (addition) 95,625.89 Bothwell, Alfred, Esther & Olive 1,000.00 Boyd, Jane 500.00 Breakey, Gertie 214.11 Broomfield, John (addition) 2,554.35 Campbell, Youla (addition) 40.00 Church Education Society (addition) 7,000.00 Colley, Esme 25,000.00 Cook, Pamela 5,000.00 Cox, Joseph & Oliva (addition) 100.00 Dickie, Doreen Annie 1,000.00 Dobson, Thomas (Tommy) 4,539.48 Dowse, Henry 79,526.73 Dublin & Glendalough Dioc Board of Education 65,000.00 (addition) East, Evelyn Janet (addition) 1,671.91 Garden of Remembrance (addition) 2,353.53 Gordon, Francis Ewart (addition) 215,665.81 Graham, Rev Canon DW 5,000.00 Hall, Doris 100.00 Hamerton Fund 3,272.93 Hughes, Gordon 3,000.00 Kidd Family 3,050.72 Linnegan, Archie & Mary Jane 10,000.00 McComb, Mrs Helen 2,500.00 McConnell, John 3,000.00 McCorrell Family 1,000.00 Millar, Shirley 725.44 Millar, Verney (addition) 40.00 Monaghan, Mr & Mrs Robert (addition) 200.00 Moore, Very Rev TR & Mrs 1,983.00 Mothers’ Union of Ireland Centenary Fund (addition) 9,900.00 Murray, Fred (2004) 100.00

88 The Representative Church Body – Report 2008

€ £ Overton, William 12,697.38 Parish Funds Rossorry (Clogher) (addition) 30,000.00 Parish Funds Tralee (Ardfert) 6,376.63 Parke, Margaret 840.00 Pope Valle & E White (addition) 12,293.43 Robinson Family 1,000.00 Robinson, Wilson 500.00 Roundtree, Cecil (addition) 100.00 Scott, Mrs Gertie 330.00 Skuce, John & Mary 264.04 Skuce, William 528.08 St Olaf's Hall Trust (addition) 10,000.00 Steward, Agnes 2,131.06 Sunday School Society for Ireland (addition) 80,000.00 Sundry Trusts / Parish Funds Kildrumferton (Kilmore) 43,524.70 Troughton, J 1,100.00 Valentine Fund 13,168.74 Walker, Joseph & Sarah (addition) 200.00 Waterford & Bishop Foy Endowed Schools (addition) 50,000.00 Watson, Hazel 25.00 Wheeler and Wilson (addition) 3,067.87 Willmott, Richard (addition) 3,000.00 ______839,637.04 56,503.00 ______

89

90 Church of Ireland Pensions Board – Report 2008

THE CHURCH OF IRELAND PENSIONS BOARD

REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2007

91 Church of Ireland Pensions Board – Report 2008

REPORT TO THE GENERAL SYNOD 2008 AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR 2007 Members/Meetings of the Board There were (6) meetings of the Board in 2007. Elected by the House of Bishops Most Rev JRW Neill (6) Right Rev WP Colton (elected January 2007) (4) Elected by the General Synod Ven DS McLean (5) WT Morrow (6) Lady Sheil (6) Rev ECJ Woods (5) LV Johnston (5)

Elected by The Representative Church Body Mrs JM Peters (5) RP Willis (4) TH Forsyth (4) DG Perrin (4) Rev FJ McDowell (6) Chairperson – Lady Sheil Vice-Chairperson – TH Forsyth Honorary Secretary – Ven DS McLean Honorary Consultant – Canon JLB Deane Trustee – The Representative Church Body Actuarial Advisers – Mercer (Ireland) Investment Managers – Bank of Ireland Asset Management (to January 2008) Assistant Secretary – PM Talbot Pensions and Welfare Officer – PG Connor Grants Committee Lady Sheil Ven DS McLean WT Morrow Office: Church of Ireland House Church Avenue Tel no (+3531) 4978422 Rathmines Fax no (+3531) 4978821 Dublin 6 Email [email protected]

92 Church of Ireland Pensions Board – Report 2008

REPORT OF THE BOARD OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND CLERGY PENSIONS FUND TO THE GENERAL SYNOD

1. INTRODUCTION

The Church of Ireland Pensions Board administers the Church of Ireland Pensions Fund of which The Representative Church Body is the Trustee. The Board is elected triennially.

The powers and duties of the Board are in the main to administer the system of contributions and benefits in accordance with the principle that a proper actuarial relationship shall be maintained between the contributions payable to, and the benefits paid out of, the Fund. The Board is required to report annually to the General Synod and to ensure that the Fund is revalued at intervals of not more than three years and to report on such valuations to the General Synod.

The Board may determine, on the advice of the actuary and with the approval of the Representative Body, increases in pensions in the course of payment.

2. MEMBERSHIP OF THE BOARD

Following the retirement of Archbishop Eames from the Board, the Board welcomes Bishop Colton following his appointment by the House of Bishops in January 2007.

3. MEMBERSHIP OF THE FUND

Contributing Members 1 January 2007 489 Additions: Newly ordained clergy 9 Clergy who re-entered service 5 Clergy who entered service from other churches 4 Clergy who entered service from other posts - Transfer from Non-Stipendiary Ministry 3 ___ 510 Deductions: Clergy retired on pension 14 Clergy who died in service 3 Clergy who left service with entitlement to deferred benefits 8 Clergy who left service and transferred their benefits to another fund - (25) ______Contributing Members 31 December 2007 485 ___

93 Church of Ireland Pensions Board – Report 2008

Age distribution of Contributing Members

96 85

76 Total 485 68 57 50

25 14 2 7 5

under 26 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45 46-50 51-55 56-60 61-65 66-70 71-75

under Age 26 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45 46-50 51-55 56-60 61-65 66-70 71-75 Total Clergy 2 7 25 57 50 96 85 68 76 14 5 485

There are 7 clergy in the full time stipendiary ministry who are not members of the Fund having been granted exemption on entering service and there is one who elected to leave the Fund and make independent pension arrangements.

4. PENSIONERS

(a) Retired Clergy

Retired clergy on pension 1 January 2007 256 Add: Retirements during the year 14 Add: Deferred, became payable during the year 0 Deduct: Ceased on death during the year (13) ___ Retired clergy on pension 31 December 2007 257 ___ (b) Surviving Spouses of Clergy

Surviving spouses on pension 1 January 2007 224 Add: Commenced during the year 15 Deduct: Ceased on death during the year (19) ___ Surviving spouses on pension 31 December 2007 220 ___ (Note: Thetotal of 220 includes 18 widows of voluntary members - *see section 7) 94 Church of Ireland Pensions Board – Report 2008

(c) Children

Child Dependency Allowances 1 January 2007 6 Add: Commenced during the year 1 Deduct: Ceased during the year - ___ Child Dependency Allowances 31 December 2007 7 ___

5. PENSIONS IN PAYMENT

The annual rate of pensions etc in payment at 1 January 2008 are:

€ £ Clergy 1,590,756 and 1,897,512 Surviving spouses and orphans 1,319,172 and 996,372 ______2,909,928 and 2,893,884 ______

6. DEFERRED PENSIONS

There are 99 clergy with entitlement to deferred benefits as at 31 December 2007.

7. INCREASES IN PENSIONS IN PAYMENT

Under the provisions of the Fund, pensions and annuities in payment at the end of each year may be increased on the following 1 January. The amount of any increase will be the percentage required by law, or such greater percentage up to 5%, as the Board on the advice of the actuary and with the approval of The Representative Church Body may determine.

Currently, pensions in payment on 1 January each year are increased by the preceding September’s annualised rate of inflation in each jurisdiction (up to the maximum of 5%).

Accordingly, pensions in payment on 31 December 2007 were increased on 1 January 2008 by 3.9% for those payable in sterling and 4.6% for those payable in euro, except those being paid to a widow of a voluntary member*.

______

* a voluntary member is a member of the former Widows and Orphans Fund who remained a contributing member of that Fund following the inception of the Clergy Pensions Fund on 1 January 1976).

95 Church of Ireland Pensions Board – Report 2008

8. LUMP SUM BENEFITS

Under the provisions of the Fund a cash lump sum is payable in a number of eventualities. The following is a summary: On death in service or within 5 years following retirement; On retirement before reaching 65 years of age, individual members may elect to commute part of their pension; On reaching 65 years of age individual members may elect to commute part of their pension, whether or not they actually retire; On retirement after reaching 65 years of age, individual members may elect to commute part of their pension if, on reaching 65 years of age, they had decided to defer a decision until their actual retirement;

On deferred pension entitlement becoming payable.

During 2007 lump sums totalling €351,074 and £252,610 became payable under the above headings in respect of 13 members as follows: died in service (3); died within 5 years following retirement (3); before age 65 (2); at age 65 (1); on retirement (4); deferred pension (0).

9. EXPLANATORY BOOKLET

The explanatory booklet designed to give a broad outline of the Pension Fund and the benefits provided is available from the Assistant Secretary. The latest revision was prepared and circulated in December 2004 and a copy is also forwarded to each new member.

The Board will issue new updated copies of the booklet to members at the earliest possible date. The updated copies will incorporate changes in recent pension legislation and regulations.

10. AMENDMENTS TO SCHEME AND PROPOSAL

Last year, the Board reported that it was considering amendments to the Scheme in relation to a possible change in the Normal Retirement Age (NRA) from 65 to 67 on a phased basis from an agreed date and that it had agreed in principle to table amendments to the early and late retirement factors (Sections 43 and 45 of Chapter XIV) in 2008.

Early and Late Retirement Factors – the Board has been reviewing with the actuary the early and late retirement factors to bring them into line with the assumptions used for the actuarial valuation (as on 30 September 2006). The current tables place a financial strain on the Fund. Following this review the Board, in conjunction with the Representative Church Body (the Trustee) has decided to 96 Church of Ireland Pensions Board – Report 2008 submit a Bill to the General Synod in 2008 to amend the retirement factors in order for them to be actuarially neutral to the Fund.

All members who have reached normal retirement age (age 65) on the date of these proposed changes (1 January 2009) will retain the existing late retirement factor they will have earned or a calculation based on accrued service and the minimum approved stipend as at 31 December 2008, whichever is the greater.

Normal Retirement Age (NRA) – in last year’s Report, the Board referred to a possible change in NRA from age 65 to age 67 on a phased basis from a date to be agreed. On further review and following discussions with the actuary, the Board has now agreed and recommends that the NRA for all new members including deferred members who re-enter the Scheme be revised to age 67 (or 42 years’ service) from 1 January 2009. This decision has been taken and is a consequence of the significant increase in costs of the Scheme brought about primarily by the increase in members’ life expectancy in recent years. Since the Fund was established in 1976, life expectancy has increased by some 4 to 5 years. In the same period, the NRA for members of the scheme has reduced from age 70 to age 65. The impact of these two events means that finance has to be found to fund pensions which are now expected to be paid for a far longer period than would have been the situation at inception.

While this increase in NRA for new members to age 67 (or 42 years’ service) will have only a minor impact in the short term, it is being proposed with a view to reducing pensions’ costs and thus improving the financial security of the Fund over the longer term. The adequacy of this change and overall funding situation will continue to be kept under review over the coming years.

The change currently being proposed will only impact on members who join or who re-enter the Scheme after 1 January 2009.

Ill-Health/Income Protection benefits – for some time the Board has been very conscious of the current less than adequate benefits under the Fund for ill-health pensions. In 2007, a sub-committee was set up specifically to review ill-health pensions/income protection. However, more work needs to be done on this complex and potentially costly issue before proposals can be brought forward for implementation. Any income protection scheme would require the inclusion of all serving members of the clergy.

Funding Proposal with the Irish Pensions Board – the actuary has confirmed that, following a review as at 30 September 2007, he is satisfied that the funding proposal agreed with the Irish Pensions Board remains on-track in order to restore the solvency level to 100% by 30 September 2011 (see also section 11 of the Report in relation to the Actuarial Certificate as at 31 December 2007).

Contribution Rate – as agreed by the General Synod in 2007, following the 2006 actuarial review, the new annual total contribution rate will be 30.6% of Minimum Approved Stipend with effect from 1 January 2008. This figure is made up of: 97 Church of Ireland Pensions Board – Report 2008

Rate Source 5.6% Members 16.8% Dioceses/Parishes 8.2% central funds (RCB) 30.6% Total

Triennial Actuarial Valuation Report – the actuary’s draft Report (as at 30 September 2006) dated March 2007 was included as Appendix A to last year’s report of the Board. Following the passing of the Bill at the General Synod 2007 to increase the annual contribution rate to 30.6% of Minimum Approved Stipend, the draft Report became Final and was then signed by the actuary.

Contribution from central funds for 2008

Based on the contribution rate of 8.2%, the transfer from central funds (€544,488 and £495,365 – equivalent to €1,220,016 in 2008) is included in the recommendations to the General Synod for allocation from the Income and Expenditure Account of the Representative Church Body (see page18). This allocation is calculated on the formula in Section 38 of Chapter XIV of the Constitution to meet escalation of pensions and more recently has been taken as part of the increased contribution level to enable the Board and the Trustee to meet its statutory obligations under the Pensions Act and meet the Minimum Funding Standard by 30 September 2011.

11. ACTUARIAL CERTIFICATE

The Actuarial Certificate dated March 2008 is included as Appendix A to this report. 12. CIVIL PARTNERSHIP ACT 2004 (UK) It was reported in the Board’s Report to the General Synod in 2006 that this legislation came into effect in Northern Ireland in December 2005. Following consideration of the issue by the Board in January 2008, having received legal opinion from Queen’s Counsel in Northern Ireland and subsequent consideration by the Trustee in February 2008, it was agreed that pension entitlements of registered civil partners must be the same as those of surviving spouses in the Fund.

13. WORKING GROUP REVIEWING THE LEGAL ISSUES OF THE FUND

A small working group made up of members of the RCB Executive Committee and the Board was set up to review issues concerning how the Fund complied with the legal requirements imposed on pension funds by the Irish Pensions Board..

14. ADDITIONAL PERSONAL CONTRIBUTIONS (APCs)

Members who will not have completed 40 years of service on reaching 65 years of age will not qualify for a full pension. However, subject to limitations contained in 98 Church of Ireland Pensions Board – Report 2008

civil legislation, such members may purchase additional service by making APCs either by monthly deduction, or by the payment of a lump sum, or by a combination of the two. These contributions qualify for full income tax relief at the highest rate payable by the contributor.

At present 110 members have made, or are making, contributions to the APC Scheme.

In light of the assumptions now adopted by the actuary in the Triennial Actuarial Valuation, there will be consequential marginal changes in the APC rates.

Copies of the Regulations and explanatory memorandum in relation to APCs may be obtained on request to the Assistant Secretary.

15. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Financial Statements of the Clergy Pensions Fund are set out in the following pages. Note: The formal Financial Statements are expressed in euro for technical reasons. The Accounts of the Northern Ireland subdivision of the Fund are maintained in sterling in which currency the contributions and benefits are also paid. Since the formal Accounts are presented in euro only, changes in the relationship between euro and sterling, and the realised and unrealised gains or losses which occur as between one year and another may give a misleading impression of the comparative figures. The following schedule illustrates the equivalent figures in sterling for contributions, investment income and benefits in relation to the Northern Ireland subdivision for 2007 and 2006 as shown in the Financial Statements. It is hoped that this schedule will be helpful in studying the accounts. 2007 2006 £’000 £’000 Contributions - Members - normal 323 293 - additional personal 45 59 - Dioceses 1,009 941 Representative Church Body 458 410 Investments and Short Term Income 1,323 1,154 Pensions to Retired Clergy and Bishops 1,803 1,725 Pensions to surviving spouses and orphans 971 935 Commutation of pensions 176 236 Death benefits 3 -

16. RESOLUTION RECOMMENDED TO THE GENERAL SYNOD The Church of Ireland Pensions Board recommends that the following resolution be adopted by the General Synod: 99 Church of Ireland Pensions Board – Report 2008

‘That the Report of the Church of Ireland Pensions Board be received and adopted’.

100 Church of Ireland Pensions Fund – Report 2008

THE CHURCH OF IRELAND CLERGY PENSIONS FUND

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – PAGE 1

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2007

101 Church of Ireland Pensions Fund – Report 2008

THE CHURCH OF IRELAND CLERGY PENSIONS FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2007 PAGE 2

CONTENTS

PAGE

TRUSTEE’S REPORT 3

REPORT OF THE INVESTMENT MANAGER 6

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS 9

ACCOUNTING POLICIES 10

CHURCH OF IRELAND CLERGY PENSIONS FUND

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 11

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 15

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CONSTITUTION OF THE FUND The Fund is established under Chapter XIV of the Constitution of the Church of Ireland as amended from time to time by the General Synod. The Representative Church Body is the Trustee of the Fund which is administered by the Church of Ireland Pensions Board in accordance with the provisions of Chapter XIV.

The Fund has been approved by the Revenue Commissioners as a retirement benefits scheme under Part 30, Chapter I of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, and is treated as an “exempt approved scheme” for the purposes of that Act. In addition, the Fund, exclusive of the part relating to the Republic of Ireland, has been approved by the Board of the Inland Revenue of the United Kingdom as a retirement benefits scheme for the purposes of Chapter I, Part XIV, Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 and is treated as an “exempt approved scheme” for the purposes of Section 592 of that Act.

The Financial Statements are expressed in euro currency for balance sheet reporting purposes but the Fund is maintained in separate currency subdivisions.

The financial development of the Fund over the year 2007 was as follows:

€’000 €’000 Contributions and other receipts 4,728 Investment income 3,057 Benefits paid and other expenses (7,550) Net surplus 235 Value of fund at 31 December 2006 133,320 Currency translation adjustment (5,010) 128,310 Realised/unrealised investment losses (7,266) Value of fund at 31 December 2007 121,279 _ ___

The Representative Body, as Trustee of the Fund, is responsible for investment policy and meetings are held with the Investment Managers to review strategy and performance on a regular basis. The Investment Managers are remunerated on a fee basis calculated by reference to asset values and in accordance with formal fund management agreements between the managers and the Trustee. Management fees and attributed costs of administration are charged to the Fund by the Trustee.

Following a review in 2007 it was decided to transfer management of the assets of the Fund to Irish Life Investment Managers, and this took effect as of 24 January, 2008. (See page 22 of the Representative Church Body Report).

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THE CHURCH OF IRELAND CLERGY PENSIONS FUND TRUSTEE’S REPORT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PAGE 4 The investment objectives are to maximise total returns through diversified portfolios of equity, fixed interest, property and cash investments having regard to liability restraints, cash flow, interest rate and currency movements.

ACTUARIAL VALUATION The Actuary’s certificate is included in the annual report of the Church of Ireland Pensions Board (page 132). The Actuary’s certificate confirms that, as at 31 December, 2007, the funding arrangements in place were sufficient to enable the minimum funding standard to be achieved by 30 September, 2011, in accordance with the funding plan agreed with the Irish Pensions Board. Meeting the minimum funding standard relies on an increase over the original plan in the future return on assets, expected to be on average 7.3% per annum (previously 6.0%), and this falls within the accepted guidelines of the Society of Actuaries in Ireland. FUTURE FUNDING A shortfall in asset performance from that assumed by the Actuary, or a significant movement in the assumptions for survival rates or the discount rate, each would impact the ability of the fund to meet the minimum funding standard by 2011 under the current funding plan. In line with the revised assumptions underlying the actuarial valuation, amendments to the early and late retirement factors and a revised normal retirement age for new members will be recommended and proposals brought to General Synod 2008. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE’S RESPONSIBILITIES The Representative Body is Trustee of the Church of Ireland Clergy Pensions Fund.

The financial statements are the responsibility of the Trustees. Irish pension legislation requires the trustees to make available for each scheme year the annual report of the scheme, including audited financial statements and the report of the auditor. The financial statements are required to show a true and fair view, in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in Ireland, of the financial transactions for the scheme year and the asset and liabilities (other than liabilities to pay benefits in the future) at the end of the scheme year and include a statement whether the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Statement of Recommended Practice - Financial Reports of Pension Schemes (revised November 2002) ("SORP"), subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.

Accordingly, the trustees must ensure that in the preparation of the scheme financial statements:

• suitable accounting policies are selected and then applied consistently; • reasonable and prudent judgements and estimates are made; and • the SORP is followed, or particulars of any material departures are disclosed and explained.

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The trustees are required by law to have appropriate procedures in place throughout the year under review, to ensure that:

• contributions payable during the Plan year are received by the trustees in accordance with the timetable set out in section 58A of the Act where applicable to the contributions and otherwise within 30 days of the end of the scheme year; and

• contributions payable are paid in accordance with the rules of the Plan and the recommendation of the actuary.

The trustees are responsible for ensuring that proper membership and financial records are kept on a timely basis sufficient to enable an Annual Report to be prepared for the scheme containing the information specified in regulation 7 of the Occupational Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) Regulations 2006, including financial statements which show a true and fair view of the financial transactions of the Plan in the year under review and of the assets and liabilities at the year end, other than liabilities for pensions and other benefits payable after the year end. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the pension scheme and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

S Gamble Chairman, RCB Executive Committee

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THE CHURCH OF IRELAND CLERGY PENSIONS FUND REPORT OF BANK OF IRELAND ASSET MANAGEMENT 2007 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PAGE 6

OVERVIEW

A weak December brought the curtain down on a year of extraordinary activity on global equity markets. It was a year of extremes as China’s stock market doubled in value and Irish equities shed 30%; Banks boasted record profits before succumbing to massive writedowns in the second half of the year as sub-prime default worries mounted. The US dollar slumped as the economic prognosis turned sour, while the Canadian currency stormed ahead on the back of rising commodity prices. The Federal Reserve cut the federal funds rate by one full percentage point in the space of 10 weeks; the first cut in late September and latest in early December coming just days after the European Central Bank put markets on notice that it would increase rates if inflation stayed high. Oil and food prices gained appreciably through 2007, with oil closing in on the $100 per barrel level by the end of the year. The Bank of England cut its benchmark rate to 5.5% in December as the UK property market stalled and confidence levels dropped.

Overall, it was a year in which “sub-prime” and “credit crunch” were added to the lexicon of terms that come to define significant financial market events, while the end of the year was also noticeable for mutterings of the dreaded “R” word, as U.S. economic data deteriorated.

The global credit crunch was the principal weight on financial markets in 2007, with liquidity drying up and money market rates spiking higher. Northern Rock in the UK was a high-profile casualty as it had to turn to the Bank of England for funding. Central banks intervened on a number of occasions to provide liquidity in an environment where banks were distrustful of one another’s exposure. ‘Defensive’ sectors such as utilities and consumer staples performed best in the second half of the year, while mining and energy stocks were also stronger, driven by elevated commodity prices and consolidation within the sectors.

Government bonds rallied as investors sought safe-haven investments in the midst of the worsening credit crisis. Bond yields dropped sharply, particularly in the US where expectations of interest rate cuts were at the highest. This was very much a second-half- of-2007 phenomenon as bond markets had struggled to make headway in the first half as economic growth forecasts had been at much more robust levels at the time. Bond markets typically generated modestly positive returns for the full year.

Property generated a healthy return for the year, although a drop in capital values, particularly in the UK, trimmed gains by year-end.

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Outlook The message emanating from many markets, at least in Europe and the US, is becoming clear; there is an economic problem out there. Further cuts in interest rates are therefore to be expected, even from the ECB (which purports to want to raise rates, something we doubt). We have doubts over the ability of the emerging/developing world to withstand a US recession (if one transpires) in the way that the ‘decoupling’ thesis might suggest.

Recent data from the US, in particular manufacturing and employment data, suggest further deterioration in the economy. The risks of a recession, which we were hopeful of avoiding, have risen. There is a broad spectrum of opinion on the likely severity of the slowdown, but history would suggest that a recession is now likely. The recent deterioration in the US labour market has been on a scale that in the past has usually been accompanied by a recession. Some of this is in share prices but we suspect that headline macro weakness, ongoing rumblings from the credit crunch and earnings downgrades will combine to produce headwinds for equity markets.

We adopted a more cautious outlook in the latter part of the year. Defensive stocks have performed relatively strongly while there are signs of support for financial stocks – sovereign wealth funds have been actively taking stakes in banks, picking up what they consider to be good quality investments at attractive prices. We believe that markets are pricing too negative an outcome to 2008 for Irish banks and Irish stocks in general, and we expect that to change as earnings bear out that belief.

All eyes are on the consumer, particularly in the US and UK where data suggests some reining in of spending. Stocks most exposed to discretionary spending are recording earnings downgrades. We reduced consumer cyclical exposure and added to ‘defensive’ areas in the final months of the year. Already in 2008, many consumer discretionary stocks have fallen sharply to the point where they are beginning to look reasonable value in relative terms.

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Performance

Irish Fund The fund decreased in value from €68.1m to €61.5m during 2007, taking into account negative cash flow of €1,250,015. This represents a weighted return of minus 7.9%.

Asset Distribution

31 December 2007 31 December 2006

Equities 68.9% 76.8%

Fixed Interest 16.2% 10.5%

Property 7.6% 10.6%

Cash 7.3% 2.1%

Sterling

The fund decreased in value from £43.5m to £43.3m during 2007, taking into account negative cash flow of £1,288,570. This represents a weighted return of 2.6%.

Asset Distribution

31 December 2007 31 December 2006

Equities 80.6% 90.2%

Fixed Interest 14.8% 8.2%

Cash 4.6% 1.6%

Bank of Ireland Asset Management 31 January 2008

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AUDITOR’S REPORT

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THE CHURCH OF IRELAND CLERGY PENSIONS FUND ACCOUNTING POLICIES PAGE 10

The significant accounting policies adopted by the Trustee are as follows:

(i) Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Occupational Pension Funds (Disclosure of Information) (No. 2) Regulations, 1998, and Statement of Recommended Practice, “Financial Reports of Pensions Schemes”.

(ii) Investment Income

Income on investments includes all dividends and interest receivable during the year adjusted to reflect bought and sold interest on bond transactions in the accounting period.

(iii) Investments

Quoted investments are stated in the fund financial statements at valuation. They are valued at market prices ruling at year end and unquoted investments are stated at Trustee’s valuation. Bond valuations at year end include accrued interest from the last gale date.

(iv) Foreign Currencies

Balances and transactions denominated in foreign currencies have been translated into Euro at the rate of exchange ruling at the year end. (2007 €1 = £0.7333 2006 €1 = £0.6715).

(v) Benefits

The pension benefits are secured by contributions to a separately administered defined benefits scheme in accordance with the provisions of Chapter XIV of the Constitution of the Church of Ireland as amended from time to time by the General Synod.

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THE CHURCH OF IRELAND CLERGY PENSIONS FUND FUND ACCOUNT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2007 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PAGE 11

CONSOLIDATED FUND Notes 2007 2006 €’000 €’000 CONTRIBUTIONS AND OTHER RECEIPTS

Contributions receivable 3 4,728 4,614 ______

BENEFITS AND OTHER PAYMENTS

Benefits payable 4 7,093 7,241 Administrative expenses payable to the Trustee 200 179 ______7,293 7,420 ______

CONTRIBUTIONS LESS BENEFITS (2,565) (2,806) ______

INVESTMENT RETURN FOR THE YEAR

Investment income 5 3,057 2,780 Realised and unrealised investment (loss)/gain (7,266) 8,604 Currency translation adjustment (5,010) 1,106 Investment management expenses (257) (288) ______(9,476) 12,202 ______

NET (DECREASE)/INCREASE IN (12,041) 9,396 FUND FOR YEAR

BALANCE 1 JANUARY 133,320 123,924 ______BALANCE 31 DECEMBER 121,279 133,320 ______The Fund has no recognised gains or losses other than those dealt with in the Fund Account. Signed on behalf of the Trustee: S Gamble

DG Perrin Date: 11 March 2008

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THE CHURCH OF IRELAND CLERGY PENSIONS FUND ______NET ASSETS STATEMENT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2007 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PAGE 12

CONSOLIDATED FUND Notes 2007 2006

€’000 €’000

INVESTED ASSETS 6 120,362 132,666 ______

CURRENT ASSETS

Amounts due from the Representative Church Body 1,058 814

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Creditors (141) (160) ______

NET CURRENT ASSETS 917 654 ______

BALANCE OF FUND 121,279 133,320 ______Signed on behalf of the Trustee: S Gamble

DG Perrin Date: 11 March 2008

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THE CHURCH OF IRELAND CLERGY PENSIONS FUND ______YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2007 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PAGE 13

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SUBDIVISION

Notes 2007 2006

€’000 €’000 CONTRIBUTIONS AND OTHER RECEIPTS

Contributions receivable 3 2,211 2,077 Transfers from Northern Ireland subdivision 343 534 ______2,554 2,611 ______

BENEFITS AND OTHER PAYMENTS

Benefits payable 4 3,067 2,928 Transfers to Northern Ireland subdivision 402 83 Administrative expenses 199 178 ______3,668 3,189 ______

CONTRIBUTIONS LESS BENEFITS (1,114) (578) ______

INVESTMENT RETURN FOR THE YEAR

Investment income 1,252 1,061 Realised and unrealised investment (loss)/gain (6,504) 5,863 Investment management expenses (122) (139) ______(5,374) 6,785 ______

NET (DECREASE)/INCREASE IN (6,488) 6,207 FUND FOR YEAR

BALANCE 1 JANUARY 68,446 62,239 ______BALANCE 31 DECEMBER 61,958 68,446 ______

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THE CHURCH OF IRELAND CLERGY PENSIONS FUND ______YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2007 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PAGE 14

NORTHERN IRELAND SUBDIVISION

Notes 2006

€’000 €’000 CONTRIBUTIONS AND OTHER RECEIPTS

Contributions receivable 3 2,517 2,537 Transfers from Republic of Ireland subdivision 402 83 ______2,919 2,620 ______

BENEFITS AND OTHER PAYMENTS

Benefits payable 4 4,026 4,313 Transfers to Republic of Ireland subdivision 343 534 Administrative expenses 1 1 ______4,370 4,848 ______

CONTRIBUTIONS LESS BENEFITS (1,451) (2,228) ______

INVESTMENT RETURN FOR THE YEAR

Investment income 1,805 1,719 Realised and unrealised investment (loss)/gain (762) 2,741 Currency translation adjustment (5,010) 1,106 Investment management expenses (135) (149) ______(4,102) 5,417 ______

NET (DECREASE)/INCREASE IN FUND (5,553) 3,189 FOR YEAR

BALANCE 1 JANUARY 64,874 61,685 ______BALANCE 31 DECEMBER 59,321 64,874

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THE CHURCH OF IRELAND CLERGY PENSIONS FUND______NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS______FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PAGE 15 1. ACTUARIAL VALUATIONS The development of the Fund is monitored by the Actuary by means of an actuarial valuation which is carried out at intervals of not more than three years. The most recent valuation of the Fund was carried out as at 30 September 2006. Based on that valuation, the Actuary reported that, in common with many defined benefit schemes at this time, the Fund did not satisfy the minimum funding standards in section 44 of the Pensions Act, 1990 (Republic of Ireland). General Synod in May 2007 approved an increase of 1.7% to 30.6% in the total contribution rate. Subsequent to this the Actuary has confirmed that in his view, as at 31 December, 2007, the fund will meet the minimum funding standard by 30 September, 2011, in accordance with a plan agreed with the Irish Pensions Board. 2. FORMAT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The statements summarise the transactions and net assets of the scheme. They do not take account of liabilities to pay pensions and other benefits expected to become payable in the future. The actuarial position of the fund, which taking account of such liabilities, is dealt with in the certificate supplied by the Actuary in the text of the Annual Report of the Board and these statements should be read in conjunction therewith. 3. SUMMARY OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVABLE 2007 2006 €’000 €’000 Republic of Ireland Members – normal 373 339 – additional personal 208 134 Dioceses 1,120 1,127 Representative Church Body 507 460 Transfers from other funds 3 17 ______2,211 2,077 ______Northern Ireland Members – normal 440 436 – additional personal 62 88 Dioceses 1,376 1,402 Representative Church Body 624 611 Transfers from other funds 15 - ______2,517 2,537 ______Total 4,728 4,614 ______

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THE CHURCH OF IRELAND CLERGY PENSIONS FUND ______NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED ______FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PAGE 16

4. BENEFITS PAYABLE

2007 2006 €’000 €’000

Republic of Ireland

Pensions to retired bishops and clergy 1,513 1,438 Pensions to surviving spouses and orphans 1,275 1,182 Commutation of pensions 117 145 Death benefits 162 120 Transfers to other funds - 43 ______3,067 2,928 ______

Northern Ireland

Pensions to retired bishops and clergy 2,458 2,570 Pensions to surviving spouses and orphans 1,324 1,392 Commutation of pensions 176 351 Death benefits 68 - ______4,026 4,313 ______

Total 7,093 7,241 ______

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5. ANALYSIS OF INVESTMENT INCOME

2007 2006 €’000 €’000

Fixed interest securities 247 260 Dividends from equities 2,637 2,430 Income from managed funds 17 17 Interest on cash deposits 102 59 ______3,003 2,766

Other trust income 54 14 ______3,057 2,780 ______

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THE CHURCH OF IRELAND CLERGY PENSIONS FUND______NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – CONTINUED ______FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PAGE 18

6. INVESTED ASSETS

(a) Analysis of Fund Asset Values at 31 December 2007.

2007 2006 €’000 €’000 Listed Securities Ireland Equities 9,270 14,663

Europe Equities 23,949 25,034

United Kingdom Trustee 5,194 2,664 Bonds 3,525 2,678 Equities 26,788 37,400

North America Equities 11,871 16,915

Latin America Equities 850 - Pacific Basin Equities 8,807 6,687 Japan Equities 6,507 8,003 ______96,761 114,044 ______

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6. INVESTED ASSETS – CONTINUED

(a) Analysis of Fund Asset Values at 31 December 2007 – continued

2007 2006 €’000 €’000 Unlisted Securities

Ireland Unit Trusts 1,723 1,828 Unit Trusts – Property 4,703 7,193

Europe Unit Trusts 14,125 7,713

Global Unit Trusts - 534 ______20,551 17,268 ______Other Assets

Cash 3,050 1,354 ______

Summary

Listed Securities 96,761 114,044 Unlisted Securities 20,551 17,268 Cash 3,050 1,354 ______120,362 132,666 ______

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6. INVESTED ASSETS – CONTINUED

(b) Concentration of Investment

One investment exceeds 5% of the net assets of the scheme, Bank of Ireland Exempt Unit Trust Balanced Bond Fund amounting to 9.4% of the net assets of the scheme at 31 December 2007.

(c) Purchases and Sales

The total amounts of purchases and sale of investments, other than cash deposits, in the year amounted to €85.2m and €86.9m respectively.

(d) Equities

There were 183 holdings of equities at the year end with a total market value of €88.04m.

The 20 largest holdings were as follows with a combined value of €28.6m, 32% of total equity holding.

€’000 Vodafone Group 2,536 BG Group 2,007 CRH 1,963 BP 1,870 HSBC Holdings 1,850 Allied Irish Banks 1,680 Royal Dutch Shell Class B Eur 1,481 Total SA 1,404 Bank of Ireland 1,404 E. On 1,312 Xstrata 1,296 Glaxosmithkline 1,208 Anglo American 1,201 National Grid 1,196 Sun Hung Kai 1,179 Royal Bank of Scotland Group 1,111 Aviva 1,069 ENI Spa 978 Wolseley 961 Sabmiller 940

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6. INVESTED ASSETS – CONTINUED

(e) Managed Funds:

The following managed funds were held at 31 December 2007:

€’000

Bank of Ireland Exempt Euro Liquidity Fund 2,792 Bank of Ireland Exempt Eurozone Government Bond Fund 11,333 Bank of Ireland Exempt Smaller Equity Fund 1,545 Irish Property Unit Trust 503 New Ireland Pensions Property Fund 4,200 New Ireland Venture Fund 178

7. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

In the opinion of the Trustee the scheme had no contingent liabilities at 31 December 2007.

8. ADMINISTRATIVE AND INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT EXPENSES

The costs of investment management and administration are substantially borne by the Fund. The balance of these costs is borne by the Trustee.

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THE SUPPLEMENTAL FUND

1. ADMINISTRATION OF THE FUND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2007

The Supplemental Fund is held by the Representative Body for the provision of assistance to retired clergy of the Church of Ireland, and to surviving spouses, orphans and other dependants of clergy of the Church of Ireland and is administered by the Church of Ireland Pensions Board.

The income is derived from the investments representing the capital of the various Funds comprising the Supplemental Fund and grants allocated to it by the General Synod.

Last year the following assistance was provided by means of ex gratia payments:

(1) Minimum Income of Surviving Spouses and Orphans

Grants to ensure each has a minimum income from all sources in the year commencing 1 January 2007 of not less than:

Resident in the: United Republic Kingdom of Ireland Surviving spouse under 80 £10,975 €15,440 Surviving spouse 80 or over £11,392 €16,027

On 31 December 2007 pensions were in course of payment to 202 surviving spouses (excluding widows of voluntary members) of clergy of the Church of Ireland. 4 surviving spouses required a grant to bring their total income up to the relevant figure in the Table.

During 2007 each surviving spouse who was in receipt of a grant from the Supplemental Fund also received:

(a) a grant towards basic housing costs of £300 or €400 from the Housing Fund;

(b) a grant of £375 or €510 from monies allocated from the Priorities Fund.

As a result of these grants, the actual minimum income of surviving spouses during 2007 exceeded the figures in the Table by £675 or €910.

(2) Minimum Income for Retired Clergy

Grants shall be payable from the Supplemental Fund to retired clergy to ensure that each has a minimum income, including the Retirement Pension payable from the Church of Ireland Clergy Pensions Fund or any other approved Scheme, of not less than £8,173 (if resident in the U.K.) or €11,498 (if resident in the Republic of Ireland). Such minimum pension shall be in addition to a State or 122

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other pension (excluding a Retirement Pension payable under the Church of Ireland Pensions Fund or any other approved Scheme) or a Sickness or Invalidity Benefit or a Supplemental Grant in lieu thereof.

In calculating grants the first £1,000 (if resident in the UK) or €1,492 (if resident in the Republic of Ireland) of income earned by the clergy and/or their spouse is disregarded.

One was payable on 31 December 2007.

(3) Supplement in lieu of State Pension

Grants shall be payable to retired clergy who are not eligible for a State or other pension (excluding a Retirement Pension payable under the Church of Ireland Pensions Fund) or a Sickness or Invalidity Benefit in lieu thereof as follows:

(a) Clergy who retired from an office in the Republic of Ireland: Eligible clergy aged under 80 €10,884 Eligible clergy aged 80 or over €11,404 Married clergy only: Spouse under 66 €7,254 extra Married clergy only: Spouse 66 or over €8,996 extra Single/widowed clergy only: Living alone €400 extra

(b) Clergy who retired from an office in Northern Ireland: Eligible clergy: Single/widowed £4,381 Eligible clergy: Married £7,007 The number of grants in payment on 31 December 2007 was 9.

(4) Widow of Bishop

A grant in accordance with the following table to the widow of a bishop who retired before 1 January 1979: Widow of bishop €5,906 One grant was payable on 31 December 2007. (5) Removal Grants A grant to a surviving spouse towards the cost of removal, if his/her wife or husband was in the service of the Church of Ireland at the time of death, of the total amount involved up to a sum of £1,212 if he or she died while holding

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office in Northern Ireland, or €1,720 if he or she died while holding office in the Republic of Ireland.

Should death occur less than two months after date of retirement and before vacation of the glebehouse a similar grant will be paid.

(6) Immediate Grants to Surviving Spouses On the death of clergy in the service of the Church of Ireland who are survived by a spouse, an immediate grant of £3,471 if they died while holding office in Northern Ireland or €5,200 if they died while holding office in the Republic of Ireland shall be paid.

On the death of clergy in retirement from the service of the Church of Ireland who are survived by a spouse, an immediate grant of £1,092 if they resided in the United Kingdom or €1,548 if they resided in the Republic of Ireland shall be paid.

(7) Other Grants Certain other grants which, in the opinion of the Board and in the particular circumstances of each case, merited special consideration.

In addition to the grants allocated under the above headings retired clergy, surviving spouses and dependants in need received help from other sources. The Board would like to record its thanks to the Priorities Fund, the Corporation of the Sons of the Clergy, the Friends of the Clergy Corporation and the other charities and funds which provided this help.

2. GRANTS 2008 The Representative Body recommends that the General Synod of 2008 approves allocations of €99,475 plus £3,680 to the Supplemental Fund from 2007 income (see page 18 of the report of the Representative Body).

The allocations recommended will enable the Board to continue the schemes of ex gratia payments to surviving spouses and retired clergy and it has decided that from 1 January 2008 these shall be as follows:

(1) Minimum Income of Surviving Spouses and Orphans Resident in the: United Republic Kingdom of Ireland Surviving spouse under 80 £11,468 €16,212 Surviving spouse 80 or over £11,904 €16,828

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It is estimated that the cost of this scheme will be €15,406 plus £9,927. The cost of the sterling scheme will be met by the dividend income generated from the investments held for the Supplemental Fund (Surviving Spouses) UK. (2) Minimum Income for Retired Clergy Grants shall be payable from the Supplemental Fund to retired clergy to ensure that each has a minimum income, including the Retirement Pension payable from the Church of Ireland Clergy Pensions Fund or any other approved Scheme, of not less than £8,540 (if resident in the U.K.) or €12,073 (if resident in the Republic of Ireland). Such minimum pension shall be in addition to a State or other pension (excluding a Retirement Pension payable under the Church of Ireland Pensions Fund or any other approved Scheme) or a Sickness or Invalidity Benefit or a Supplemental Grant in lieu thereof. In calculating grants the first £1,000 (if resident in the UK) or €1,429 (if resident in the Republic of Ireland) of income earned by the clergy and/or their spouse is disregarded. It is estimated that the cost of this scheme will be £1,004. (3) Supplement in lieu of State Pension (a) Clergy who retired from an office in the Republic of Ireland: Eligible clergy aged under 80 €11,612 Eligible clergy aged 80 or over €12,132 Married clergy only: Spouse under 66 €7,738 extra Married clergy only: Spouse 66 or over €10,400 extra Single/widowed clergy only: Living alone €400 extra

(b) Clergy who retired from an office in Northern Ireland: Eligible clergy: Single/widowed £4,540 Eligible clergy: Married £7,259 It is estimated that the cost of this scheme will be €72,281 plus £2,676. (4) Widow of Bishop A grant in accordance with the following table to the widow of a bishop who retired before 1 January 1979: Widow of bishop €6,214

The cost of this scheme will be €6,214. 125

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(5) Removal Grants

Northern Ireland £1,259 Republic of Ireland €1,799

(6) Immediate Grants to Surviving Spouses In service: Northern Ireland £3,606 Republic of Ireland €5,439

In retirement: Northern Ireland £1,135 Republic of Ireland €1,619

3. RULES

Copies of the rules are available on application to the Assistant Secretary.

4. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Financial Statements of the Supplemental Fund are set out in the following pages.

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THE SUPPLEMENTAL FUND 31 December 2007

FUND STATEMENT

2007 2006 €’000 €’000 INCOME General Synod Allocations 108 127 Investment Income 37 37 Income from Trusts and Donations 3 2 ______148 166 ______EXPENDITURE

Augmentation – Surviving Spouses and Orphans 29 25 Grants to Surviving Spouses 38 33 Grants to Retired Clergy 84 92 Expenses 5 5 ______156 155 ______

(Deficit)/Surplus of income (8) 11 ______

Revaluation movement (84) 165 Currency translation adjustment (51) 12 ______(135) 177 ______

Net (decrease)/increase in fund for year (135) 177 Capital balance 1 January 1,171 994 ______Capital balance 31 December 1,036 1,171 ______

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THE SUPPLEMENTAL FUND

ANALYSIS OF FUND ASSETS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007

2007 2006 €’000 €’000 Investments at Valuation

RB General Unit Trusts 1,036 1,171 ______1,036 1,171 ______Notes

1. The Supplemental Fund is vested in The Representative Church Body, as Trustee, for the provision of assistance to retired clergy of the Church of Ireland, and to spouses, orphans and dependants of clergy of the Church of Ireland.

The Fund is established under Chapter XV of the Constitution of the Church of Ireland and administered by the Church of Ireland Pensions Board.

2. Accounting Policies are the same as those adopted for the Clergy Pensions Fund.

ACCOUNTANTS’ REPORT

The Representative Church Body is responsible for preparing the Fund Statement and the Statement of Assets for the year ended 31 December 2007. We have examined the above and have compared them with the books and records of the Fund. We have not performed an Audit and accordingly do not express an audit opinion on the above statements. In our opinion the above statements are in accordance with the books and records of the Fund.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Chartered Accountants Dublin

March 2008

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THE CHURCH OF IRELAND VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS SCHEME 1. MEMBERSHIP AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2007 Membership New Death in Fund Retired Membership 31/12/06 Contributors Service Transfers 31/12/07

RI 33 2 1 - 1 33

NI 10 - - - 2 8

Total 43 2 1 - 3 41

Previous Year 45 2 - - 4 43

Three members increased their contributions. The average annual contribution at the end of 2007 was (RI) €3,522 and (NI) £840. Contributions continue to be invested with the Standard Life Assurance Company in the “Managed Pension Fund”, the “With Profits Pension Fund” or the “Cash Pension Fund”, as appropriate, of the Tower Pension Series for those contributors who reside in the Republic of Ireland or the Castle Pension Series for those contributors who reside in Northern Ireland.

2. FUND STATEMENT

2007 2006 €’000 €’000

Contributions received 107 94 Less paid on retirement or death (96) (38) Less commuted to pension - ______11 56

Balance 1 January 546 487 Currency Translation Adjustment (14) 3 ______Balance 31 December 543 546 ______

Notes 1. The Representative Church Body is Trustee of the Scheme which is administered by the Church of Ireland Pensions Board under the authority of a resolution adopted by the General Synod on 21 May 1985. 2. Under the Scheme members are permitted to make voluntary contributions which are invested with the Standard Life Assurance Company to provide

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additional benefits within the overall limits allowed by the Revenue authorities. The balance at the year end represents the net accumulation of members’ contributions which have been transferred to the Standard Life Assurance Company by the Trustee. The value of the investments underlying these contributions is not reflected in the statement. 3. Sterling balances and transactions have been translated to Euro at the rate of exchange ruling at 31 December 2007 €1 = £0.7333 (2006 €1 = £0.6715)

ACCOUNTANTS’ REPORT The Representative Church Body is responsible for preparing the Fund Statement for the year ended 31 December 2007. We have examined the above and have compared it with the books and records of the Fund. We have not performed an Audit and accordingly do not express an audit opinion on the above statement. In our opinion the above statement is in accordance with the books and records of the Fund.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Chartered Accountants Dublin

March 2008

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OTHER FUNDS ADMINISTERED BY THE BOARD

1. SUNDRY DIOCESAN WIDOWS’ AND ORPHANS’ FUNDS

Grants are paid on the recommendation of the patron, who is usually the Bishop. The total of grants paid in 2007 was €72,481 and £4,925.

2. HOUSING ASSISTANCE FUND

The Housing Fund has been created by The Representative Church Body mainly from the income of certain endowments and bequests received by it from generous benefactors and where the terms of trust permit.

The Fund is being administered under a Scheme prepared by the Board and approved by The Representative Church Body. Grants amounting to €78,580 plus £63,095 were allocated in 2007 as in previous years. Many expressions of thanks and appreciation have been received from the recipients.

The Board is most grateful for these donations and hopes that this Fund, which has already been of considerable help to retired clergy and surviving spouses with financial outlay arising from the provision and/or upkeep of housing accommodation, will be given further support by donations or bequests.

Two houses were bequeathed to The Representative Church Body, one of which is let to a member of the clergy and the other let to the surviving spouse of a clergyman. These are administered by the Board.

3. PRIORITIES FUND – ADDITIONAL INCOME FOR THE MOST ELDERLY AND NEEDY

A further grant was allocated by the Standing Committee from the Priorities Fund in 2007 to provide additional income for the most elderly and needy retired clergy and surviving spouses of clergy. This enabled the Board to give an additional grant of €510 or £375 as appropriate, to each retired member of the clergy who had reached 65 years of age and to each surviving spouse irrespective of age who also needed a grant from the Supplemental Fund to ensure a minimum income under the schemes in operation for that purpose. A total of 7 surviving spouses and 1 clergy benefited from the allocation and expressions of appreciation have been received.

The Board has applied to the Priorities Fund Committee for a grant for 2008.

4. MRS E TAYLOR ENDOWMENT

The Representative Body requested the Board to administer the Endowment “to provide additional benefits over and above the normal pensions for retired clergymen of the Church of Ireland who should be residing in the 26 counties of Southern Ireland”.

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The Board has decided that the income from the Endowment should be allocated in the first instance for the benefit of those retired clergy in the Republic of Ireland who required nursing/home care either for themselves or their spouses including health and paramedical expenses.

During 2007 grants totalling €12,700 were paid to 11 retired clergy.

5. REV PRECENTOR RH ROBINSON BEQUEST

The income of this bequest is allocated annually by the Board in accordance with the terms of trust as an additional payment to a retired clergyman.

6. REV GJ WILSON BEQUEST

The income of this bequest is available for the benefit of retired clergymen of the dioceses of Dublin, Glendalough and Kildare. The Board allocates the income having sought recommendations from the Archbishop of Dublin and the Bishop of Meath and Kildare.

In 2007, the total of grants paid was €2,414.

7. DISCRETIONARY FUND – RETIRED CLERGY/SURVIVING SPOUSES

This Fund is available to provide (i) discretionary grants unrelated to Housing, to surviving spouses of clergy to be administered in a similar fashion to that of the Housing Fund and (ii) greater support for retired clergy resident in Northern Ireland or outside Ireland.

Allocations of £21,500 were made in 2007 which together with income from bequests allocated to the Fund by the Representative Body enabled the Board to make grants totalling €4,810 and £7,150 to 16 surviving spouses and grants totalling £5,600 to 7 retired clergy.

The Board would welcome donations and bequests in order to provide a permanent income for this Fund.

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APPENDIX A

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134

Standing Committee – Report 2008

STANDING COMMITTEE

REPORT OF PROCEEDINGS LAID BEFORE

THE GENERAL SYNOD AT ITS

ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-EIGHTH ORDINARY SESSION 2008

135 Standing Committee – Report 2008

THE GENERAL SYNOD

OF THE

CHURCH OF IRELAND

HONORARY SECRETARIES OF THE GENERAL SYNOD

Rev Canon Dr IM Ellis, St John’s Rectory, King Street, Newcastle, Co Down BT33 0HD

Ven REB White, Moviddy Rectory, Aherla, Co Cork

Mr SR Harper, Cramer’s Grove, Kilkenny, Co Kilkenny

Lady Sheil, Killinchy, Co Down BT23 6RL

ASSISTANT SECRETARY – Mrs JM Maxwell

SYNOD OFFICER – Mr DL Phillips

SYNOD OFFICER DESIGNATE – Ms JC Polden

OFFICE

Church of Ireland House Church Avenue Rathmines Dublin 6

Telephone No +353 1 4978422 Facsimile No +353 1 4978821 E-mail [email protected]

136 Standing Committee – Report 2008 CONTENTS PAGE 1 Summary 139 2 The Very Rev RD Harman 139 3 Names and attendances of Members 139 4 Anglican Communion 143 5 Anglican Communion Covenant 143 6 Appointments 144 7 Audit of Accounts 144 8 Bills Committee 145 9 Bishops' Appeal Advisory Committee 145 10 Central Communications Board 145 11 Church in Society Committee 145 12 Church of Ireland Marriage Regulations (RI) 146 13 Church/State Dialogue (RI) 146 14 Conference of European Churches 146 15 Consultative Group on the Past 146 16 Copyright 147 17 Courts and Tribunals Committee 147 18 The Covenant Council 148 19 General Synod 2009 148 20 General Synod Royalties Fund 148 21 General Synod/Standing Committee Budgets 149 22 The Hard Gospel Committee 149 23 Historiographer's Report 149 24 Irish Churches’ Council for Television and Radio Affairs 149 25 Irish Council of Churches 150 26 Meissen Agreement 150 27 Non-Christian Burials in Parish Graveyards 150 28 Northern Ireland Civic Forum 150 29 Parish Development Working Group 151 30 Porvoo Communion 151 31 Priorities Fund Committee 151 32 Review of Charities Legislation 157 33 Review of Committees 157 34 Safeguarding Trust 159 35 Single Equality Bill (NI) 159 36 United Nations Commission on the Status of Women 159 37 Working Group on Disability 159 38 Obituary 159 137 Standing Committee – Report 2008

APPENDICES PAGE

A Resolutions to be proposed to the General Synod 161

B Sixth Provincial Secretaries' Conference of the Anglican Communion - report 162

C The Church of Ireland Response to the Draft Anglican Covenant 167

D Bishops' Appeal Advisory Committee – report 170

E Central Communications Board – report 178

F Church of Ireland Marriage Regulations (Republic of Ireland) 188

G Conference of European Churches Third Ecumenical Assembly - report 193

H The Consultative Group on the Past – Submission 195

I Standing Committee Group's Report on a Meeting with the Consultative Group on the Past 203

J Copyright Block Licensing Scheme – Strengths and Weaknesses 205

K The Hard Gospel Implementation Group - report 207

L The Hard Gospel Committee – report 210

M Historiographer's report 217

N Irish Churches’ Council for Television and Radio Affairs - report 218

O Report of the Meissen Commission Meeting September 2007 220

P Parish Development Working Group – report 222

Q The Porvoo Communion Meetings in Dublin October 2007 - report 223

R Priorities Fund Accounts Year Ended 31 December 2007 226

S 51st Congress of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women – report 228

T Working Group on Disability - report 232

U Receipts and Disbursements Account and General Purposes Fund 235

138 Standing Committee – Report 2008 1. SUMMARY Some significant matters dealt with by the Standing Committee during the year were: ƒ The Church of Ireland Response to the Draft Anglican Covenant (page x) ƒ The Consultative Group on the Past (page x) ƒ The Courts and Tribunals Committee (page x) ƒ The Covenant Council (page x) ƒ Parish Development Working Group (page x) ƒ Safeguarding Trust (page x)

2. THE VERY REV RD HARMAN It is with great sadness that we record the death of the Very Rev Desmond Harman on December 18th 2007. Dean Harman served for all of his ordained ministry in the diocese of Dublin, beginning in 1967 as curate in Taney parish until his death as Dean of Christ Church Cathedral in 2007. Throughout his career, Dean Harman is remembered as having been most active and committed at both a parochial and diocesan level. In conjunction with these duties, he also edited the Church Review for 19 years. However, Dean Harman will be most remembered at a central Church level for his untiring work for 28 years as Honorary Secretary of the Bishops’ Appeal Advisory Committee and as a Clerical Honorary Secretary of the General Synod from 1999. Dean Harman will be remembered for his forthright, constructive and considered opinion, generously offered, but always with concern for the good of the whole Church. We, on Standing Committee, have lost a reliable and good friend and we express our sincere sympathy to his wife, Susan and to their daughters and son. Our sadness is tempered by confidence that he now enjoys the reward prepared for those who, like him, have been faithful to God in life and ministry.

3. NAMES AND ATTENDANCES OF MEMBERS During the period five ordinary meetings of the Standing Committee were held. The number of meetings attended by each member is placed before his/her name.

139 Standing Committee – Report 2008

Ex-officio Members THE ARCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS

THE HONORARY SECRETARIES OF THE GENERAL SYNOD 4 Rev Canon Dr IM Ellis 5 ° Ven REB White 4 Mr SR Harper 5 Lady Sheil Elected Members Diocese Armagh 3 Rev Canon JM Barton 2 Rev TS Forster 4 Mr LV Johnston 4 Mrs J Leighton Clogher 5 Rev Canon BJ Courtney 3 Rev BT Kerr 5 Mr H Stewart None available Derry 2 Very Rev WW Morton 2 Rev MRK Ferry 4 Mr JHD Livingston 3 Capt N Barnes Down 5 Ven PF Patterson 5 Rev Dr MJ Elliott 5 Mr RJH Gallagher 4 Mr HJE Ritchie Connor 4 Very Rev JFA Bond 4 Ven SR McBride 4 MR HRJ Totten 5 Mr PJ Hamill Kilmore 1 Very Rev A Williams 5 Ven GTW Davison 3 Mr D Gillespie 3 Mr JH Shannon

140 Standing Committee – Report 2008

Tuam 4 Very Rev SM Patterson 3 Very Rev AJ Grimason 5 Mr DJ Auchmuty 2 Mr RS Walker Dublin 4 Rev Canon JE McCullagh 4 Rev GV Wharton 4 Mr MJT Webb 4 Mr LJW MacCann Meath 4 Very Rev RW Jones 3 Rev LEA Peilow 5 Mrs JM Bruton 2 Mr D Kenny Cashel 3 Very Rev NN Lynas 2 Rev PG Heak 4 Mr C Wellwood 4 Mr EGJ Driver Cork Vacant 5 Rev AM Wilkinson 5 Mr WF Baker 4 Mr R Buttimer Limerick 3 Very Rev JMG Sirr 5 Rev Canon SM Neill 4 Mr A Hilliard 3 Mr E Hardy Co-opted Members 5 Rev Canon CA Empey 3 Rev Canon RB Rountree 4 Rev Canon P Comerford 5 Very Rev PW Rooke 3 Mr MC Davey 3 * Ms CS Turner 5 Mr AN McNeile * Elected September 2007 ° Elected as a Clerical Honorary Secretary March 2008

141 Standing Committee – Report 2008 The Chief Officer and Secretary of the Representative Church Body is entitled to attend and speak at meetings of the Standing Committee. The Assistant Secretary of the General Synod is also entitled to attend and to speak at meetings.

COMMITTEES OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE FINANCE AND ARRANGEMENTS SUB-COMMITTEE Mr WF Baker Rev TS Forster The Honorary Secretaries LEGAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE His Honour Judge JG Buchanan The Hon Mrs Justice Catherine McGuinness The Hon Mr Justice Declan Budd Mr WD Prentice His Honour Judge T Burgess His Honour Judge RF Rodgers The Rt Hon Sir Anthony Campbell The Hon Sir Benjamin Stephens Mr MC Davey Mr JW Wilson QC The Honorary Secretaries PRIORITIES FUND COMMITTEE Capt N Barnes Mrs J Leighton Mrs JM Bruton Ven SR McBride Ven GWT Davison Mr HRJ Totten Mr SR Harper Rev AM Wilkinson BUDGET SUB-COMMITTEE Mr WF Baker Mr LV Johnston Rev Canon Dr IM Ellis Mr AN McNeile Mr SR Harper Mr HRJ Totten WORLD DEVELOPMENT – BISHOPS’ APPEAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Rt Rev MAJ Burrows Rt Rev MHG Mayes Rev OMR Donohoe Rev JMD Pierce Ms R Handy Rev IP Poulton Rev Canon PA Harvey Mrs A Rooke Mr W Kingston Mr TA Smallwoods

142 Standing Committee – Report 2008 LAY JUDGES OF THE COURT OF THE GENERAL SYNOD His Honour Judge JG Buchanan The Rt Hon Sir Donald Murray The Hon Mr Justice Declan Budd The Hon Mrs Justice Catherine McGuinness The Rt Hon Sir Anthony Campbell Mr RAM Robins The Rt Hon Sir Paul Girvan The Hon Sir Benjamin Stephens Mr LJW MacCann SC Mr JW Wilson QC

4. ANGLICAN COMMUNION Following a request from the Anglican Communion Office, the Standing Committee approved a contribution of €10,000 for the bursary programme for those attending the Lambeth Conference 2008. The Anglican Communion Office at the United Nations requested a contribution from the Church of Ireland towards its work. The Standing Committee agreed a contribution of €2,000. Mrs JM Maxwell attended, as Provincial Secretary, the Anglican Communion Sixth Provincial Secretaries’ Conference in Hong Kong from 23 to 30 August 2007. Mrs Maxwell’s report to the Standing Committee is included as Appendix B on page 162.

5. ANGLICAN COMMUNION COVENANT The Anglican Communion Covenant Design Group met in January 2007 and produced a Draft Anglican Covenant. The Provinces were urged to submit an initial response to the Anglican Communion Office by the end of 2007. The group appointed by the Standing Committee to prepare a response to the report of the Covenant Design Group, submitted a response, which was agreed by the Standing Committee. The members of the group are the Archbishop of Dublin, the Rev Dr MJ Elliott, the Rev Canon Dr IM Ellis, Lady Sheil and Ms CS Turner. The response, which includes a re-draft of the Draft Anglican Covenant, is included as Appendix C on page 167. The Covenant Design Group, of which the Archbishop of Dublin is a member, met in London between 28 January and 2 February 2008. The group developed a second draft of the Anglican Covenant known as the St. Andrew’s Draft. In March 2008, the Standing Committee noted this Draft. The Draft Covenant will be considered by Lambeth 2008, revised further and ultimately sent to the Provinces for consideration.

143 Standing Committee – Report 2008 6. APPOINTMENTS The following appointments were made by the Standing Committee during the year. They are listed in chronological order. Committee etc Name

Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society Ven SR McBride of Friends, Lisburn, April 2007

General Assembly of the Presbyterian Rev Canon DA McClay Church, Belfast, June 2007 Mr LV Johnston

Conference of the Methodist Church, The Bishop of Down & Dromore Cork, June 2007 Ven REB White

General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Rev Dr MJ Elliott Church, Edinburgh, June 2007

General Synod of the Church of Very Rev RD Harman England, York, July 2007

Irish Inter-Church Committee of the The Bishop of Meath & Kildare Irish Inter-Church Meeting

Meissen Commission Meeting, Woking, Rev Canon Dr IM Ellis September 2007

World Development - Bishops' Appeal Mr M O'Connor Education Advisor

United Nations Commission on the Rev Canon DTS Clements Status of Women, New York, February 2008

The Porvoo Communion Contact Person Rev FJ McDowell Working Group on Disability Mr I Slaine

Central Communications Board Rev Canon Dr IM Ellis

7. AUDIT OF ACCOUNTS The Standing Committee appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers to audit the accounts of the Representative Church Body.

144 Standing Committee – Report 2008 8. BILLS COMMITTEE The Chairman of the Bills Committee informed the Standing Committee that there is a need for more drafting expertise to be made available to members of the Synod. It was suggested, that it would be helpful to hold the informal meeting of the Bills Committee at an earlier date, to allow more time for comments from the Committee to be taken into account prior to final drafting before the deadline for submitting Bills. It was also suggested that Members of the Bills Committee could be available to assist members with the initial drafting of Bills. 9. BISHOPS’ APPEAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE The World Development Bishops’ Appeal Advisory Committee report is included in Appendix D on page 170.

10. CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS BOARD A report from the Central Communications Board, which includes the work of the Broadcasting Committee, the Literature Committee and the Internet Committee, is included as Appendix E on page 178.

11. CHURCH IN SOCIETY COMMITTEE The Probation Board for Northern Ireland recently conducted a consultation on its Corporate Plan 2008-2011. As this plan covers a period in which extensive changes to sentencing policy will be brought into use in Northern Ireland, the Church in Society Social Justice and Theology Panel (NI) felt it important to respond to this consultation. The response was approved by the Standing Committee in March 2008 and is appended to the Church in Society report. The Corporate Plan may be viewed at http://www.pbni.org.uk/cp0811draft.pdf. Legal and political developments have led the government in the Republic of Ireland to address the issue of the rights of the child in isolation from the wider debate on Constitutional Reform. In December 2007, a draft amendment was circulated by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children (JCCAC) and, in January 2008, the Legislation and Politics (RI) Sub-Committee made a submission to JCCAC. The Standing Committee approved this submission in March 2008. The report is appended to the Church in Society report. In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Gordon Brown has begun a debate on organ donation. Currently there is a shortfall of supply in relation to demand with more than 1,000 people out of 8,000 awaiting an organ transplant dying annually. Therefore the Prime Minister has suggested an opt-out system rather than the current opt-in system. The Medical Ethics, Science and Technology Sub-Committee of the Church in Society Committee produced a response that was adopted as official Church of Ireland policy at

145 Standing Committee – Report 2008 the Standing Committee meeting in March 2008. The response is appended to the Church in Society report.

12. CHURCH OF IRELAND MARRIAGE REGULATIONS (RI) The marriage provisions of the Civil Registration Act 2004 in the Republic of Ireland commenced on 5 November 2007. The Marriage Law Reform Working Group prepared the Marriage Regulations for the Church of Ireland in the Republic, which were approved by the Standing Committee. The Church of Ireland Marriage Regulations (Republic of Ireland) 2007 is included as Appendix F on page 188. In accordance with the Act, a list of solemnisers for the Church of Ireland has been submitted to the Office of the Registrar-General.

13. CHURCH / STATE DIALOGUE (RI) A process of structured dialogue between the Government and the Churches in the Republic of Ireland was launched in February 2007. One meeting has been held with the Church of Ireland and there is a further meeting planned.

14. CONFERENCE OF EUROPEAN CHURCHES The Third European Ecumenical Assembly of the Conference of European Churches was held on 4 – 7 September 2007 in Sibiu, Romania. A report on the conference is included as Appendix G on page 193.

15. CONSULTATIVE GROUP ON THE PAST The Consultative Group on the Past is an independent group established in June 2007 to seek a consensus across the community in Northern Ireland on the best way to deal with the legacy of the past. In September 2007, the Standing Committee appointed a group of twelve to make a submission to the Consultative Group on the Past, which is included as Appendix H on Page 195. The group members are as follows: The Bishop of Clogher Dr P Miller Ven NB Dodds Very Rev PW Rooke Rev Canon Dr IM Ellis Rev M Ryan Mrs M Gibson Ms CS Turner Mr G Glenn Ven REB White Rev Canon MC Kennedy Rev Canon TW Williams It was envisaged that the Church of Ireland group would appoint five or six of its members to make an oral presentation to the Consultative Group. The Bishop of Clogher was appointed Chairman of the Church of Ireland group.

146 Standing Committee – Report 2008 A Meeting of the Consultative Group with the Church of Ireland representatives was held on 27 November 2007. The Standing Committee group’s report of the meeting is included as Appendix I on page 203. The Standing Committee, in January 2008, agreed that the members of the above group had the authority to represent the Church of Ireland should the Consultative Group on the Past request further meetings.

16. COPYRIGHT A Copyright Working Group, appointed by the Standing Committee, undertook research in 2006 and 2007 to ascertain whether a block licensing scheme should be purchased, to cover all parishes in the Church of Ireland, in respect of the text of hymns and other texts managed by the Christian Copyright Licensing Company. A Bill to facilitate the block licensing scheme was submitted to the General Synod in 2007, but was withdrawn for technical reasons. Subsequently a further document outlining the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal was produced by the Honorary Secretaries, which is included in Appendix J on page 205. In the September 2007 meeting of the Standing Committee it was decided that the plans for the block licensing scheme should not proceed. It was generally agreed that the copyright guidelines should be reviewed, with more detail included, and circulated to parishes.

17. COURTS AND TRIBUNALS COMMITTEE In 2003, the Courts and Tribunals Committee, comprising both Archbishops, the Bishop of Cork, ecclesiastical experts, judges and lawyers, was set up by the Archbishop of Armagh to review the structure and procedures relating to the ecclesiastical courts and tribunals of the Church of Ireland as contained in Chapter VIII of the Constitution, which have remained virtually unchanged since the late nineteenth century. Following consideration at General Synod 2005 of an interim report from that committee to the Standing Committee, the Courts and Tribunals Committee reflected upon points raised during the debate and brought to Standing Committee, in November 2007, a draft Bill to review and replace Chapter VIII of the Constitution. The Bill contains provisions for a new disciplinary process which is both sensitive to the concerns of clergy and to the key pastoral role of bishops while, at the same time, ensuring compliance with the requirement of human rights legislation in both jurisdictions in Ireland. In November 2007, the Standing Committee appointed a group to consider the implications of the Bill for the Church of Ireland and to report to Standing Committee in January 2008 prior to the Bill being submitted to the General Synod of 2008. The Standing Committee requested that the recommendations of the group together with any

147 Standing Committee – Report 2008 suggested revisions and a summary of the points raised in discussion by the Standing Committee be referred to the Courts and Tribunals Committee with a request that a final draft Bill be submitted to Standing Committee in March 2008. The draft Bill, so revised, will be brought to General Synod in May 2008.

18. THE COVENANT COUNCIL In January 2008, the Standing Committee established a working group to consult with the Bishops, relevant committees and others as thought necessary, to draw up a response to Interchangeability of Ministry and Episcope: Key Issues for the Churches (Book of Reports 2007, The Covenant Council Report, Appendix A, page 322) for consideration by the Standing Committee in January 2009. The members of the group are as follows: The Bishop of Meath and Kildare Ms R Handy Very Rev NK Dunne Very Rev NN Lynas Rev SE Doogan Very Rev SR White The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe

19. GENERAL SYNOD 2009 The Standing Committee decided that a weekend meeting of the General Synod was preferable and agreed that the meeting of the General Synod in 2009 will be held in the Armagh City Hotel, Armagh on 8, 9, and 10 May.

20. GENERAL SYNOD ROYALTIES FUND The Standing Committee approved a grant of £9,795 over three years to the Liturgical Advisory Committee for the publication of Let Everything that has Breath: Psalms for the Church’s Year. A grant of €1,000 was approved for the Diocese of Kilmore towards the publication of Clergy of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh, edited by the Rev Canon DWT Crooks. The Standing Committee approved a grant of €1,000 for Clergy of Waterford and Lismore and Ferns, edited by the Rev IJE Knox. The Standing Committee also agreed that a sum of €10,000 be made available on an annual basis to the Literature Committee from the General Synod Royalties Fund for the production of resource materials by Committees or Boards of the General Synod or Standing Committee or other central structures, for which undertakings these structures may not be able to include timely costing in budgets as a consequence of the urgency of that need, provided that any such item:

148 Standing Committee – Report 2008 (i) has been approved by an officially constituted Committee or Board of the General Synod or the Standing Committee or the Representative Body or the House of Bishops; (ii) could not have been foreseen and included in formal budgetary processes; (iii) has a plan for promotion and distribution, that has been agreed with the Communications Department and where funding for this has been identified and proper approvals obtained, if required.

21. GENERAL SYNOD / STANDING COMMITTEE BUDGETS The Budget Sub-Committee considered budget submissions from the various bodies concerning their projected expenditure for the year 2008 and presented a report to the Standing Committee in November 2007. Following consideration of the report, recommendations were submitted to the Representative Church Body Allocations Committee.

22. THE HARD GOSPEL COMMITTEE The Hard Gospel Committee published a report Living with Difference: A Reality Check written by Mr Tommy Stewart. The first section of the report, The Diversity Audit Report, was presented to the Standing Committee in November 2007 by the author. The second section, The Impact Framework, was presented at the following Standing Committee meeting in January 2008. At the January meeting, the Standing Committee agreed that a group be appointed to consider the implementation of the recommendations on pages 35 and 36 and 75 of the Living with Difference – A Reality Check booklet. The Hard Gospel Implementation Group presented a report to the Standing Committee in March 2008 outlining several recommendations; this is included as Appendix K on page 207. The Standing Committee agreed to submit a resolution to General Synod; this is included in Appendix A on page 161. A report from The Hard Gospel Committee is included as Appendix L on page 210.

23. HISTORIOGRAPHER’S REPORT A report from the Church of Ireland Historiographer, Dr K Milne, is included as Appendix M on page 217.

24. IRISH CHURCHES’ COUNCIL FOR TELEVISION AND RADIO AFFAIRS A report from the Irish Churches’ Council for Television and Radio Affairs, for the period 1 January to 31 December 2007, is included as Appendix N on page 218.

149 Standing Committee – Report 2008 25. IRISH COUNCIL OF CHURCHES The Standing Committee agreed that the Bishop of Meath and Kildare be nominated as Vice-Chairman of the Irish Council of Churches (ICC) for 2008-2010, for consideration at the Annual General Meeting of the ICC.

26. MEISSEN AGREEMENT In 1991, the Church of England entered into what is termed the ‘Meissen Agreement’ with German Protestant Churches for the setting up of talks on theological and other issues of mutual concern. The Church in Wales, the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Church of Ireland are accorded observer status. The Scottish Episcopal Church requested that the Church of Ireland take over this role of observer for the series of meetings that began after June. The Standing Committee, at the request of the Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue, appointed the Rev Canon Dr IM Ellis to represent the Church of Ireland in this capacity. The report of the Meissen Commission Meeting of 20 – 24 September 2007 is attached as Appendix O on page 220.

27. NON-CHRISTIAN BURIALS IN PARISH GRAVEYARDS The Standing Committee received a letter that was written on behalf of the Dioceses of Down and Dromore, and Connor, regarding non-Christian burials in Church of Ireland parish graveyards. After consideration the Standing Committee submitted the following questions to the General Synod Legal Advisory Committee: 1. Whether it would be in accordance with Canon Law and the Constitution of the Church of Ireland for the officiating member of the clergy and the churchwardens, having responsibility for the administration of a pre-disestablishment graveyeard vested in he Representative Church Body under the Irish Church Act 1869, to permit the burial therein of persons of other faiths or none? 2. Whether it would be in accordance with Canon Law and the Constitution of the Church of Ireland for the officiating member of the clergy and the churchwardens, having responsibility for the administration of a post-disestablishment graveyard vested in the Representative Church Body since 1870, to permit the burial therein of persons of other faiths or none? 3. If the answer to questions 1 and/or 2 is yes, do any pre-conditions have to be met and if so what are they? In particular, does the burial have to be in a Christian form?

28. NORTHERN IRELAND CIVIC FORUM The Northern Ireland Civic Forum was established in October 2000 following the formation of the Northern Ireland Assembly. The Church of Ireland nominated Mr

150 Standing Committee – Report 2008 George Glenn as one of the two Irish Council of Churches’ representatives on the Forum and he was duly appointed. The Forum was suspended when the Northern Ireland Assembly was dissolved. As it is now planned to re-establish the Forum, the Honorary Secretaries have confirmed that Mr Glenn should serve out the remainder of his original three-year term of office.

29. PARISH DEVELOPMENT WORKING GROUP The pilot project for a parish development programme was completed in 2007 and the Standing Committee, in January 2008, approved the running of a second programme of parish development for parishes within the Church of Ireland. A working group was appointed with power to co-opt three other members. A report from the Parish Development Working Group is included as Appendix P on page 222.

30. PORVOO COMMUNION A meeting of the Primates of the Porvoo Communion was held in Dublin on 9 October 2007. The Porvoo Contact Group also met in Dublin from 8 to 12 October. The late Very Rev RD Harman, the Church of Ireland representative on the Contact Group, submitted a report to the Standing Committee, which is included as Appendix Q on page 223. In March 2008, the Standing Committee appointed the Rev FJ McDowell to represent the Church of Ireland on the Porvoo Communion Contact Group.

31. PRIORITIES FUND COMMITTEE (a) The following allocations from the Priorities Fund were approved by the Standing Committee in March 2008: ALLOCATION OF GRANTS FROM 2007 PRIORITIES FUND Ministry € Arrow Leadership Programme – Assistance for bursaries for members of the Church of Ireland clergy and other full-time leaders, taking part in the Arrow Ireland Leadership Programme 10,000

Parish Development Working Group – To assist with the costs involved in running a second Parish Development Programme and supplying resources to help parishes develop in ministry – [Stg£15,000 per year for 20,455 3 years] – First year

The House of Bishops – To provide for continuing ministerial education within the dioceses 60,000 ______Sub-total €90,455

151 Standing Committee – Report 2008 Retirement

C of I Clergy Pensions Fund – Additional income for most needy 2,046

C of I Clergy Pensions Fund – Retired Chaplain 656 ______Sub-total €2,702

Education

Girls’ Friendly Society – Support for the on-going religious education of children and young people in the Church of Ireland, through the GFS badge syllabus 2,000

Meath and Kildare Diocesan Board of Education – To assist financially with a new education project within the dioceses 500

The following applications all concern youth work and the grants allocated are based on the recommendations made by the Church of Ireland Youth Department

C of I Youth Department – Funding towards the running costs involved in the establishment of a ‘year out’ mission and service opportunity for approximately eight young adults – [Stg£30,000 – First year : Stg£25,000 – Second year : Stg£15,000 – Third year] – First year 40,911

C of I Youth Department – Financial assistance towards the purchase of a Youth Ministry library for student use, to support the development of the Centre for Youth Ministry 6,818

3Rock Youth (Dublin & Glendalough) – Financial assistance for the costs involved in running a programme called Urban Soul, an active citizenship programme for youth, beginning summer 2008 and running annually for five years 12,000

Cork, Cloyne and Ross Diocesan Youth Council – To assist with the ‘Bridge’ project, whose aim is to support, resource and develop sustainable, quality youth work and ministry within the dioceses – [€14,000 – First year : €7,000 – Second year : €3,500 – Third year] – First year 14,000

Derry and Raphoe Youth – Financial assistance for further development of the ‘Sitting Ducks Project’, where young adults will be challenged to explore their Christian faith, so that they can choose to be disciples of Jesus Christ 15,000

152 Standing Committee – Report 2008 Kilkeel Parish Bridge Association Limited (Dromore) – To obtain ‘seed money’ to enable the implementation of programmes for our ‘Youth Link’ initiative, which aims to help address mental health issues of the youth in the Kilkeel area 6,818

Kilkenny Christian Centre – Funding to assist in the creation of a non- denominational Christian Centre, with a particular focus on young people, in the heart of Kilkenny city 10,000

Newtownbreda United Churches (Down) – To assist with funding for the continuation of a ‘Connecting with Youth’ outreach project, organised and run by volunteers from the Church of Ireland and other denominations, in partnership with the local council and the PSNI – [Stg£6,000 per year for 3 years] – Second year 8,182

St Jude’s Parish, Ballynafeigh (Down) – Financial support for a 3 year project, which will engage with Youth for Christ (NI) to make use of a Gap Year Team, to renew children’s and young people’s work in the parish – [Stg£4,000 – First year : Stg£3,000 – Second and Third year] – Final year 4,091

St Mary’s Parish, Ballybeen (Down) – Funding to initiate ACTS Ballybeen (Active Compassion Through Serving Ballybeen), to respond to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs in the community but mainly focusing on children in the locality 6,818

St Paul & St Barnabas Church, Belfast (Connor) – Initial start-up funding for outreach projects in the Tigers Bay area of North Belfast 8,182

Xpression Portadown (Armagh) – To assist with the ongoing development of this cross-community Christian outreach initiative, involving young people from a variety of local churches 1,364 ______Sub-total €136,684

Community

Cosy Cats Project, Calry Parish (Elphin) – Financial assistance for the operation of this childcare facility for disadvantaged families, of all religions and cultures, in the crypts under the church – [€15,000 per year for 3 years] – Final year 15,000

Maghera Parish Caring Association (Derry) – Financial assistance for the FACE Project, to establish a mediative intervention for contentious parades in Maghera and the surrounding rural areas 6,818

153 Standing Committee – Report 2008 Shankill Parish Caring Association (Dromore) – To deliver an accredited Good Relations training and citizenship package, to marginalised young adults across the Lurgan area – [Stg£15,000 per year for 2 years] – First year 20,455

St John’s House, Dublin – Financial support towards the replacement of the emergency lighting system 20,000

The Mageough Home, Dublin – To assist with the cost of upgrading houses, for elderly ladies and elderly men 10,000

‘Wellsprings’, Kilmakee Parish (Connor) – Funding for the future development of this Christ Centred Community Addiction Therapy Centre, based in the parish 16,364

Willowfield Parish Community Association (Down) – Funding for a project called ‘Mind the Gap’, to reach out to those who usually fall in the gap between church and community e.g. ethnic minority communities etc – [Stg£7,000 – First year : Stg£6,500 – Second and Third year] – Final year 8,864 ______Sub-total €97,501

Areas of Need Ardfert – Killarney Union – To assist with the cost of building a new Sunday School/meeting room in the grounds of the church, necessitated by changes in population and the needs of ministry 5,000

Armagh – Ballymascanlan and Rathcor Union – Financial assistance for the restoration of the Old Schoolhouse, necessitated by changes in population and the needs of ministry 5,000

Armagh – St Mark’s Parish, Armagh – Funding for ‘The Venue’ Project, a practical outreach, serving all age groups in the community 13,637

Connor – All Saints’ Church, Belfast – To assist with the development of a cross-community Christian outreach initiative, involving education and outreach to international students and migrant workers 13,637

Connor – Ardclinis Parish, Carnlough – Funding for the provision of facilities to enhance good relations with the wider community and further develop religious education for children and young people 5,046

154 Standing Committee – Report 2008 Connor – Holy Trinity & St Silas with Immanuel Parishes, Belfast – Funding for the provision of Church initiated activities and programmes which will enhance personal development, life and social skills of vulnerable families, young people and adults in interface areas of the parish and to tackle the problems of children at risk, anti-social behaviour and sectarianism – [Stg£10,000 per year for 3 years] – Final year 13,637

Connor – United Parishes of Templepatrick and Donegore – To seek funding for the development of facilities, to meet the future needs of the parish and community 5,046

Down & Dromore – Wells – Financial assistance for Wells, a ‘fresh expression of church’, established by the Diocese of Down and Dromore 13,637 Dromore – Magheralin Parish – To assist financially with the start-up costs involved in the community programmes planned in the new outreach facility in Dollingstown – [Stg£10,000 – First year : Stg£4,000 – Second and Third year] – Final year 5,455

Elphin – St Coman’s Parish, Roscommon – Financial assistance for the provision of facilities, necessitated by changes in population and the needs of ministry 5,000

Killala – Kilmoremoy Union – To provide facilities and equipment, to enable the parish’s hospitality and outreach programme to make more varied use of the church building in line with changes in worship format, new church activities and increased congregation numbers 10,000

Killaloe – Christ Church Community Project, Spanish Point – Financial assistance towards the purchase of a large Portakabin, for use by Sunday School etc., necessitated by changes in population and the needs of ministry 5,000 ______Sub-total €100,095

Outreach Initiatives

C R E E D (Communities Regenerated Enabled Enriched and Developed) – Seed funding to enable parishes to benefit from CREED’s expertise, in co-ordination and utilisation of resources – [Stg£15,000 per year for 3 years] – First year 20,455

Holy Trinity Church, Woodburn (Connor) – To provide ‘seed funding’ for the development of community based educational programmes, in a safe, encouraging and stimulating environment, for all ages but young people in particular –[Stg£10,000 per year for 2 years] – Final year 13,637

155 Standing Committee – Report 2008 Magheracross Parish (Clogher) – To assist with the cost of improving the facilities and equipment used by the outreach parents and toddlers group, called Pre-School Praise 2,727

Parish of Kilroot (Connor) – To secure funding for the establishment of a drop-in centre in Eden Village, to provide a safe and supportive environment for residents to meet and to re-establish a serving presence in the area – [Stg£3,000 per year for 3 years] – Second year 4,091

Parishes of Maghera and Killelagh (Derry) – Financial assistance to build a new expression of church, that will engage the largely unchurched population of Upperlands and establish a self-sustaining congregation, including cell groups, in the village of Upperlands – [Stg£15,000 – First year : Stg£10,000 – Second and Third year] – Second year 13,637

Solas After-school Project (Dublin) – Funding to enable this new after- school intervention to continue, for children at risk of early school leaving, developed by CORE Church together with Mater Dei primary school in Basin Street, Dublin 10,000

The Church of the Pentecost, Mount Merrion (Down) – To obtain ‘seed funding’ for projects designed to address some of the many complex social and spiritual needs of people in inner city East Belfast 34,092

Willowfield Parish (Down) – To obtain ‘seed funding’ for a project called ‘Men Matter’, which aims to provide support and practical help to men in East Belfast who struggle with unemployment, poor health, mental health issues, alcohol, drug addictions, loneliness and isolation – [Stg£10,000 per year for 3 years] – Second year 13,637 ______Sub-total €112,276

Total Allocated €539,713

Sterling grants have been converted to Euro using the 2007 end of year rate of 0.7333.

(b) Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2007 are included as Appendix R on page 226. Contributions to the Fund do not close until the end of February. The amount actually received by 28 February 2008 was €557,610. (c) Following a recommendation from the Priorities Fund Committee, the Standing Committee, in March 2008, agreed that diocesan targets for contributions to the 2009 Fund are increased by 3%.

156 Standing Committee – Report 2008 32. REVIEW OF CHARITIES LEGISLATION In recent years, a review of charities legislation in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland has been conducted resulting in Charities Bills being introduced to the legislature in each jurisdiction. The new legislation will create a new Regulatory Authority in each jurisdiction, a register of charities, and regulations regarding governance, reporting and fundraising in the charitable sector. A Working Group was set up by the Church, chaired by the Archbishop of Armagh, to monitor legislative developments and advise the Church on the implications of the new legislation. The Working Group is keeping Diocesan Secretaries informed and has developed a schedule for consulting with the structures of the Church. It is anticipated that the state legislation will be passed in the latter part of 2008, with the establishment of the new Regulatory Bodies and regulations thereafter. Once regulations are made known, the registration structure adopted by the Church will have to be agreed. The Church has been advised that the creation of the new Register is to be introduced in stages in each jurisdiction. If internal Church legislation is required, this will be brought to Synod in 2009, with the likelihood that Diocesan Synods and Councils will also be required to address this matter.

33. REVIEW OF COMMITTEES The Honorary Secretaries reported to the Standing Committee in March 2007 that they had asked the House of Bishops to identify the key areas of policy and vision for the next ten years which will need to be addressed by a new committee structure. In March 2008, the House of Bishops presented the following response to the Standing Committee. THE HOUSE OF BISHOPS OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND The Church of Ireland, as an authentic part of the universal church of God, is called to develop growing communities of faith, in and through which the Kingdom of God is made known, and in which the whole people serve together as followers of Jesus Christ for the good of the world to the Glory of God Growth - Unity - Service In the power of the Spirit, our mission requires us to order our contemporary worship and life in a manner that nurtures growth, promotes unity and liberates us for service in the world that is God’s.

157 Standing Committee – Report 2008 WORSHIP & SPIRITUAL GROWTH Through stillness, through celebrating, through drinking deeply of the wells of salvation, we are called to explore God’s beauty and love, to renew the face of the earth and to recover the divine image that is within us. Hence we must: • Acknowledge that worship is humanity’s primary purpose; • Offer worship that articulates truth and evokes holy beauty; • Ensure that our worship is rooted in the faith once delivered, but is never static; • Pray that it may be magnetically attractive. energising and informing the building of the kingdom; • Rejoice that through it countless individuals form one body in Christ. UNITY & DIALOGUE The Church is called to be an agent of God’s purpose to bring all things together in Christ; to be the sign, instrument and first-fruits of that oneness in Christ that is God’s gift and God’s will Hence we must: • Strive to live in unity and peace among ourselves and with the whole family of God; • Model respectful relations with humanity and the whole created order; • Develop common life and action with other Christian traditions; • Work for greater mutual understanding with those of other faiths and of none. LIVING GOD’S KINGDOM & SERVING THE WORLD Aligning ourselves daily with Christ’s own prayer and example, the calling of the Church is to pray for, discern and realise the presence of God’s kingdom among us. Hence we must: • Engage compassionately with the world and society in all its rich variety of need and opportunity; • Be both discipled and discipling; perpetual learners in the school of Christ as we ourselves strive to teach and serve others; • Daily and energetically embody and proclaim the values of the kingdom for whose coming we long. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.

158 Standing Committee – Report 2008 34. SAFEGUARDING TRUST At the Standing Committee meeting in September 2007, the revised edition of Safeguarding Trust for use in Northern Ireland and the revised edition of Safeguarding Trust for use in the Republic of Ireland were both approved by the Standing Committee. Copies of these publications will be made available at the meeting of the General Synod 2008. These documents will also be included in the Journal of the General Synod.

35. SINGLE EQUALITY BILL (NI) The Standing Committee appointed a group to monitor the development of the Single Equality Bill and prepare submissions, when appropriate, for approval by the Standing Committee. The members of the group are as follows: The Bishop of Clogher Dr J McGaffin The Bishop of Down and Dromore Lady Sheil

36. UNITED NATIONS COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN The Rev Canon DTS Clements represented the Church of Ireland at the 51 Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. A report is included as Appendix S on page 228. The 52nd Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women will be held in New York from 25 February to 7 March 2008 and the Standing Committee again appointed Canon Clements.

37. WORKING GROUP ON DISABILITY A report from the Working Group on Disability is included as Appendix T on page 232.

38. OBITUARY The following member died since the last session: Rev GW Browne Diocese of Kilmore Mr FW Gray Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough Very Rev RD Harman Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough Rev TH Priestly Diocese of Connor

159 Standing Committee – Report 2008

160 Standing Committee – Report 2008

APPENDIX A

RESOLUTIONS TO BE PROPOSED TO THE GENERAL SYNOD

1. THE HARD GOSPEL

That the report, Living with Difference – A Reality Check, be received by the General Synod 2008.

That a small implementation group be appointed by the Standing Committee, for a period of three years, to identify the priorities from the report, Living with Difference – A Reality Check, and to bring forward specific resolutions to the Standing Committee to implement the recommendations contained in the report.

That this group shall make regular reports to the Standing Committee.

161 Standing Committee – Report 2008 APPENDIX B SIXTH PROVINCIAL SECRETARIES’ CONFERENCE OF THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION Hong Kong 23 August – 30 August 2007 REPORT TO THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL SYNOD

Status of the Conference The Provincial Secretaries’ Conference is an informal meeting, organised by Provincial Secretaries to assist their professional development and to strengthen bonds within the Anglican Communion. It does not constitute an official organ of the Communion and is not a decision-making body. Aims of the Conference 1. To increase Provincial Secretaries’ understanding of the nature of the Anglican Communion and of the contribution they can make to its life. 2. To help the development of Provincial Secretaries in their role and to increase their knowledge of the different ways in which that role is expressed in different Provinces. 3. To exchange information and experience on issues that face Provincial Secretaries. 4. To learn about the life and concerns of the host Province. Thanks It was a privilege to attend the Provincial Secretaries Conference representing the Church of Ireland on behalf of the Chief Officer Mr Denis Reardon, who was unable to attend. I would like to thank the Standing Committee and the Chief Officer for this opportunity to experience another aspect of the Church of Ireland in the context of the world-wide network of the Anglican Communion. The meeting provided an insight into the life of the Communion through the eyes of key administrators and an opportunity to establish bonds of friendship with colleagues around the globe.

Host Province The meeting was hosted by the Province of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui (The Church of the Province of Hong Kong). The Archbishop of Hong Kong, the Most Revd Paul Kwong hosted a welcome dinner for the Provincial Secretaries at which we met a number of clergy, members of the laity and staff from the Provincial office. I would like to express thanks to the host Province for the generosity of their welcome and for the extensive and careful preparation work undertaken to enable us to engage with the Province during the week that we spent there. On Sunday, we were privileged to share worship with parishes in the dioceses, and were entertained by members of the parish. I attended Emmanuel Church, Pokfulam, where the Priest-in-Charge is the

162 Standing Committee – Report 2008 Revd Matthew Vernon. Emmanuel is a daughter church of St John’s Anglican Cathedral, and has recently moved into a renovated church. A number of families with Northern Ireland links introduced themselves and their children as we enjoyed coffee after the service and they send their greetings to their home Church. The parish has a website at: www.emmanuel.org.hk. Hong Kong is a place of great contrasts; none greater than the gap between rich and poor. The Revd Dorothy Lau is Director of the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council and she made an extensive presentation on the challenges facing society in Hong Kong as well as leading the group on a tour of the Welfare Council’s Integrated Centre in the developing area of Tung Chung. The model of social service was based on state-social partnership. Revd Lau explained that this derived from the extensive involvement of the Churches in social service provision in Hong Kong in the period from the 19th century to the 1970s, when state provision began to be developed. The state looked naturally to religious organisations to maintain educational establishments and other provision and this has been developed. Today, in the period following reunification with China, the state engages with social partners from other religious traditions as well as the Christian Churches – which are, in fact, a minority. The extent of the services was very impressive and I have brought home some literature, if anyone should like to have more detail. A number of the staff and clergy in the Province referred to a recent visit by the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr John Neill and the Revd Alan McCormack to Hong Kong and expressed encouragement for this link between the two Churches. Reports from each Province The Reports from the Provinces offered an immediate sense of what’s new and what’s important – all the more focused because you had to capture your key points in five minutes. It was a privilege to share news of the Church of Ireland’s plans for ministry formation and the creation of a new Theological Institute, as well as information about our Hard Gospel Project and to report the instances of growth and renewal in our dioceses. There was also a warm response to the work of CMS Ireland and acknowledgement of the significance of the MPower Conference held in Armagh in 2005 the ongoing work in developing the partnership relationships between the Church of Ireland and Churches in other Provinces. The Provincial Secretaries from Rwanda and Burundi both expressed their particular sense of shared ministry with the Church of Ireland in terms of work that focuses on healing and reconciliation in society. The Role of Provincial Secretaries Introductory talks were given by Mwita Akiri (Tanzania) and Michael Pollesel (Canada) followed by discussion in which participants shared ideas about the role and work of Provincial Secretaries. The role of the Provincial Secretary differs across the Communion. Typically, the activities include supporting Primates and Provinces in their decision making, financial management and support and development of ministries and staff. Among the items discussed were - the role of Provincial Secretaries in provincial decision-making

163 Standing Committee – Report 2008 - relationships with Primates - responsibility for management of assets - empowering ministry and partnership through the ministry of the Provincial Secretaries - prioritising responsibilities - handling change The Church in Conflict Situations A very large number of Churches are offering ministry in or have recently experienced conflict situations. Two presentations were made by Humphrey Peters (Pakistan) and Hanna Mansour (Jerusalem and the Middle East). Apart from the issues of conflict, other aspects identified included being a minority faith, the importance of negotiation, reconciliation and healing for the Church and for wider society.

Anglican Communion Issues Structures: The meeting was privileged to have a number of sessions on the structure and work of the Anglican Communion and of issues facing the Communion led by the Secretary General, the Revd Canon Kenneth Kearon. Apart from the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC), the Primates Meeting and the Lambeth Conferences, the life of the Communion is also developed through a series of Commissions and Networks. The work of the Commissions is funded out of central Anglican Communion funds, (raised primarily through contributions), but participation in networks is funded by the participating Churches, who fund the engagement of their own delegates. Provincial Secretaries were asked to draw the attention of their Churches to the extent of the activities and to encourage participation where possible. Other items covered included the work of the Anglican Communion Office, communications, Theological Education for the Anglican Communion, the Anglican initiative on child protection issues, the Anglican UN Observer’s Office and the Anglican Women’s empowerment movement. Funding: Director of Finance (ACC) Mr Andrew Franklin addressed a funding difficulty. He indicated that there is an urgent need to review the funding of the Anglican Communion organisation, both in terms of raising the amount that is required and also in calculating more fairly the proportion that is contributed by each Province. He has circulated a proposed review of the calculation of contributions based on the same model as that used by the World Council of Churches. This would result in the Church of Ireland contribution being assessed at an 8% per annum annual increase for the foreseeable future, in order to bring our contribution to the level that is proposed under this assessment. (An overall increase of some 60%). This will be circulated as a separate item for discussion at Standing Committee in November.

164 Standing Committee – Report 2008 Processes: Another interesting session covered the Listening Process, the Covenant Process (and how Provinces are handling the draft Covenant) and the 2008 Lambeth Conference – plans and preparations.

Global issues Canon Margaret Larom (The Episcopal Church in the USA) led a session on The Evangelism and Mission Conference (TEAM) held in Johannesburg in March 2007. Her presentation focused on the gathering momentum to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. This was a particular theme of the Evangelism and Mission Conference that met in December 2006 and also of the work of the Anglican Communion Observer at the UN and the Women’s Network. The Church of Ireland representative on the International Anglican Women’s Network is the Revd Canon Doris Clements. Mr William Fittall (England) led a session on the diversity of challenges facing Provinces of the Communion in managing the interface with the secular authorities, and the dilemmas posed for Churches in different parts of the World by the changing political, legal and social context in which they are operating. The Provincial Secretaries reflected on their role at the interface between Church and secular authorities and considered the variety of ways in which the Provinces of the Communion are seeking to manifest the love and mercy of Jesus Christ throughout their societies. Workshops There were a number of interesting workshops held: Spirituality and the administration task of the Provincial Secretary led by Samitiana Razafindralambo (Indian Ocean) This workshop was very reflective in its content, focusing on the spiritual, scriptural and theological context of the work of the Provincial Secretary and the need for personal spiritual nurturing to fulfil the role. It was also a time of sharing about the support received from families, the tensions that exist and the challenges inherent in the role. Implications of changing patterns of ministry (including selection and training) led by William Fittall (England) The approach of international Christian NGOs to local indigenous Churches led by Humphrey Peters (Pakistan) The role of the Church in the fight against corruption led by Aaron Mwesigye (Uganda) - Paper available

Church Growth where Churches are in minority situations led by Humphrey Peters (Pakistan)

165 Standing Committee – Report 2008 This workshop flowed from two presentations made by the Provincial Secretaries from Cuba and from Pakistan. Colleagues were interested to hear of the Guidelines for Interfaith Events and Dialogue issued by the Church of Ireland’s Committee for Christian Unity and the Bishops in 2007 and copies of these were requested by a number of Provincial Secretaries. Communique : The meeting issued a communiqué at the end of its proceedings. It was proposed to hold the next meeting in three years time. Provinces represented: Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia; Australia; Bangladesh; Brazil; Burundi; Canada; Central Africa; Central American Region; England; Episcopal Church (USA); Hong Kong; Indian Ocean; Ireland; Japan; Jerusalem and the Middle East; Kenya; Melanesia; Mexico; Myanmar; Pakistan; Philippines; Rwanda; Scotland; South India; Tanzania; Uganda; Wales; West Africa; West Indies. The Anglican Churches in Cuba and Sri Lanka were also represented. Congo, Korea and Sudan had to send last minute apologies.

166 Standing Committee – Report 2008 APPENDIX C THE CHURCH OF IRELAND RESPONSE TO THE DRAFT ANGLICAN COVENANT

PART ONE INTRODUCTION This Church of Ireland response to the Anglican Draft Covenant was prepared by a small drafting group comprised of those who were, or had been, elected members of Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) and those who had been much involved in ecumenical affairs on behalf of the Church of Ireland. The preliminary discussion centred on whether the idea of a Covenant was to be supported, or whether something much simpler was required, such as a common statement. Two previous Church of Ireland responses within the Windsor process had shown somewhat different emphases in relation to this issue. However, it soon emerged that there was within the drafting group a general willingness to support the Covenant concept. The drafting group decided that rather than make a line by line response to the Draft Covenant, it would use it as a basis for the construction of what it was felt would be an acceptable form of Covenant. A new drafting for a Covenant was then discussed at a full meeting of the drafting group and the Bishops of the Church of Ireland. It received a very positive response with a few minor suggestions which were easily incorporated. The Standing Committee of the General Synod, representative of the clergy and laity of every diocese then passed the response.

The thinking behind the Church of Ireland re-drafting could be listed as threefold: 1. A Covenant should express very clearly the themes of Mutual Responsibility and Interdependence within the Body of Christ; 2. A Covenant should aim, insofar as possible, to be inclusive; 3. Whilst perhaps not solving the present crisis a Covenant should, by emphasising what is implied by mutual responsibility, go some way to prevent similar crises in the future.

The methodology of the redrafting included the following: • To reduce discursive material; • To remove elements of legislative structure; • To recognise that the present Instruments of Communion should not be “set in stone”; in a Covenant, as these have evolved in the past and will do so in the future; • To sharpen a sense of common identity and interdependence; • To retain an emphasis on provincial autonomy; • To emphasize responsibility to consult and listen in the context of mutual commitment.

167 Standing Committee – Report 2008 In discussion it became clear that, though procedures were felt to be inappropriate within the context of a Covenant, the Anglican Communion would have to put in place procedures, in keeping with the Covenant, to deal with crises that might develop. The redrafting of the Covenant as attached here is offered in the sincere conviction that the Church of Ireland has a real contribution to make. This response is representative of work undertaken together by those of a wide variety of views in relation to both churchmanship and issues of human sexuality. It reflects a determination to stay together in the face of the current difficulties. This redrafting is offered as a suggestion as to a possible Covenant which might be agreed on the one hand by those who emphasized the need for a greater sense of communion and all that this implies, and on the other by those who stressed the need for the recognition that provincial autonomy must remain paramount.

PART TWO

PROPOSED RE-DRAFT OF THE DRAFT ANGLICAN COVENANT

1 Preamble

We, the Churches of the Anglican Communion, under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, solemnly covenant together in these articles, in order to proclaim more effectively through our communion in our different contexts the grace of God revealed in the Gospel, to offer God’s love in responding to the needs of the world, to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, and to grow together in our commitment to communion in the full stature of Christ.

2 Each member Church affirms

2.1 that it is part of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, worshipping the one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; 2.2 that it professes the faith which is uniquely revealed in the Holy Scriptures as containing all things necessary for salvation and as being the rule and ultimate standard of faith, and which is set forth in the catholic creeds; 2.3 that it holds and duly administers the two sacraments ordained by Christ himself – Baptism and the Supper of the Lord – ministered with the unfailing use of Christ’s Words of Institution, and of the elements ordained by Him; 2.4 that it participates in the apostolic mission of the whole people of God;

2.5 that its mission is shared with other Churches and traditions not party to this covenant; 2.6 that, led by the Holy Spirit, it has borne witness to Christian truth in its historic formularies, the Thirty-nine Articles of Religion, the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, and the Ordering of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons;

168 Standing Committee – Report 2008 2.7 the historic episcopate, locally adapted in the methods of its administration to the varying needs of the nations and peoples called of God into the unity of his Church and the central role of bishops as custodians of the faith, leaders in mission, and as a visible sign of unity.

3 Each Church commits itself

3.1 To answering God’s call to share in his healing and reconciling mission for our blessed but broken, hurting and fallen world, and, with mutual accountability, to share its God-given spiritual and material resources in this task. 3.2 In matters of common concern, to have regard to the common good of the Communion in the exercise of its autonomy, and to support the work of the Communion with the spiritual and material resources available to it. 3.3 To spend time with openness and patience in matters of theological debate and enquiry, listening to and studying with one another, in order to discern the will of God. 3.4 To ensure that biblical texts are handled faithfully, believing that scriptural revelation must continue to illuminate, challenge and transform all cultures, structures and ways of thinking. 3.5 To seek with other members, through the shared councils of the Communion, a common mind about matters of concern, consistent with the Scriptures, common standards of faith and the canon law of the Churches. 3.6 To acknowledge a moral authority in the current Instruments of Communion, while recognizing that they have no juridical, legislative or executive authority in the respective provinces. 3.7 To seek guidance from the Instruments of Communion where there are matters in serious dispute among Churches that cannot be resolved by mutual admonition and counsel. 3.8 To take heed of the Instruments of Communion in matters which may threaten the unity of the Communion and the effectiveness of our mission. 3.9 To acknowledge that in the most extreme circumstances, where member churches choose not to fulfill the substance of the covenant, such churches will have relinquished for themselves the force and meaning of the covenant’s purpose.

4 Declaration

With joy and with firm resolve, we declare our Churches to be partners in this Anglican Covenant, releasing ourselves for fruitful service and binding ourselves more closely in the truth and love of Christ, to whom with the Father and the Holy Spirit be glory for ever. Amen.

November 2007

169 Standing Committee – Report 2008 APPENDIX D

WORLD DEVELOPMENT – BISHOPS’ APPEAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT 2008 MEMBERSHIP

Rt Rev MHG Mayes (Retired March 2008) Mr W Kingston Rt Rev Rev MAJ Burrows Rev JDM Pierce Rev OMR Donohoe (Honorary Treasurer) Ms A Rooke Ms R Handy Mr TA Smallwoods Canon PA Harvey Rev IP Poulton (Honorary Secretary)

• Bishops' Appeal income in 2007 was €550,073 and £185,143 as against €494,833 and £233,487 in 2006 • Bishops’ Appeal ran an all-Ireland Appeal in Lent 2008: “The Body of Christ has AIDS”. This was the first attempt at an appeal to every parish that was not linked to an emergency. • Bishops’ Appeal is establishing a scholarship in memory of Dean Des Harman of Christ Church Cathedral, who died suddenly in December 2007. Dean Harman was a member of the Committee from its inception in 1971 until 1999. The scholarship will be awarded on an annual basis to an African priest to study peace or development studies in Dublin. Support from Irish Aid will be sought. • Transparency and accountability require that Bishops’ Appeal be able to demonstrate to donors where money has been spent. Grant applications in 2008 will only be accepted where full accounts and budgets are attached. • Bishops’ Appeal is conscious that aid and development appeals are a market economy and that there is a need to compete in this “marketplace”.

WE BEING MANY . . . As the Church of Ireland’s own world development appeal, Bishops’ Appeal seeks to mobilise the goodwill and commitment of the many members of the Church of Ireland in pursuit of biblical justice and mercy in the developing world. Bishops’ Appeal continues to disburse funds received to agencies and partners under the four headings that through the years have helped the Bishops’ Appeal Committee ensure good stewardship of the resources at its disposal (a) sustainable agriculture and rural development; (b) education projects;

170 Standing Committee – Report 2008 (c) medical, health and HIV/AIDS work; (d) disaster, emergency and famine relief Details of the projects supported will be found in the Bishops’ Appeal annual newsletter, which will be launched at General Synod. 2007 saw the second successive annual fall in support for the Appeal suggesting that we as a Church have not convinced the many that support for work in the developing world is not an option that might be chosen just at times of media covered disasters, but is part of our daily Christian discipleship. Against the background of an overall drop in giving in 2007, it was encouraging to note strong support and increasing contributions from some predominantly rural dioceses. Bishops’ Appeal would be considerably strengthened in its witness to God’s generosity towards us if it could elicit similar levels of commitment in the most populous dioceses.

. . . ARE ONE BODY The oneness of the Body of Christ was given particular emphasis in the Lenten Campaign, the first attempted by Bishops’ Appeal. There was a desire, particularly in the year of a Lambeth Conference, to express our oneness in Christ with our sisters and brothers in Africa. “The Body of Christ has AIDS” had become a frequent expression amongst African churches seeking to address the problems of HIV/AIDS in their own communities, and seemed an appropriate reflection of Saint Paul’s understanding of the solidarity of Christians in the face of suffering. The spread of HIV and AIDS shows no sign of slowing. According to the United Nations body charged with the task of tracking the spread of the virus, the number of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) continues to increase in most parts of the world. There are now an estimated 22 million AIDS orphans globally; this number will rise to 25 million in 2010, and perhaps to 40 million in 2020. In sub-Saharan Africa, 9% of children have lost one or both parents to HIV and AIDS. The care and education of these young people is a huge drain on these countries, and a challenge that cannot be left unmet. 40 million people are living with HIV today. The epidemic threatens to reverse decades of development progress, and has reduced life expectancy in some African countries to the high 30s or low 40s. It was against this background that Bishops’ Appeal launched “The Body of Christ Has AIDS!” in Armagh and Dublin on 6th January 2008, seeking to encourage people throughout the Church of Ireland to recognize our unity in Christ with those who are suffering. Funds collected through the campaign will support Christian Aid partner ANARELA+, a network of African Christian leaders affected by HIV/AIDS, and Tearfund’s Disaster Management Team who are tackling HIV in Liberia. The success (or otherwise) of the campaign will not be clear until collections have been received from the many parishes that make up our Church. We pray that our bishops will be

171 Standing Committee – Report 2008 able to attend the Lambeth Conference in July 2008 enabled by the many members of the Church of Ireland to say to their African brothers that the Church of Ireland has taken seriously the New Testament mandate to bear one another’s burdens.

. . . FOR WE ALL SHARE IN THE ONE BREAD The sharing of God’s abundant generosity towards us motivated those who established Bishops’ Appeal in 1971. Amongst those pioneers was a young Desmond Harman who approached the challenges of aid and development, as he approached all challenges, with a quiet persistence and a determined integrity. Des Harman ensured Bishops’ Appeal spent every penny at its disposal to the maximum effect and with the maximum possible degree of transparency and accountability. He served as a committee member for 28 years, remaining as projects co-ordinator until standing down from the committee in 1999. The sudden death of Dean Des Harman was a shock to all who knew him. There was a desire that, in keeping with the standards of good stewardship upon which he would have insisted, there would be some continuing recognition of Des Harman’s commitment to working for a better world. The Bishops’ Appeal Committee have received the approval of the House of Bishops for the establishment of an annual scholarship in memory of Dean Harman. It is intended that the scholarship will each year facilitate studies by an African priest in the fields of development or peace and reconciliation. Clergy play major leadership and educative roles in many African communities and the Committee believes that such a scholarship brings with it the potential to have long-term impacts upon communities struggling with poverty or the effects of conflict. The Committee invites donations in memory of Dean Harman, which will be invested in a scholarship fund, and will seek a co-funding relationship with Irish Aid in this project. The Church of Ireland has been deeply enriched by the experience of African clergy among us, our fellowship as members of one Communion deepened by the experiences they bring from their own churches and the insights they offer into our own situation. Sharing and partnership are mutual experiences; we believe that we will benefit as much from a scholarship programme as the recipients of the scholarships and their communities.

PERSONNEL Mr Martin O’Connor has continued his unflagging work as Bishops’ Appeal Education Adviser, travelling the length and breadth of Ireland to challenge listeners on issues of aid and development. The Committee was pleased to engage Mr O’Connor for a further term at the end of December 2007, appointing him as Education Adviser until June 2010. We would encourage parishes and dioceses to invite Martin to speak at services and at meetings. Bishop Michael Mayes, chairman of the Bishops’ Appeal Committee since January 1999, stood down from the Committee upon his retirement as Bishop of Limerick on 31st March 2008. We are very grateful to Bishop Michael for the steady hand and the good humour with

172 Standing Committee – Report 2008 which he guided our meetings, handling even fraught moments with a calm serenity. We thank him for his abiding interest in the complex issues surrounding aid and development, and for his desire to hold on to an international perspective on matters. We wish him many years of happy retirement, unmarred by difficult meetings!

TAX EFFICIENT GIVING

Taxpayers are reminded that tax-efficient schemes are available in both parts of Ireland whereby donations to Bishops’ Appeal can be enhanced at no extra cost to the donor. In the Republic the scheme applies to taxpayers making a donation of €250 or more in the tax year. Taxpayers in Northern Ireland can avail of the Gift Aid scheme, which allows charities to reclaim 28% of all donations, made by taxpayers. Details of both schemes are available from the RCB office in Church House, Dublin and Church of Ireland House, Belfast.

THANKS

The Committee wishes to record thanks to the staff in Church of Ireland House, particularly Ms Doreen Smyth and Mr Adrian Clements, for their ever courteous and efficient assistance in the financial management of the Bishops’ Appeal funds.

173 Standing Committee – Report 2008 BISHOPS’ APPEAL ACCOUNT 2007 FUND ACCOUNT Year ended 31 December 2007 2006 € € INCOMING RESOURCES Contributions 802,552 842,544 Deposit Interest 4,681 13,132 Currency exchange loss (1,413) 3,792 Grants – Christian Aid 0 0 Tax refunds 20,183 40,266 826,003 899,734

RESOURCES EXPENDED Grants 873,776 1,083,691 Printing and stationery 13,851 14,280 Administration expenses 10,937 8,670 Dochas membership 0 0 Education expenses 0 0 Salaries and PRSI 17,200 17,200 915,764 1,123,841 (Deficit)/Surplus for year (89,761) (224,107) Balance at 1 January 232,638 456,745 Balance at 31 December 142,877 232,638

EMPLOYMENT OF FUNDS

Cash on deposit 142,877 232,638 Balance at 31 December 142,877 232,638

Sterling balances and transactions have been translated to Euro at the rate of exchange ruling at 31 December 2007, €1 = £0.7333 (2006: €1 = £0.6715). ACCOUNTANTS’ REPORT The Standing Committee is responsible for preparing the Income and Expenditure and the Fund Account for the year ended 31 December 2007. We have examined the above and have compared it with the books and records of the Fund. We have not performed an audit and, accordingly, do not express an audit opinion on the above statement. In our opinion, the above statements are in accordance with the books and records of the Fund. PricewaterhouseCoopers Chartered Accountants Dublin 11 March 2008

174 Standing Committee – Report 2008 BISHOPS’ APPEAL CONTRIBUTIONS 2007 2006 Stg£ € Stg£ € ARMAGH 26,729 1,681 28,079 1,874 CLOGHER 21,202 1,900 19,649 24,280 CONNOR 37,541 160 80,649 - DERRY & RAPHOE 40,437 23,249 20,688 17,507 DOWN & DROMORE 50,903 - 81,660 - DOWN DROMORE & CONNOR 950 - - - KILMORE - 18,320 - 7,069 ELPHIN - 7,781 - 8,609 CASHEL & OSSORY - 74,505 - 41,811 FERNS 100 21,032 100 40,126 CORK - 87,441 - 54,829 DUBLIN - 216,816 102 206,652 LIMERICK - 18,324 - 10,009 MEATH & KILDARE - 56,590 - 27,196 TUAM - 6,128 - 11,177 ANONYMOUS (UNKNOWN) 1,930 - - - INDIVIDUALS (INCL. LEGACIES) 5,351 16,146 2,560 43,694 ______TOTALS 185,143 550,073 233,487 494,833 ______TOTALS IN EURO 802,552 842,543 ______BISHOPS’ APPEAL GRANTS PAID TYPE OF DEVELOPMENT 2007 2006 €€ Disaster Relief 176,000 333,011 Health & Medical 175,615 133,047 Education/Communications 167,520 308,488 Rural Development 354,641 309,145 ______Totals 873,776 1,083,691 ______DEVELOPMENT AGENCY €€ Christian Aid 287,938 298,896 CMSI 78,842 149,468 Tearfund 17,860 66,363 Feed the Minds 47,629 44,965 Others 441,507 523,999 Totals 873,776 1,083,691 ______

175 Standing Committee – Report 2008 BISHOPS’ APPEAL GRANTS PAID

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

AFRICA - €377,316;Stg £131,419 Agricultural Programme Burundi Christian Aid Ante-natal Education Ghana Feed the Minds Boreholes Project Sudan CMSI Children & Adult Literacy Programme Northern Ghana Feed the Minds Community Development Programme DR Congo The Leprosy Mission Construction of Pharmacy Uganda CMSI Darfur Emergency Relief Sudan Christian Aid Development of Integrated Community Uganda Aidlink Displaced People Uganda Tearfund Drinking Water Ethiopia Christian Aid Emergency Flood Relief Africa Christian Aid Food Security Rwanda Christian Aid Food Security & Social Rights for Nuba People Sudan Christian Aid Health Care Malawi USPG HIV Testing & Protection Africa USPG Integrated Development Tanzania BIDII Isango Literacy Project Uganda Feed the Minds Kiwoko Hospital Uganda CMSI Meath & Kildare Diocesan Project Malawi Direct Meath & Kildare Diocesan Project Ùbombo Direct Poverty Training Programme Tanzania Direct Railway Children, Mkombozi Project Tanzania Direct Reconcilliation Education South Africa Vuleka Refugee Project Egypt CMSI Rural Development Interdiocesan Service Rwanda Direct St Paul’s Cathedral Project Malawi Direct Sustainable Food Security and Provision of Water Kenya BIDII Teacher Training Lesotho USPG Teule Hospital Tanzania USPG Training Centre Sudan CMSI

176 Standing Committee – Report 2008

ASIA - €156,818;£6,472 AIDS Education India Feed the Minds Emergency Food Relief Bangladesh Christian Aid Emergency Relief Funds Indonesia Christian Aid Emergency Relief Funds Middle East Feed the Minds Emergency Relief Funds Middle East Christian Aid Friends of Neyyoor Hospital India Direct Plant Nursery India HOPE Reconstruction of Communication Infrastructure Lebanon Feed the Minds Reconstruction of three Primary Schools Pakistan SAFE School Pakistan SAFE Village Development India Christian Aid Wheelchairs Sri Lanka Motivation

CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA - €115,440;£22,850 Education on Rights, Health & Citizenship Brazil Chrisitan Aid Emergency Centre Honduras GOAL Homeless Project Argentina USPG Let Agogo (Flowing Milk) Project Haiti Christian Aid Projeto Bem-me-Quer Brazil Sr Helen Regan Rural Development Bolivia Christian Aid Self-help Project Brazil USPG Soup Kitchen Argentina SAMS Sustainable Development Guatemala Christian Aid

OTHER - €5,000

RTE TV Documentary Developing World KMF Productions

177 Standing Committee – Report 2008 APPENDIX E CENTRAL COMMUNICATIONS BOARD The Annual Report of this Board incorporates reports from the Broadcasting, Internet and Literature Committees from March 2007-February 2008. MEMBERSHIP Most Rev AET Harper (Chair) (House of Bishops) Very Rev JFA Bond (Standing Committee) Most Rev RL Clarke (House of Bishops) Rev EV Cremin (Chair- Broadcasting Committee) Very Rev RD Harman, Deceased December 2007) (Hon Secretary) Ven RG Hoey (Chair – Internet Committee) Mrs J Leighton (Representative Body) Dr K Milne (Chair – Literature Committee) Mr DC Reardon (Church House Senior Managment) Dr R Refaussé (Hon Secretary – Literature Committee) Head of Synod Services & Communications (ex officio) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Board made progress to develop the redesigned Church of Ireland website, although much of this input was unseen as resources were directed to support the work of the Liturgical Advisory Committee in developing the worship section content and in assisting it to resolve issues relating to copyright. A website was launched for the Church of Ireland Publishing imprint improving promotion of the publications list. In Broadcasting, the Committee secured an assurance that religious broadcast services would be maintained as part of the public service remit and that further development of religious programming was to be funded. The Hard Gospel Project received direct support, and objectives to develop its work on communications have been identified. OBJECTIVES 2008-09 • Train new communications staff and focus their work around the key objectives of the Board and its sub-committees. • Implement distribution, marketing and promotional structures for Church of Ireland Publishing. • Publish and promote the new parish handbook. • The Liturgical Advisory Committee to complete its work on the material for the Worship Section of the website. • Work with committees to encourage greater and more creative use of the website to promote and communicate their work.

178 Standing Committee – Report 2008 • Promote the Hard Gospel Project communications objectives to the wider Church, and continue to provide support to the project as a whole. • Provide media training to senior Church personnel. • Continue to lobby broadcasters in respect of maintaining and developing religious programming within the public service remit. Report March 2007- February 2008 Between March 2007 to February 2008 the CCB made further progress on the objectives outlined in last year’s report. Publishing – development of management structures The Literature Committee has undertaken the major project of a new parish handbook, updating the information to take account of current Church and state regulations. The Royalties Fund remains healthy. A website containing the publishing list of the Church of Ireland Publishing imprint marks progress on the objective of introducing more formal management of the publishing activities. Broadcasting – maintaining religious programming at RTÉ Concern over the future of religious programming at RTÉ led the Committee to create a specific objective to lobby for this provision as the broadcaster moves towards a digital platform. RTÉ’s Medium Wave service closed in March, but the Committee has secured an assurance from the broadcaster that the current schedule and format of broadcast religious services remain a long term commitment within its public service remit. The Sunday morning radio services are now being broadcast on Long Wave, but will eventually be accessible in digital format and via the internet also. The Committee extends its thanks to those clergy and diocesan personnel who helped to tell listeners about the change of location of the services. The Committee welcomed the appointment of a new Head of Religious Programming for TV & Radio at RTÉ, Mr Roger Childs. The move to digital broadcasting will result in many changes and the Broadcasting Committee objectives aim to prepare the Church for these developments. Internet – development of Church of Ireland website The redesigned website was launched in May 2007. During the year, Church House has facilitated the Internet Committee to address teething problems and to assist the Liturgical Advisory Committee with the development of the Worship section. The Committee wishes to thank the Chief Officer and the staff involved. Work is ongoing on these two items and the Committee plans to work with committees to encourage greater use of the website to promote their activities. Accessible Communications The Board continues to remind the Church of the work done to create accessible communications. The Church Hymnal and the Book of Common Prayer are both available in

179 Standing Committee – Report 2008 large print and Braille formats. Advice on the creation of alternative formats for minutes, reports, service sheets or other materials is available from the Synod Services and Communications staff in Church House, Dublin. Parishes and dioceses are encouraged to develop their use of alternative formats to increase participation in Church life and worship. Communications Support for the Hard Gospel Project The Board welcomes the work done during the year by the Hard Gospel Project. At a central level, the values and objectives of the Project have been actively promoted. A sample survey of the Church of Ireland news items posted over a 10-week period revealed that fully two- thirds distinctly reflected the values and issues promoted by the project. The Board also notes the extensive, positive coverage obtained by the Hard Gospel project in the mass media. However, the Board is concerned to note that one of the negative findings of the Living with Difference – a reality check report indicated that in general the Church is not seen as communicating these important values effectively. Focusing on the Key Principles outlined on pp 71 - 72 of the report, the Board urges all decision-making bodies at every level of the Church to consider the issues raised in the report, to evaluate all aspects of how their work is communicated and to take action to make the ‘intentional communication’ referred to in the report a reality. Media training Although media training had not been set as a specific objective for 2007-08, the Board was pleased to be able to access funding in the latter part of the year to offer focused broadcast media training to senior Church personnel and spokespersons, including the bishops and staff working in the areas of education, child protection and suicide prevention, and to the newly- appointed Director of the Theological Institute. The importance of mass media is growing, and the development of digital and internet platforms increases the opportunity to use these communication skills effectively. The training offered is specifically tailored to individuals and their areas of work. It is costly to deliver, but of great benefit to the organisation. The Board intends to continue with this form of training while resources permit. Personnel The Board was saddened by the death of the Very Revd Desmond Harman on 18th December 2007 and pays tribute to the contribution he made to the work of the Board over many years. Progress was made on all of the objectives identified in March 2007. The Board welcomes the appointment of Mr Paul Harron as Press Officer and looks forward to him taking up this post at the beginning of June. The Board thanks Mrs Jenny Compston for her work in the Press Office and also Ms Michelle Carter, Ms Charlotte Howard and Mr Alastair Graham for their work on the website and internet services.

180 Standing Committee – Report 2008 BROADCASTING COMMITTEE

MEMBERSHIP Rev EV Cremin (Chairperson from February 2008) Ms R Buchanan Most Rev Dr RL Clarke (Acting Chairperson until February 2008) Mr R Childs Appointed: February 2008 Rev DI Gillespie Resigned: January 2008 Rev TW Gordon Rev TKD Graham Resigned: January 2008

Head of Communications (ex officio) Press Officer (ex officio) Purpose Of The Committee The Committee reviewed its objectives and identified four objectives for the next three year period. • Broadcast training • Monitoring • Preparing for the digital future • Media sector engagement – lobbying, maintaining links, responding to consultations. Executive Summary Technical and legislative changes driving the move towards digital media are altering the shape and cost structure of broadcasting. The Broadcasting Committee has set three-year objectives to monitor changes, identify threats and opportunities and to train church personnel to operate effectively in the new broadcast environment. The committee continues to maintain active industry links and to engage in policy debate relevant to religious programming in the public service sphere. Training Broadcasting training is required for clergy in respect of broadcast services and for senior Church personnel, DCOs and spokespersons in respect of engagement with the media to represent the views of the Church. The Revd TW Gordon is responsible for training clergy in respect of broadcast services. Targeted media training for mainstream media has been carried out for the Bishops and Honorary Secretaries and for a number of senior personnel to refine their broadcasting skills. This training will be extended to a further group during 2008/09. It is hoped to offer similar training over the next five year period to those individuals who engage with broadcast media at a senior level.

181 Standing Committee – Report 2008 Monitoring The Committee attempted to develop a monitoring function among its members, but found that this was difficult to sustain. Monitoring is important to maintain an understanding of what topics the media industry currently finds interesting in terms of religious coverage, and also helps the Church to engage most effectively in terms of quality inputs. This function has therefore been written into the job description of a new Communications Officer, who will monitor on an ongoing basis, drawing the key items to the attention of the Committee for further consideration. Preparing for the digital future The emergence of digital technology and its adaptation by mainstream broadcasters, the switchoff of analogue and the emergence of new multi-media platforms represents a massive change in the media world. For the Church, this has wide ranging implications for how Christians engage with the new media environment as consumers and as producers. The pressures on public service broadcasting are greater in this new situation, so that the Church must increase its lobbying to maintain provision for religious programming. Competition between broadcasters is increasing and revenues are under pressure. As a result, there is a move towards cheaper content, and the more demanding type of programming that religious content has traditionally fallen into is being reduced. On the other hand, multi-media platforms are opening up new, and non-traditional windows where religious content is beginning to appear (e.g. YouTube). However, this is quite unregulated and is not, so far, a space where the religious bodies have ventured. How the mainstream Churches will engage with this new environment is not yet obvious. As a first step, the Broadcast Committee is reviewing the use of the televised slot on RTE on Sunday mornings. The Broadcasting Committee has set as its purpose for the next three year period, to monitor developments in this area, to gain understanding of how the industry is changing and to develop links with other bodies in the Church and ecumenically, to develop opportunities and to help the Church to be ready for these changes as they happen. Media sector engagement The rapid pace of change in the media industry has led the Committee to refocus its purpose under the heading of industry engagement to focus on: • Lobbying in respect of preservation of the religious component in public service broadcasting. • Responding to consultations on future regulation of this sector with the objective of ensuring access by citizens and also the possibility of engaging effectively with

182 Standing Committee – Report 2008 producers to ensure that religious content continues to find a space in this important area of public infrastructure. • Recognising and developing relationships with producers and programme-makers who have an interest in incorporating religious content in their work. The Committee maintains regular links with the BBC, UTV, RTE, Ofcom, ICCTRA, The Churches Media Council, the Westminster Media Forum, the Voice of the Listener and Viewer and the Religious News Network. RTÉ This year has seen highly significant developments in religious programming within RTÉ. One of these important changes comes with the retirement of Fr Dermod McCarthy as Editor of Religious Programmes. Fr McCarthy has maintained a high profile for religious broadcasting throughout his 16 years and has presided over some of the most turbulent and challenging years for the Irish churches. He has successfully maintained Religion as a separate brand category within RTÉ and has continued to foster warm links across the ecumenical spectrum. The Church of Ireland has benefitted greatly from Fr McCarthy’s tenure within RTÉ. We record our deep appreciation of his work and also wish him well in his retirement. The Committee also welcomes Mr Roger Childs as the new Editor of Religious Programmes. Mr Childs comes to the appointment from the BBC and brings with him a wealth of experience. He was Series Producer in BBC religion and ethics which included The Heaven and Earth programme. Mr Childs is also committed to new aspects of training for religious programmes which will be undertaken in conjunction with the churches. We wish him well in his new position and look forward to continuing the Church of Ireland’s warm relationship with RTÉ. This year has also seen difficult decisions in relation to RTÉ MW transmission. The prohibitive cost of upgrading and maintaining the MW transmitter has necessitated a move to LW for religious services (radio). This change has been widely publicised by RTÉ and the churches. RTÉ has underlined that this is a technical issue and does not imply any change in its policy and commitment to religious services. The Church of Ireland has voiced strong concern about this development.

183 Standing Committee – Report 2008 INTERNET COMMITTEE Membership Ven RG Hoey (Chair) Ms M Carter (IT department, RCB) Mr A Clements (Head of Finance - RCB) Rev P Heak Mr N Hutchinson Mr P Neill Rev A Rufli

Head of Communications (ex officio) Role of the Internet Committee The Internet Committee advises the Central Communications Board on the use of the Internet in the Church of Ireland. The Internet Committee works in two main areas: • maintaining and developing the Church of Ireland website and the General Synod website • encouraging and developing the use of the Internet among Church members Executive Summary The Internet Committee’s objectives during 2006-2007 were focused around the redesign of the Church of Ireland website, which was undertaken by RT Networks and supported by the IT staff in Church House. The Committee has been addressing issues relating to the facilitation of the Liturgical Advisory Committee’s (LAC) plans for content on the Worship section of the Church of Ireland website. This has required considerable input from staff within Church House and members of the LAC, and the Internet Committee expresses its gratitude to the Chief Officer and the staff of Church House/the IT Department for accommodating the work involved. The Committee intends to progress this work during 2008. In addition, work continued on the other objectives of encouraging internet use for Church purposes, and supporting internet users in the Church. A related development was to promote increased use of electronic communications by committees, and this is proving popular as it reduces the need for travel upon occasion. Future Objectives - Continue to encourage the development of the Worship section on http://ireland.anglican.org

184 Standing Committee – Report 2008 - Work with committees to encourage greater creative use of the website to communicate with the Church and wider audience. - Increase the pictorial input to the website. - Expand other areas of the site - e.g. Board of Education, Bishops’ Appeal, Central Office information. - Address feedback regarding navigability of the site. Websites & Hosting Services The main website is to be found at http://www.ireland.anglican.org The site had 998,773 visitors ("sessions") between May 2007 and March 2008, which generated over 5,389,011 “hits” (or page/image views). The General Synod site is to be found at http://synod.ireland.anglican.org and continues to prove popular with Synod members and visitors as a valuable source of information. The General Synod website had 80,465 visitors ("sessions") between May 2007 and March 2008, which generated over 293,720 “hits” (or page/image views). The hosting services that are offered by the Internet Committee provide web space and email forwarding facilities for the Church of Ireland. Currently there are 170 parish and 11 diocesan websites hosted on the anglican.org domain. The technical aspects of the Committee are managed by the IT department of Church House. An outsourced technical support service provides technical assistance to those who have an anglican.org e-mail address or a website hosted by the anglican.org domain. This support service may be reached by emailing [email protected] Hosting enquiries should be addressed to [email protected]

LITERATURE COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP Dr K Milne (Chairman) Professor R Gillespie Canon RB Rountree Rev PK McDowell Revd B Treacy OP Canon JW McKegney Ms C West Dr R Refaussé (Honorary Secretary) Very Rev SR White Mrs J Maxwell (ex officio) Canon JW McKegney resigned in November. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The functions of the Committee are to - Promote church related publication within and beyond the Church of Ireland - Manage Church of Ireland Publishing

185 Standing Committee – Report 2008 - Evaluate applications and make recommendations as appropriate for support from the General Synod Royalties Fund In pursuit of these functions the Committee met on four occasions with the Publications Officer, Dr Susan Hood. Future Objectives • Implement a formal promotion and marketing, sales and distribution management structure with a new Communications Officer assuming day to day responsibility. • Complete content for a parish handbook. This is a major project to provide an updated reference work for current use based on the earlier publications. • Promote the use of electronic publishing as well as traditionally printed material to maximise the use of resources. Church Of Ireland Publishing The Literature Committee has continued to devote much of its time to furthering the work of Church of Ireland Publishing (CIP), the publishing imprint for the Church of Ireland. The CIP website (cip.ireland.anglican.org) was updated. A new publications strategy was agreed with the Church in Society Committee whereby its publications would be issued simultaneously in electronic form and in hard copy but with a reduced print run. The following titles were published in 2007:- Patrick Comerford, Embracing difference: The Church of Ireland in a plural society. Committee for Christian Unity & the Bishops of the Church of Ireland, Guidelines for interfaith events & dialogue. Brian Mayne (ed.), Sunday and weekday readings 2008. Kenneth Milne (ed.) Journal of the General Synod 2006. Peter Thompson, The journey so far: Working out the covenant. Publications Officer The Publications Officer attended an Irish Book Publishers’ Association (Cumann Leabharfhoilsitheoirí Éireann, or CLÉ) seminar on marketing and continued to work with the designer, Mr Bill Bolger. In addition to preparing the CIP titles for publication the publications officer typeset the text for the marriage regulations for the Republic of Ireland which have been approved by the Standing Committee.

186 Standing Committee – Report 2008

General Synod Royalties Fund The Committee recommended the following grants:- • £9,795, over three years, to the Liturgical Advisory Committee for the publication of Let everything that hath breath: Psalms for the Church’s year. • €1,000 to Canon David Crooks for the publication of Clergy of Kilmore, Elphin & Ardagh. • €1,000 to the Revd Iain Knox for the publication of Clergy of Waterford & Lismore.

187 Standing Committee – Report 2008 Appendix F

CHURCH OF IRELAND MARRIAGE REGULATIONS (Republic of Ireland) 2007 Approved by the General Synod of the Church of Ireland, 2007 Published by Church of Ireland Publishing Church of Ireland House Church Avenue Rathmines, Dublin 6 © General Synod of the Church of Ireland 2007 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher

ISBN 978-1-904884-14-9

Printed in Church of Ireland House, Dublin

If you require this booklet in alternative formats, please contact: The Marriage Department Church House, Church Avenue, Dublin 6, Ireland Tel: (00 303 1)/(01) 497 8422 Fax: (00 353 1)/(01) 497 8821 The document is available as a pdf file at: www.ireland.anglican.org/resources

188 Standing Committee – Report 2008 INTRODUCTION The Civil Registration Act 2004 introduced new marriage legislation. Section 45-58 of the Act were brought into force (in accordance with Section 1 of the Act) by Ministerial Order on 5 November 2007. A book of regulations: Marriage Provisions of the Civil Registration Act 2004 – Notes for Religious Solemnisers is available from the Civil Registrar. This book will be available on the website of the Registrar-General on 5 November 2007. Within the terms of legislation, The Church of Ireland has established its own regulatory scheme (Canon 31(2) refers) for what the Act refers to as marriages conducted by a ‘religious body’ (Civil Registration Act, Part 6 S45 definitions). The scheme regulates: 1. The places where marriages conducted by clergy of the Church of Ireland may take place; 2. The mechanism for the registration of clergy as registered solemnisers; 3. The records that should be kept, independent of the records of the Registrar General. Under the new legislation, responsibility for registration of a marriage rests on the marrying couple. They must return a completed Marriage Registration Form to the Registrar within one month of the ceremony taking place.

DEFINITIONS Agent A facility known as The Church of Ireland Marriage Office (RI), located in Church of Ireland House, Dublin (telephone 01 497 8422), acts as the agent for the bishops of the Church of Ireland in all matters relating to the responsibility of the Church of Ireland as the “religious body” referred to in the Civil Registration Act 2004. MRF Marriage Registration Form, issued by the civil registrar. All marriages in Republic of Ireland will proceed on foot of a Marriage Regulation Form issued by the Registrar. Record of Marriage Book Each parish shall maintain a Record of Marriage Book, produced by the Church of Ireland and obtainable through the Resource Centre Bookshop, Rathmines (Tel: 01 497 2821) into which shall be entered by the officiant such details of each marriage as the Church of Ireland may from time to time require. Registrar The civil registrar Registered Solemnisers Persons accepted by and included on the register of solemnisers recognized under the Civil Registration Act 2004. 189 Standing Committee – Report 2008 THE REGULATORY SCHEME 1. The Church of Ireland Marriage Office (RI) The Church of Ireland Marriage Office (RI), located in Church of Ireland House, Dublin (Tel: 01 497 8422), acts as the agent for the Bishops of the Church of Ireland in all matters relating to the responsibility of the Church of Ireland as the “religious body” referred to in the Act. In cases of uncertainty, the agent shall have recourse to advice from the Provincial Registrar of Dublin. 2. Registration or Authorisation for the Solemnisation of Marriage (i) In each diocese of which all or part is within the territorial jurisdiction of the Republic of Ireland the bishop and all such beneficed and/or licensed clergy whose parishes or part of whose parishes are within the territorial jurisdiction of the Republic of Ireland, shall be nominated for registration to solemnise marriages under Sections 53-57 of the Civil Registration Act 2004 upon the determination of the diocesan Bishop, who shall be entitled to add the names of individual clergy with permission to officiate at his absolute discretion. Cancellation of such registration shall take place on the removal of such beneficed and/or licensed clergy from office within the territorial jurisdiction of Republic of Ireland or from the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the diocesan bishop concerned, or in such other circumstances as the relevant diocesan bishop or the Registrar General shall see fit. (ii) Any other clergy of the Church of Ireland or of a Church in communion with the said Church as may, from time to time be determined by the House of Bishops, wishing to solemnise a marriage in the Republic of Ireland shall apply to the bishop of the diocese or to the bishop’s commissary in which the particular marriage is to take place. Upon obtaining the Bishop’s (or the bishop’s commissary’s) provisional agreement, the clergyperson shall complete an application form obtainable from the Church of Ireland Marriage Office (RI) Tel: 01 497 8422. This form must be returned to that office together with any information which may then or thereafter be sought for transmission to the relevant bishop. (iii) Temporary registration for a limited period or for the purpose of solemnising a particular marriage or marriages, is at the discretion of the bishop or his/her commissary subject to the completion of the required documentation (as above S2 (ii)).

3. Solemnisation of Marriage (i) No one registered or authorised to solemnise marriages shall carry out any marriage unless: (a) the parties have, prior to the ceremony, produced a Marriage Registration Form in respect of that marriage issued by the Registrar; (b) both parties to the marriage are present; 190 Standing Committee – Report 2008 (c) there are at least two persons over the age of 18 present as witnesses; (d) the place where the solemnisation takes place is open to the public; (e) at least one of the parties shall have been baptised and is a member of the Church of Ireland or of a Church in full communion therewith, unless in exceptional circumstances, the bishop shall determine otherwise. (ii) The ceremony of marriage must be in accordance with the Rites and Ceremonies of the Church of Ireland, using one of the authorised forms of The Marriage Service. (iii) Not more than two days before, or in the marriage ceremony, a declaration must be made by the two parties to the marriage, in the presence of each other, of the registered solemniser who is solemnising the marriage and of the two witnesses to the solemnisation, to the effect that neither of the two parties to the marriage knows of any impediment to the marriage. (iv) The ceremony should only be carried out in a church or chapel of the Church of Ireland duly consecrated for public worship. Marriages shall NOT be solemnised at any place other than a church or chapel of the Church of Ireland duly consecrated for public worship unless the circumstances are wholly exceptional and the prior approval of the relevant bishop has been obtained. In accordance with Section 52(1) of the Act, the place and time is to be chosen by the parties to the marriage with the agreement of the registered solemniser. The Marriage Registration Form issued under the Act will specify the place in which the marriage is to take place. Any application for the use of any place other than a church or chapel of the Church of Ireland, duly consecrated, should be made prior to the lodging of the marriage notice. When, for wholly exceptional reasons, an application for change of place to another church or chapel of the Church of Ireland or to a place other than a church or chapel of the Church of Ireland requires to be made subsequent to the issuing of a Marriage Registration Form, the matter shall be referred both to the bishop and to the Civil Registrar, since an alteration to the Marriage Registration Form will be required. (v) A marriage to be solemnised in a church or chapel other than by the incumbent must receive the consent of the incumbent prior to the lodging of the Marriage Notice (which must be lodged prior to the issue of the Marriage Registration Form) with the Registrar. (vi) The State requires three months notice; the clergy should also be given at least three months notice in order to give opportunity both for proper preparation and for the marriage ceremony. The Marriage Registration Form must be supplied, by the parties to the marriage, to the solemniser in advance of the ceremony. (vii) Each parish shall maintain a Record of Marriage Book into which the officiant shall enter such details of each marriage as the Church of Ireland may from time to time require.

191 Standing Committee – Report 2008 4. General Pursuant to Canon 31 (2), persons registered or authorised for the solemnisation of marriages shall follow and comply in all respects with the terms, procedures, guidelines and requirements of this scheme. They shall also observe and comply with all liturgical and canonical rules. It is the duty of all clergy to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the civil provisions on marriage and to comply with the civil law of marriage and with all liturgical and canonical rules and the provisions of these regulations. Any failure to do so on the part of the person registered to solemnise marriages could compromise the validity of the ceremony, and would be in breach of Church discipline. Such failure to comply may cause the relevant bishop to apply for the cancellation of such registration. Before doing so the bishop shall give not less than one month’s notice of the bishop’s intention to apply for such cancellation to enable the person registered to offer reasons as to why such application should not be made. Having considered those reasons, and any representations which the person so registered may wish to make, the bishop shall forthwith advise the person so registered of the bishop’s decision whether or not to make such application and, in the event of a decision to make the application, the person so registered shall have right of appeal to the Diocesan Court. A similar right of appeal shall be available to a person having temporary authorisation to solemnise marriage on a particular occasion or for a specified period if the bishop, in the event of failure to comply with liturgical and canonical rules or the requirements of this regulatory scheme, indicates an intention to refuse to support any further application by that person for temporary authorisation. Remarriage of Divorced Persons Clergy are bound by the provisions of Canon 31 (Paragraphs 3, 4, 5 and 6) as they apply to the remarriage of divorced persons. Exceptional Circumstances Clergy are not required to solemnise marriages of which they have not received proper notice and should not do so unless they are satisfied that the circumstances are wholly exceptional and after consultation with the bishop of the diocese within which the marriage is to take place.

192 Standing Committee – Report 2008 APPENDIX G CONFERENCE OF EUROPEAN CHURCHES THIRD ECUMENICAL ASSEMBLY

1. Church of Ireland representation at the Third European Ecumenical Assembly held at Sibiu, Romania, from 5-9 September was as follows: Most Revd , Bishop of Meath and Kildare Rt Revd Richard Henderson, Bishop of Tuam Canon David Crooks Ms Andrea Wills Dr Kenneth Milne 2. The assembly was huge: several thousand delegates in a vast tent; and the resources, both of the venue and the organisers were stretched to the uttermost, possibly overstretched. One of our group, who had attended the previous assembly at Graz in 1997 compared the Sibiu experience unfavourably with that of Graz, both in terms of the opportunity provided for contact with members of other delegations, and also for meaningful participation in the proceedings. [Our party’s involvement was much inhibited by the non-arrival of our luggage until early in the morning of the third day and the consequent inroads made on our time.] 3. The theme of the Assembly was ‘the Light of Christ shines upon all’, and this theme was examined in three modes: the Light of Christ and the Church (unity, spirituality and witness), the Light of Christ and Europe (with special emphasis on migration) and the Light of Christ and the World (creation, justice and peace being the sub-themes). Within the programme there were some very elaborate presentations, but the number of set speakers was so large that even at sessions of the smaller ‘fora’ discussion from the floor was minimal. 4. Outside the main programme of ‘plenaries’ and ‘fora’ there were, each evening, acts of worship according to different Christian traditions. Of the two Anglican services, one was conducted by our group and was well attended. Printed materials from many of the participating churches were displayed at an ‘agora’, and we had on show the Book of Common Prayer 2004 (English and versions), the Church Hymnal, the APCK leaflets on the Church of Ireland, publications from Church of Ireland Publishing, and some Hard Gospel literature. 5. Since our reconstitution as the Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue we have sought to convey to the Church of Ireland our conviction that if the work of the various ecumenical instruments, including large and expensive assemblies such as Sibiu, are to justify their existence they must impact on the parishes. We believe that Sibiu has provided us with an appropriate programme for ecumenical action in the form of the Charta Oecumenic : guidelines for the growing cooperation among the churches in 193 Standing Committee – Report 2008 Europe, a document first published jointly by the conference of European Churches and the Council of European [Roman Catholic] Bishops Conferences in the year 2000, and which was a foundation document for the Assembly. 6. Taking together the Charta and the main recommendations made at the end of the Sibiu Assembly, it would appear to us that we need to promote ecumenical activity in Ireland in the following directions: (a) formulating a theology of baptism through co-operation in Christian education, theological training, continuing education and research; (b) maximising the part that Christian migrants can play in the life of the Church and of society; (c) safeguarding the creation by promoting a lifestyle free of consumerism and informed by accountability and sustainability, and supporting ecumenical networks in their efforts for the safeguarding of the earth; (d) Strengthening our sense of community with Judaism and cultivating relations with Islam.

Dr Kenneth Milne

194 Standing Committee – Report 2008 APPENDIX H THE CONSULTATIVE GROUP ON THE PAST INTRODUCTION The Church of Ireland, through a group appointed by the Standing Committee of the General Synod, welcomes the opportunity afforded by the Consultative Group on the Past to make a submission. We are conscious that there are many different, and indeed contrasting, perspectives on the past and suggestions for the future of Northern Ireland. We are aware also that this is a time of experimentation, transition and fluidity in the establishment of political structures locally and that nobody is in a position to predict what things will look like even in five years’ time. The Church of Ireland is an all-Ireland church and in itself lives with the possibilities and tensions which that identity brings. The members of the Church of Ireland have been and remain part of, and contributors to, Irish life and Irish history North and South. Four of twelve of our dioceses – Derry and Raphoe; Clogher, Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh; Armagh – are cross-border. Two of our dioceses – Connor; Down and Dromore – are entirely in Northern Ireland. Six dioceses are entirely within the Republic of Ireland. Our responsibilities towards one another as well as our responsibilities to other members of the civic societies of which we are part are shaped by this human geography. They are shaped also by many other factors which are imperatives asked of us by a life lived in response to the presence of God throughout all creation and patterned on the teaching and example of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospels, embedded in Holy Scripture, transmitted through tradition and assessed by reason. This Anglican methodology is part of the weave of the Church of Ireland.

PERSPECTIVES ON THE LEGACY OF THE EVENTS OF THE PAST 40 YEARS (1) Identity: Throughout the period of , as this time-span of forty years has become known, a major motivation among people was to maintain their identity, both religious and cultural, while being subjected to intense pressure and intimidation. In many contexts, retrospect is a luxury of the forward march of time. However, assessment and analysis of one’s own actions and of the actions of others is important and, indeed, essential if both the history of which one was part and the lessons which one can learn from it are to be understood. Undoubtedly one of the outcomes of this experience was to heighten and strengthen denominational identity. This has often been described in terms of sharpening a tribal self-understanding and for many this is an accurate description of what happened. For others it is too simplistic, leaving unacknowledged the diversity which remained within the Church of Ireland throughout this period of turmoil. One of the continuing legacies of all of this is to make a programme of diversity, in a society where, in the past and into the present, the churches have had so dominant a role, hard to understand, easy to sidestep and difficult to implement. A further outcome is that ‘the phenomenon of Drumcree’ remains, many years later, a difficulty for the Church of Ireland in its taking its place as a contributor to a newly envisioned society in Northern Ireland.

195 Standing Committee – Report 2008 (2) Diversity: Beyond the perspective of Northern Ireland itself, there is a recognition that competing and rival orthodoxies in historiography tend to suppress ‘the other’ rather than finding space for diversity. In this regard, the experience of the Church of Ireland as an all-Ireland church is illuminating. An important legacy from a longer historically documented past is the recognition that all voices be heard. It is important that present needs and escalating twitchiness about the shelf-life of current party political accommodations in Northern Ireland do not obscure or seek to silence voices other than one’s own. The totality of historical experience and memory teaches us lessons from right across Irish history. The experience of the longer time-span in the Republic of Ireland since the earlier Troubles of 1916-1923 is such that a minority Protestant community met repeatedly during dangerous and troubled times with rigid and doctrinal ‘justifications’ of what took place and what affected them most destructively. A further outcome of the application of ‘the lens of history’ is that many Nationalist and Republican people feel that, as a result of this and other factors, what they perceive to have been a noble tradition of independence, deriving ultimately from the French Revolution and including Protestants among its founding fathers, has been slighted by academic historians whom the Republicans have, in turn, labelled revisionists. The danger of this happening in Northern Ireland is heightened by the fact that majority and minority status is much more evenly balanced. Truth-telling is the first casualty of such an intellectual war of emotions. We strongly recommend to the Consultative Group that truth-telling and history-writing, understood critically and made accessible to so-called ‘ordinary people’ to enable them properly to understand the past, become priorities and be financed appropriately. (3) Quiet Decency: The Book of Common Prayer used daily for worship in the Church of Ireland speaks of ‘patient continuance in well-doing.’ In simple terms, this is the practical philosophy of ‘getting on with it’ and keeping on doing the good thing for others in one’s own service of Almighty God. This quiet decency, such silent normality maintained and sustained in a complex, destructive period of Irish history could be in danger of being unrecognized in the competition for recognition of need and suffering which the Consultative Group itself has, in part and rightly, been established to address. This in no way seeks to diminish the needs of victims, the recognition of trauma, the quest for healing of relationships, the urgency of programmes of reconciliation. These remain as urgent as ever. It is, nonetheless, a warning not to take normality for granted and not to assume too casually that ‘the people in the middle’ will do the seemingly obvious thing without a little thanks and encouragement to keep going and to go further. The contribution of church people, lay and clerical, and not least in the Church of Ireland tradition the Mothers’ Union, in being a voice of common sense, compassion and restoration of others to living a life characterized by respect for oneself and for other people in a climate of fear and violence ought to be honoured. Its place in the legacy of forty years is not to be diminished or taken for granted by any politician or civil servant.

196 Standing Committee – Report 2008 (4) Sense of Injustice: A further legacy, and one which will not go away, affecting urban and rural areas alike, is the deep sense of injustice resulting from the forty years of The Troubles. It is imperative that the Consultative Group undertakes to convey to those in government the need to address this as a matter of utmost seriousness and urgency. If this is not done effectively, those who remain active in illegal organizations will continue to nurse aspirations which they see as realizable through illegal means. At the same time, those who wish nothing but a fair wind to the newly developing political process and to the broad range of possibilities articulated in A Shared Future document will become disillusioned, cynical about political life and disengaged. Many ways of doing this work have been suggested over the years. It is imperative that the initiatives such as Healing through Remembering, truth-telling etc. are not pushed to one side now that there is a greater sense of peacefulness. Much discussion has raged about a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. A serious study needs to be undertaken to assess what long-term positive impact this can have and how such a Commission would deal with what we call ‘the intimacy of evil’ in a society where there are deep-seated and highly personalized enmities. Were such a Commission to be inaugurated, there are obvious problems which will need to be addressed. For example, there are many perpetrators who are also victims and vice versa; there is tremendous confusion about the language of forgiveness and reconciliation as used in a context distinct from their Godly and theological context. Issues which need to be faced and addressed include the following recognitions: that paramilitary organizations were operating outside the law; that special powers were implemented; that some acts by individuals within the security forces were outside the law. The denial of the application of the proper course of justice would be a wilful betrayal of all who have suffered and been bereaved and of all who throughout the forty years upheld and applied the rule of law. This is not to argue for an aggressively punitive system of justice. Rather it is something quite different. It is to request the Consultative Group to ensure that justice is done in such a way that a new society can be built in trust and in such a way as to make possible sustained community healing at local level. The putting of weapons of terrorism and destruction of the human life of others beyond use is one thing. The putting of the mindset behind it beyond use in the future Northern Ireland society constitutes a deeper, yet essential, aspiration and expectation. This request is put in the context of recognizing that the justice system ought not to be seen solely in terms of penalty but should also seek to enable people who have done wrong to acknowledge such wrong, to regret it and to take steps to restore, as much as is possible, a positive relationship with their victims. It is vital that the Consultative Group address this if the past is not, in that well-worn cliché, to re-invent itself rather quickly. (5) Disillusionment and Disengagement: The danger of disillusionment and disengagement on the part of those who feel that ‘things are going nowhere’ is a genuine legacy of the past forty years. You might well argue that this is a luxury of those least affected but it is a recurring danger. Northern Ireland still suffers from,

197 Standing Committee – Report 2008 and shows no sign of doing otherwise, elective emigration on the part of those whose opportunities, experiences and education make them obvious leaders in the community locally, nationally and internationally. The era of The Troubles ought to alert members of the Consultative Group that this can happen again. Alarming statistics of unemployment were an ingredient of The Troubles which began in the late 1960s. These were engendered by a dearth of opportunity for work. The same danger, in a different form, is here today if insufficient forward planning is put into (1) an imaginative educational system which offers to all practical and vocational skills appropriate to a newly evolving technological and digital age together with (2) the encouragement of intellectual rigour enabling prospective leaders to envision that future and (3) language skills for international life - all within a context of life- long collaborative learning. To miss the educational boat or to continue to see education as a passport to departure from Northern Ireland will be disastrous and the Consultative Group must make representations to ensure that this does not continue to happen, at all costs. Leadership in church and community will be atrophied if such is the case and church-members and constituents, for they are ultimately the same people, will be the losers. The Church of Ireland Hard Gospel Project has identified a number of weaknesses in leadership within the Church of Ireland during the period of The Troubles in a spirit of honesty and in an attempt to understand the things which we did badly as well as recognize the things we did well. Some of these weaknesses are: while looking after our own people we were often fearful in challenging attitudes within our own people; insufficient asking of the question: what have we done or what has our community done that has in any way contributed to The Troubles? Although these and other areas are specific to the Church of Ireland as here articulated, they are, we suggest, also relevant to other sectors of society. Leadership in society, politics and church requires trust, collaboration, energy and vision. Economics of itself will not create a vibrant new society marked by mutuality of understanding and respect of person, place and cultural identity in Northern Ireland.

VIEWS ON ANY LESSONS TO BE LEARNED (1) Importance of Listening: Paramount among lessons to be learned is the recognition that listening to people in the situations in which they find themselves is essential if there is to be understanding of the multi-faceted complexities of why we found ourselves with forty years of The Troubles in the particular cycle of violence in Irish history out of which we are emerging. One could credibly argue that violence and the expectation of violence are woven into Irish history itself. Accepting this and doing something to address it are difficult work which needs to be resourced professionally. It is one component among many, but if it does not happen, however, there will be no meaningful shared future. The document: A Shared Future is built on optimism. It also must recognize the prior need for realism and credibility as components in such hopefulness. Sectarianism remains. Racism, violent whether physical or verbal, pervades our society. The agenda of

198 Standing Committee – Report 2008 Good Relations cannot be played off against an Equality Agenda. An Equality Agenda on its own runs the risk of being rhetorical at best and will be perceived in many parts of this particular society as contrived and imposed social engineering by stealth. Many deeply involved in community relations today feel that Good Relations is being sidelined and priority is being given to the Equality Agenda instead. Equality alone will not address even one of the legacies of forty years of The Troubles: that is the economic waste of enduring sectarianism in Northern Ireland which has been estimated at £1.5 billion. (2) Systemic Confusion: In a society where religious concepts, religious affiliation and religious language are more prominent than in other parts of the United Kingdom, for example, there has emerged what amounts to a systemic confusion which the Consultative Group will need to address. There is a confusion about the application of technical religious and theological ideas in a secular context. An example may assist in illustrating the problem. Religion makes a causal link between wrong and sin. There follows a chain of events whereby confession flows from a willingness to show repentance in the form of a confession of sin. This opens up the possibility of reconciliation of individuals and groups of people who have hurt and harmed one another. A civic or legal framework deals with wrongdoing in terms of conviction or acquittal. But in popular parlance we often hear the language mixed up. A criminal can be described as ‘breaking down and making a full confession of guilt.’ This is a difficulty as old as the Letters of St Paul and the theology of Tertullian and Augustine. This accumulated tradition has heavily influenced the Latin theological tradition by which both the Roman Catholic Church and the Churches of the Reformation derive are heavily influenced. In a society with a complex past such as ours, it is imperative that the Consultative Group immediately ensure that a group of experts is established to work through this confusion. At its worst, it means that people with a genuine grievance in society can bring to the discussion through their personal expectation the categories of a religious framework of which civil society knows nothing and which it cannot, in conscience, implement. (3) Problem of Segregation: The question of segregation within and throughout society is a thorny one. It goes to the heart of the human person in that it asks fundamental questions about identity and about being secure in one’s identity. Segregation of any sort, once it is woven into a system, creates a self-protective social psychology. Identity under threat becomes an exclusivity. An exclusivity becomes an intolerance of ‘the other.’ In the worst case scenario, the society as a whole settles for a form of apartheid and those in power hope that nobody will ask any hard questions. If the aspiration of Government remains a shared future within the framework of the document: A Shared Future, the Consultative Group will need to make representations which set clearly before decision-makers the recognition now widely held and increasingly articulated that Northern Ireland society is more intensely divided today than heretofore. We return to an earlier suggestion that blind optimism takes us nowhere other than into a cul-de-sac of naivety.

199 Standing Committee – Report 2008 (4) Inter-Church Progress: Often we hear it said that the churches were and are part of the problem. The Church of Ireland is willing to admit that there are things which we did not do well during The Troubles and that there are things which, looking back forty years later, could have been done much better. We also feel that it is correct to pay tribute to the good work which members of the Church of Ireland, lay and clerical, did as we have done in the first section, paragraph (3) of this total submission. It is worth noting that inter-church contact and inter-church co-operation did not die or disappear during the period of The Troubles as many at the time predicted and indeed hoped it would. It is surely ironical that during the period when the churches generally, and the Church of Ireland was no exception, were under such pressure in a situation for which they had no preparation, the idea of churches working together established itself and now in vast parts of the country is seen as a norm. A clear example of this from 2007 is the presence of Archbishop (now Cardinal) Brady welcomed fully and involved significantly in the enthronement of his Church of Ireland counterpart, Archbishop Harper, in St Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh. The climate was quite different when Archbishop Eames was enthroned twenty-one years earlier in 1986. There are many examples of people of courage confronting caricatures, defying stereotypes, establishing respect for ‘the other’ and creating community in a climate of multiple and serialized alienation. This ought to give hope and confidence to those still seeking to make a difference in a divided but more peaceful Northern Ireland today and tomorrow. The Consultative Group while remaining properly critical of the contribution of the churches needs also to acknowledge what has been and remains good in that contribution. It will have to work with Christian churches and members of other World Faith communities to build a new and different future if Northern Ireland is to be both critical of itself and mature in such criticism.

200 Standing Committee – Report 2008 SUGGESTIONS ON THE STEPS THAT MIGHT BE TAKEN TO SUPPORT NORTHERN IRELAND SOCIETY IN BUILDING A SHARED FUTURE THAT IS NOT OVERSHADOWED BY THE EVENTS OF THE PAST (1) Enabling Individuals to see the Bigger Picture: However optimistic the Consultative Group may be about a shared future as a living definition of society, we need to remind them that there are great dangers in moving from any particular experience to prescriptive generalizations. As well as ‘the intimacy of evil’ to which we referred earlier, there is an intimacy of individual experience as anyone who has ministered to those who are victims of the past forty years will know well. Although many parts of Northern Ireland were outwardly unaffected by The Troubles, there is hardly anyone in the same Northern Ireland who has not been affected either directly or through someone known to them by the events of the past forty years. A more comprehensive availability of trauma counselling is urgently needed for members of the generation which experienced The Troubles as is a thoroughgoing programme of education and sensitization for those who knew nothing directly about them. That includes everyone under ten years old and everyone who has moved to live in Northern Ireland from abroad during the same decade. For many who lived through the conflict, there is an altered mindset. It is such that a particular distorted view of normality which accompanies it should be remembered when dealing with societal change even though it is not necessarily apparent and may cause no immediate difficulties. (2) Opportunities for Integration: Steps need to be taken to offer integration into the new civic society now emerging as the practical manifestation of a shared future in Northern Ireland. This is important if the concept of ‘a shared future’ is to be more than political spin on a theme of social engineering devoid of social capital or moral values. Many criticize the terms of The Good Friday/Belfast Agreement for capitulating too readily to the definition of Northern Ireland as a place of ‘the two communities.’ There are many more communities in Northern Ireland today and people of at least one hundred and fifty nationalities living in the Republic of Ireland. Members of these communities will suffer from alienation and intimidation from within and exploitation by the unscrupulous from outside Northern Ireland if a policy of civic belonging is not put in place. If this does not happen, A Shared Future will manifest the immaturities now apparent in The Good Friday/Belfast Agreement. Members of the Consultative Group are encouraged to be aware of the value of social capital and also of the part played by the churches in giving a lead in local communities. (3) Empowering the Electorate: Young people need to see good reason to engage with society. Otherwise a chasm of credibility will emerge between a politics built on community division as espoused and expounded over the past forty years and the expectation now laid on today’s generation of politicians. In a very particular way, a peace-savvy electorate will be looking for value for its vote. Foci of celebration, including the upgrading and expansion of community facilities within the context of 201 Standing Committee – Report 2008 community need, will be needed if the politically apathetic are to be encouraged to become community leaders. Forty years of violence, both sporadic and sustained, have left many people ill-equipped for active peace-making and capacity-building of one another. Archbishop Harper, the Archbishop of Armagh, in his public statements is consistently keen to underwrite this agenda, particularly in areas where Loyalists have historically had the upper hand. (4) Changed Mindset: Ben Okri, the Nigerian author, writes in ‘A way of being free’ that stories are the secret reservoirs of values. Stories need to be told and the courage in so doing needs to be honoured. A model of society based on aggressive economic activity, although important in ‘kick-starting’ things, will not sustain the society which it creates. In the current difficult period of transition, a future needs to be described and depicted which can draw people forward as they deal with past and present pain. Reconciliation between individuals is essential but so is reconciliation at the level of communities within the society. The Consultative Group needs seriously to reflect upon an agenda very clearly expressed by the German philosopher Hannah Arendt and it is twofold: first the willingness of people to be bound together by promises and agreements and to keep them, thereby creating a moral order together; and secondly the willingness to set aside the past as defined by its vicious cycle of action and reaction and to start anew together in building peace. A legacy such as that of Northern Ireland over the past forty years has, when clinically analyzed, created an altered mindset and a distorted view of normality. Such a reality should be kept in view as a way of understanding why people find difficulty with change in society and why they are often suspicious of people who come serenading them with ‘all the answers.’

CONCLUSION The Church of Ireland, through its members in parishes across the island of Ireland, remains committed to dealing with its own internal legacy of forty years of The Troubles, not only with the purpose of setting its own house in order but determined to make a contribution to a different type of society in Northern Ireland in co-operation with others. This it will do within an all-Ireland church. It is currently seeking to do so by encouraging its members to participate locally in community initiatives where their contribution can make a positive difference by that seemingly simple Christian triad of faith, hope and love. Through The Hard Gospel Project, the Church of Ireland has sought structurally to examine the responsibilities of the ‘vertical’ relationship in loving God along with the responsibilities of the ‘horizontal’ relationships in loving our neighbour irrespective of creed, class, gender or ability. We are under neither illusion nor delusion that we can do this on our own. We are, however, willing and ready to play our part. We appreciate this opportunity to make a submission to The Consultative Group on the Past and pledge our willingness to make any further contribution which The Consultative Group may ask of us.

202 Standing Committee – Report 2008 APPENDIX I STANDING COMMITTEE GROUP'S REPORT ON A MEETING WITH THE CONSULTATIVE GROUP ON THE PAST

TUESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2007 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HOUSE, BELFAST

1. The following represented the Church of Ireland: The Bishop of Clogher, the Dean of Armagh, the , the , Canon I.M. Ellis and Canon T.R. Williams. No other members of the group appointed by the Standing Committee were able to attend.

2. The Consultative Group members who met us were: Denis Bradley, Lord Eames, David Porter, The Revd Lesley Carroll and Willie John McBride (with two staff members). Following brief introductory comments by Lord Eames, Denis Bradley chaired the meeting. We were thanked for our written submission, which we then introduced, each of us speaking to different sections.

3. The question of segregated education was raised by Willie John McBride. We explained that in Northern Ireland we had transferred our schools to the State and that these were now State schools, with Church involvement. On being challenged as to whether or not the Church of Ireland supported integrated education, we pointed out that a main question in this is the nature of the arrangements for Church involvement. Accounts were given by us of good working relationships between the Church of Ireland and local integrated schools.

4. In terms of challenging sectarianism, Mr Bradley indicated that he was familiar with the Hard Gospel Project and had read its materials. He said he was impressed by the Project.

5. We were asked by Mr Bradley if the Church of Ireland would be prepared to reject the concept a 'hierarchy of victims'. When asked for clarification of this term, David Porter explained that it meant that some victims were to be regarded as more important than others. Our response was that the Church regarded every death and injury as equally tragic. It did not follow from this, however, that we would agree that during the Troubles there was an equivalent legitimacy of role as between terrorists and the constituted forces of the State in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.

6. Mr Bradley suggested that republicans regarded themselves as having acted properly in attempting to bring about the departure of a foreign, colonizing power. We indicated that, throughout the Troubles, the actions of the Provisional IRA had been consistently rejected by both governments on the island of Ireland, by the electorate (Sinn Fein's

203 Standing Committee – Report 2008 electoral mandate growing as it left violence behind) and by the Churches, not least by Pope John Paul II in Drogheda in 1979. We indicated that in the circumstances people had not had the right to take the law into their own hands, as republicans and loyalist groups had done. We pointed out that the aspiration of future prosperity or equality alone would not be sufficient to tackle the root of Northern Ireland’s problems in dealing with the past, and that the aspiration and progress towards a ‘shared future’ was essential to the well being of our communities.

7. The Consultative Group indicated that there would be considerable implications following the revelation of forthcoming cases of collusion and other illegal activities of the agencies of the State in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. Our response to this was that all acts committed during the Troubles that were illegal had to be treated as such, whether the acts were committed by terrorists or agencies of the State.

8. We met briefly and informally as a group after the encounter with the Consultative Group, to discuss impressions and reporting. This report was subsequently compiled in consultation with all the members who attended on 27th November.

Revd Canon Dr Ian M Ellis 6.12.07

204 Standing Committee – Report 2008 APPENDIX J COPYRIGHT BLOCK LICENSING SCHEME – STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

Background to Copyright Block Licensing Scheme In March 2007, the Standing Committee agreed to propose to the General Synod, if possible, a bill to secure a block licensing scheme to cover all parishes of the Church of Ireland in respect of the text of hymns and other texts managed by the Christian Copyright Licensing Company. As this proposal incurred a cost for certain administration as well as a legal liability for the RCB, which would be the corporate party to any agreement, it was necessary to seek the approval of the RCB to proceed. The RCB asked specific questions in respect to the current volume of copying by parishes and the license cost related to this, compared with the cost that would be incurred for the block license scheme. This information had not been obtained in the research carried out. The RCB therefore asked for the additional research to be conducted before it should be asked to reconsider the proposal. The Honorary Secretaries note their thanks to the Copyright Working Group for the initial research undertaken in 2006-07. The Honorary Secretaries have now identified the strengths and weaknesses of the existing scheme and the proposed scheme. The Honorary Secretaries propose that, with the approval of Standing Committee, they should now revert to the Diocesan Secretaries, and to the parishes to answer the additional questions posed by the RCB. As July and August are not propitious months in which to conduct a survey, it is proposed to do this early in September 2007, reporting to Standing Committee in November, so that the RCB may be consulted in sufficient time for legislation to be brought to next year’s General Synod, if the Standing Committee so desires.

Strengths of block licensing 1. All parishes and bishops are covered by the licence in respect of hymns and songs managed by CCLI. Weaknesses of block licensing 1. Many parishes will not distinguish between the words for which they are covered and the music, for which they are not. 2. Choirs may assume cover is in place when it does not apply to the special pieces selected. 3. The parish still carries liability for these items. 4. All parishes pay, whether they copy or not. 5. The RCB assumes some administrative cost, legal liability as the corporate party to the agreement.

205 Standing Committee – Report 2008 6. The diocese assumes some administrative cost, and potentially financial cost if parishes do not make their contribution. 7. The overall cost is high, with the possibility of future rises in cost of license. Strengths of current system (parish responsible for securing all required copyright licenses or making required payments) 1. The parish pays for use. 2. The parish actively manages copyright for any type of material. 3. The responsibility, cost and administration are borne at the point of use. There is no hidden cost for the diocese, or for the parish that doesn’t copy any material. Weaknesses (current system) 1. Cost per copying parish may be higher. 2. Parishes that are slack in complying with copyright legislation are vulnerable to prosecution. 3. There is a potentially negative PR cost for the Church in non-compliant parishes.

*Note It is important to note that regardless of which system is adopted, the parish must still complete the same administration in terms of recording and reporting the copies made.

June 2007

206 The Standing Committee – Report 2008 APPENDIX K REPORT OF HARD GOSPEL IMPLEMENTATION WORKING GROUP

INTRODUCTION

The remit given to this committee by the Standing Committee was to consider the implementation of the recommendations on pages 35 and 36 and 75 of the Living with Difference - a Reality Check booklet.

In the suggestions that we are making we sought to underpin our thinking with the first two strategic aims of the Hard Gospel process found on page 6 of the booklet Living with difference – a Reality Check.

1. To enable the Church at all levels to model in its own structures and ways of being, the relationships and values with regard to overcoming sectarianism, community conflict and dealing with difference that it will promote in wider society.

2. To develop and promote policies, practices and statements of the Church of Ireland that will encourage honest and constructive relationships in dealing with sectarianism and issues of difference in the church and wider society.

The recommendations of the diversity audit are not just matters of procedure and structure but are most importantly matters of the heart and mind. No matter what structures or policies we put in place the Church of Ireland must assent to this way of thinking and acting.

Our Recommendations: 1. That this report, Living with Difference – a Reality Check, be adopted by General synod this year and a resolution be brought by the standing committee for this purpose. 2. While we propose below the committees and groups that should have particular responsibility for the various recommendations, we feel that the underlying principles of the report must be taken on board by the whole Church and be evident in all its workings. To this end, there should be a new Hard Gospel Group, made up of a small number of people committed to the principles of the report, formed to oversee the implementation of these recommendations. This Group should make regular reports to Standing Committee.

3. We recommend that the recommendations on pages 35 and 36 be implemented in the following ways:

9:21 When we reflected upon these particular recommendations we did so with four particular concepts in mind. They were the issues of function, membership, 207 The Standing Committee – Report 2008 accountability and communication. Function: is the way we do things and how we do things reflects what we believe. This also includes what is done and where it is done. Membership: inclusion is a key issue raised in the report but this relates directly to issues such as when and where we do our business. Accountability: this is to ensure we are doing what we set out to do and that we are doing it appropriately. Communication: when communication is good it usually means that we are confident in what we are doing and are doing it well. 9:21 a, c, d, e and f we suggest that these recommendations are given to the Honorary Secretaries to be taken into account as part of their review of central structures and procedures. 9:21 b, g, h, j, l and o are to be addressed by the existing Hard Gospel Project Team and Committee. 9:21 p, be addressed in the short term by the House of Bishops and in the long term by the Theological Institute. 9:21 m and n be referred to the dioceses for further discussion. 9:22 a could be addressed by the following committees. Parish Development as they help parishes address the needs of the local community. Council for Mission as they seek to help us focus on the needs of the new peoples arriving and settling in Ireland north and south. The Church in Society Committee might consider the need for lobbying in both parliaments when it comes to legislation.

9:22 b the Hard Gospel Committee should report on what groups and committees we need to dialogue with.

9:22 c this is already happening in the Dioceses of Dublin and Meath and Kildare and their ideas should be more widely shared to enable other dioceses to engage with the issues raised. 9:22 d to be addressed by the Communications Board.

9:22 e it should be noted that speaking out may not always be the best thing to do. It would be helpful for each diocese to look at training for this issue. 9:22 f the commission for Unity and Dialogue should be asked to address this issue.

4. We suggest that the recommendations on page 75 be implemented in the following way. 5:1 General Synod has to be able to discuss and adopt these recommendations. 5:2 all committees should be encouraged and if possible be facilitated to examine their work within this framework.

208 The Standing Committee – Report 2008

5:3 this should be done but the Hard Gospel Group should be asked to produce it in a simpler form. 5:4 this is critical but there are financial implications. The Hard Gospel Group should examine the financial and other implications of this and how it could be resourced including the possibility of using statutory agencies. 5:5 this should be part of the ongoing work of the Hard Gospel Group and become part of the remit of a new group that needs to be formed.

5. There should be a new Hard Gospel Group formed to oversee the issues that still need to be addressed and that group should then review and oversee the implementation of these recommendations making regular reports to Standing Committee.

209 Standing Committee – Report 2008 APPENDIX L THE HARD GOSPEL REPORT 2008 PRESIDENT The Most Reverend A E T Harper COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP (letters in brackets indicate sub-committee membership) Most Rev Dr Richard Clarke (A) Rt Rev Dr Very Rev Patrick Rooke (Chair) (A) Ms Ruth Handy (Vice Chair) (C) Mr Terry Forsyth (Honorary Treasurer) (B) Rev Eileen Cremin (A) Rev Canon Dr Ian M Ellis (Standing Committee) Mr Bernie Frayne (C) Rev Kenny Hall (B) Rev Paul Hoey (Parish Development Committee) Mrs Margaret McNulty Rev Daniel Nuzum (D) Ms Stella Obe (C) Rev Michael Parker (C) Ms Kate Turner Rev Canon Trevor Williams (D) Co-opted Rev Doug Baker (A,D) In attendance Mr David Brown (Youth Council) Mrs Jenny Compston (Honorary Secretary) Mrs Janet Maxwell (Communications) (C) Rev Earl Storey (HGP Director) (A,B,C,D) Resignations Rev Canon Cecil Hyland Sub Committees re Hard Gospel Project (A) Strategy/Planning (B) Finance/Grants (C) Communications/Publicity (D) Hard Gospel Sunday Staff Project Director: Rev Earl Storey Project Officer (based in Belfast) – Mr Stephen Dallas Project Officer (based in Dublin) – Mr Philip McKinley 210 Standing Committee – Report 2008 HARD GOSPEL STRATEGY The vision for the Hard Gospel Project is: “A Church of Ireland which takes a positive leadership role in addressing the issues of sectarianism and dealing with difference that face the rapidly changing societies across the island of Ireland in the 21st century and a membership who contribute constructively to the development of transformed communities through reflecting and outworking Christ’s command to love God and their neighbour.” The project has four strategic aims which were included in the 2007 Book of Reports. Range of Work The work of the Hard Gospel, now in the final year of its three year Project, is expressed through a range of action designed to: ƒ Enable a healthy process of self-reflection within the Church of Ireland with regard to its values, practices and structures; ƒ Facilitate relationship building across theological, religious, political and other boundaries; ƒ Facilitate new thinking and energetic public debate on key issues regarding reconciliation and community cohesion ; ƒ Work with parishes and other groupings to increase levels of confidence and capacity to build bridges in local communities; ƒ Build capacity within leadership at all levels of church life; ƒ Facilitate relationships with new religious and social groupings in a changing Ireland, both North and South. Audit of Central Structures A report entitled ‘Living With Difference – A Reality Check’ was prepared by two independent consultants, with findings being presented to Standing Committee in November 2007 and January 2008. It contained three separate but related aspects:

ƒ A Theological Reflection highlighting the importance of living with difference as a fundamental gospel value; ƒ A Hard Gospel Diversity Audit of the central structures to assess the balance of composition of representative bodies. This will illustrate how diverse, or otherwise, are our decision making bodies; ƒ A Hard Gospel Impact Framework which provides a means whereby statements, policies and activities of the Church of Ireland can be critically assessed to see if they contribute to or harm relations along lines of difference.

211 Standing Committee – Report 2008 The Standing Committee appointed a small group, chaired by the Bishop of Connor, to consider the implications of the recommendations contained in both the Diversity Report and the Impact Framework Document. Our Kind of People Engagement between the Church and the loyalist community continues to be a priority in Hard Gospel work. In November 2008, a major exhibition entitled ‘Our Kind of People’ was held in Rathcoole, North Belfast. This initiative was a co-operative venture between the Hard Gospel Project and local churches. The aim was to provide a forum for telling stories of achievement from within the local community. The purpose was to inspire young people in the area with a sense of possibility. Some seventy stories were told with those involved ranging from a BBC Radio journalist to community activists. ‘Our Kind of People’ was opened by Minister for Enterprise, Mr MP. Future ‘Our Kind of People’ type initiatives are in the process of being planned, in partnership with local parishes. The overall aim of this work is: 1. To increase the confidence and effectiveness of Church of Ireland members to love their neighbours within loyalist communities; 2. To assist parishes to build partnerships that reflect and act on identified neighbourhood needs within marginalised loyalist communities; 3. To promote the importance of understanding neighbourhood needs within the geographic and demographic area that parishes are located; 4. To enable Church of Ireland parishes to help develop stable vibrant and confident loyalist communities that view church as a relevant institution with a role to play; 5. To facilitate identified parishes to assess their ability to take action and employ the skills required. Immigration As a response to the issues raised by an unprecedented wave of immigration in recent years the Hard Gospel Project brought to completion a programme that included: ƒ Diocesan Consultation Evenings: Each Bishop was requested to chair an evening where interested people in the Diocese were invited to come and talk through experiences, interests or ignorance on issues of immigration. A significant number of dioceses have completed this ƒ A national conference (18/19 January 2008) to build on the work of the Diocesan consultation evenings. This event focused on appropriate pastoral responses to immigration. The conference was entitled ‘A Pilgrim People: Encouraging the Church of Ireland to contribute positively to issues of migration, integration and community cohesion’. Keynote speakers included Minister Conor Lenihan TD and Minister Gerry Kelly MLA.

212 Standing Committee – Report 2008 Each diocese is encouraged to build upon the work of the process so far by focussing on set projects, either at a local or diocesan level. A report will be completed on the journey of exploration undertaken by the Church of Ireland to respond adequately to the challenge of immigration. Border Protestants Funding from the Department for Foreign Affairs was achieved to conduct this project in partnership with Clogher diocese. A consultant, Mr David Gardiner, has been commissioned to oversee this project. Work commenced in January 2008 and will be completed by September 2008. The purpose of this project, situated in Clogher Diocese, is: 1. To encourage members of the Church of Ireland community to share their personal experiences of the Troubles and aspirations for the future; 2. To encourage members of the Church of Ireland community to share their experience of the church during the Troubles and to articulate how they see its role in sustaining community in the future; 3. To encourage members of the Church of Ireland community to share their experience of being a minority community in a range of border areas, and to do so in such a way that is both heard and understood by the wider community; 4. To record and present the experiences and views of members of the Church of Ireland community to: - The wider community in Northern Ireland - The wider community in the Republic of Ireland; 5. To contribute to the building of peaceful rural community by enabling members of the Church of Ireland to engage with other communities to address issues key to peacebuilding. Beyond the Box seminars From November 2007 to February 2008, a joint initiative was taken in co-operation with the Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic parishes of Shankill in Lurgan. A series of three public seminars were held. The purpose was to facilitate new thinking and energetic public debate on important issues that would contribute to reconciliation and community wellbeing. Topics included: ƒ Culture – A clash of symbols? ƒ Dealing with the past; ƒ Education and the peace dividend. Examples of other events included: ƒ ‘Is there sectarianism in the Republic of Ireland?’ presentation at Trinity College Dublin

213 Standing Committee – Report 2008 ƒ Workshop on ‘Gospel Music as a Tool for Reconciliation’, St Colmcille’s Roman Catholic Church, Newtownards Road, Co Down. Training The staff team have delivered training in a range of situations including: ƒ A three day pre-term training course with second year students at the Theological College; ƒ Training for non stipendiary/laity at the Theological College; ƒ A Hard Gospel debate at Summer Madness chaired by Conor Bradford (BBC Radio Ulster). Speakers included the Northern Ireland Assembly Minister for Education Ms Catriona Ruane and Minister Jnr; ƒ Staff imput and involvement with Youthreach; ƒ Seminar at the Glenstall Ecumenical Conference; ƒ Seminar at the Glencree Summer School; ƒ A presentation to Dublin and Glendalough Clerical Training Day on Migration; ƒ Parishes both North and South; ƒ Conferences and seminars. Hard Gospel Sunday The House of Bishops designated 9th September 2007 as Hard Gospel Sunday. The purpose of Hard Gospel Sunday was to provide an occasion to inspire and invite commitment from a wide cross-section of parish membership to find new ways of engaging with their ‘neighbours’. A special pack was distributed to clergy in every parish in the Church of Ireland. The pack contained: ƒ Suggested liturgical material; ƒ Commentary on the designated Scripture readings; ƒ Sermon outlines; ƒ Suggestions on ways to involve all age groups in the parish, ways to connect locally on the day with those outside the membership of the parish, and ways to relate the Hard Gospel theme to Racial Justice Sunday which also fell on that date. RTE TV Broadcast Service The Hard Gospel Project was invited to conduct a live Sunday Service broadcast in the studios of RTE on 26th August 2007. This was an opportunity to present some of the work being carried out in all parts of Ireland. As well as prayers and live music, interviews were conducted with people involved in initiatives engaging with their local community.

214 Standing Committee – Report 2008 Hymn Writing Competition At the core of the Hard Gospel Project is the challenge to live out Christ’s command in 21st century Ireland - ‘to love God and love your neighbour as yourself’. The Hard Gospel Project conducted a hymn writing competition which invited entrants to capture and translate this value into a new hymn for use in Church of Ireland churches throughout the island. With a prize of €1000 the winning entry was premiered by the Discovery Gospel Choir at the Hard Gospel Immigration Conference on Saturday 19th January 2008 in the Emmaus Retreat Centre, Dublin. It has been published and circulated for use in Church of Ireland churches. Resources a. Welcome Posters Specially designed Welcome posters were provided to all parishes, to coincide with Hard Gospel Sunday. Parishes were invited to place them in their entrance porches. Each poster had the word ‘Welcome’ in many of the languages that may now be used by members of immigrant communities in Ireland. Space was left at the bottom of each poster for additional languages to be added. b. The Good Samaritan Course – Reflect and Act A special five week course was produced and distributed for use in all parishes in the Church of Ireland. As the name suggests it is designed to help parishes think through the practical implications of engaging with their neighbour. This course aims to: ƒ Prompt reflection on our own attitude to difference; ƒ Assist a parish to understand the term neighbour; ƒ Assist a parish to take steps to meet others outside the church community. c. Hard Gospel and the Church of Ireland Youth Department We have co-operated with the Church of Ireland Youth Department to produce two resources suitable for group work. The first resource entitled ‘Faith and Difference’ has already been distributed to clergy and youth leaders for use during Lent 2008 and beyond. Telling stories was Jesus’ favourite way of teaching. Stories were a simple way of helping the listener to learn something about God and themselves. ‘Faith and Difference’ consists of a pack of A5 sized postcards. Each postcard uses a photograph and a fictional story, with questions, to enable groups to discuss difficult issues such as: ƒ Faith and Ethnicity; ƒ Faith and Sexuality; ƒ Faith and Traditionalism; ƒ Faith and Patriotism; ƒ Faith and Class;

215 Standing Committee – Report 2008 ƒ Faith and Young People; ƒ Faith and Paramilitaries; ƒ Faith and Gender; ƒ Faith and Age. d. Website – www.hardgospel.net The Project website underwent a significant redesign during this past year. As well as updated graphics a number of features have been added or enhanced. These include sections entitled: ƒ Hot Potatoes: This addresses difficult issues both within the wider community and Church; ƒ Chancing Your Arm: In order to inspire as well as to share good practice, stories are told of church initiatives in engaging with local communities. Evaluation The Hard Gospel Project appointed independent consultants, Macaulay Associates, to conduct an annual evaluation of the Project. Progress is assessed against the aims, objectives and intended outcomes of the Project. Funding Funding for the Project has been secured from a range of sources: • The International Fund for Ireland Community Bridges Programme; • The Department of Foreign Affairs (ROI); • The Church of Ireland; • The Church of Ireland Priorities Fund; • The Northern Ireland Community Relations Council.

216 Standing Committee – Report 2008 APPENDIX M Historiographer’s Report Archbishop James Ussher of Armagh is widely recognised as one of the theological giants of the seventeenth, or indeed any century, and yet surprisingly little has been written about him in recent times. However, that situation has now been handsomely rectified with the appearance of Professor Alan Ford’s James Ussher: theology, history, and politics in early- modern Ireland and England (Oxford, 2007). Forthcoming, is Elizabethanne Boran’s edition of Ussher’s Letters, The correspondence of Archbishop Ussher 1600-1656 to be published in two volumes by the Irish Manuscripts Commission. Another episcopal figure of the seventeenth century, John Bramhall of Derry, has also featured in the lists, with the publication of John McCafferty’s The reconstruction of the Church of Ireland: Bishop Bramhall and the Laudian reforms, 1633-1641 (Cambridge, 2007). We are likely to read much more about that especially critical century in Irish life in the immediate future, as commemoration of the Ulster Plantation gets under way. The plantation, whose fruits are still very much with us still both politically and ecclesiastically in the northern (and not just Northern Ireland) should receive considerable attention in the Church of Ireland as it will undoubtedly do in wider historical circles. The Representative Church Body Library has produced yet another important printed source. Register of the Cathedral of St Patrick, Dublin, 1677-1869 (edited by JH Bernard and Raymond Refaussé) is the eleventh volume in the Library’s parish register series and is the first to be both a reprint and a new publication. Sustaining any publishing programme is infinitely more demanding that initiating one, and the appearance of this volume is to be saluted. The RCB Library has also brought out, in partnership with Four Courts Press, Mairéad Ni Murchú’s edition of the Finglas Vestry Book. Sustaining conferences and lecture series is likewise no small achievement. This year, Marsh’s Library organised ‘Marsh’s Library: a mirror on the world’, to commemorate the 1707 act of parliament that established Ireland’s first ‘public’ library, while at St Patrick’s Cathedral the sixth Dublin Symposium on Jonathan Swift, co-sponsored by the Center for Irish Studies of the Catholic University of America, took place. The meetings of the Church of Ireland Historical Society, very much the brainwave of Canon William Neely, maintained its programme of twice yearly meetings, a spring occasion in Armagh and an autumn session in Dublin. The lunchtime lecture series at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, begun in 1997, and which since they started have owed much to the imaginative titles propounded by the cathedral’s Research Advisor, Mr Stuart Kinsella, celebrated their tenth anniversary with a series on ‘Priors, deans and bishops’. The early Irish church figured largely in a cooperative programme of liturgy, concerts, lectures and an exhibition, mounted in September jointly by Christ Church Cathedral and ‘Colmcille’, the body that brings together the common Gaelic strands of Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Dr Kenneth Milne November 2007

217 Standing Committee – Report 2008 APPENDIX N

THE IRISH CHURCHES’ COUNCIL FOR TELEVISION AND RADIO AFFAIRS REPORT

MEMBERSHIP

Roman Catholic Church Mr Martin Long Ms Brenda Drumm Ms Eileen Good Fr Paul Dempsey Mr Noel Shannon Vacancy Church of Ireland Ms Janet Maxwell Rev Tom Gordon Presbyterian Church in Ireland Rev William Hayes Methodist Church in Ireland Rev Dr John Stephens The Religious Society of Friends/Irish Council of Churches Ms Margaret King

MEMBERSHIP

During the period of the report we welcomed the appointment of Rev Tom Gordon, Consultant Director in Pastoral Formation at The Church of Ireland Theological College. We welcomed Rev William Hayes from Mountmellick as the Presbyterian Church representative and also the Rev Dr John Stephens, Superintendent of the Dublin Central Mission as the Methodist Church in Ireland representative. During the year Rev Graham Hamilton, Dr Valerie Jones and Rev Frank Sellar retired from the Committee. SEMINAR The external focus of the year was the ICCTRA seminar on 16th October 2007 entitled: “The Contemporary Broadcasting Environment for Churches” which was held in Renehan Hall, St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, Co Kildare.

218 Standing Committee – Report 2008 The welcome and introduction was given by Mr Martin Long, Vice Chairperson of ICCTRA. The keynote speaker on the theme was Mr Michael O’Keeffe, Chief Executive of the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland. Fr Dermod McCarthy spoke on ‘The experience of religious broadcasting at national level’. Fr McCarthy is Head of Religious Programmes for RTÉ. Mr Tom Boyce spoke on ‘The requirements for the radio transmission of religious services’. Mr Boyce is the Spectrum Compliance Manager with the Commission for Communications Regulation (Comreg). This was followed by Questions and Answers chaired by ICCTRA member Ms Eileen Good and Director of RNN – Religious News Network. The afternoon session was addressed by Dr Daniel Arasa on the theme ‘First impressions count: learning from websites of Roman Catholic dioceses – Analysis of nine international websites from a communications perspective.’ Dr Arasa holds a PhD in Social Institutional Communications from the School of Social Institutional Communications of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome. The conference was attended by communications spokespersons and web masters from the Catholic Church, Church of Ireland, Presbyterian and Methodist churches as well as representatives of the print and broadcast media. The seminar programme, photos from the event and speeches delivered are now available on the bottom link on the ICCTRA homepage: www.icctra.ie It was generally agreed that the 2007 seminar comprehensively informed ICCTRA members in accordance with its mission statement, which is: “To provide a Council of Christian Churches in the Republic of Ireland which will advise and consult on their behalf with the authorities and the broadcasting stations, at national and local levels, on matters relating to religious broadcasting of interest or concern to the Churches.”

219 Standing Committee – Report 2008 APPENDIX O MEISSEN COMMISSION 20th - 24th SEPTEMBER 2007

REPORT The seventh meeting of the Meissen Commission (Church of England – Protestant Church in Germany [EKD]) was held at St Columba’s House, Woking, England from Thursday 20th until Monday 24th September 2007. This is my first meeting as an observer of the Celtic Anglican Churches. The other observers were Pfarrer Wolfgang Kruse (German-Speaking Synod in Great Britain) and the Rev Dr Irene Ahrens (Diocese in Europe). Members present: The Rt Rev Nicholas Baines (Co-Chairman) Landesbischof Jürgen Johannesdotter (Co-Chairman) The Rev Canon Robert Jones The Rev Dr Charlotte Methuen The Rev Colin Penfold Propst Dr Matthias Sens Pfarrer Dr Christof Theilemann Prof Dr Dr h.c. Michael Weinrich By Invitation Frau Birgit Holstein (replacing Frau Justizrätin Margit Fleckenstein) Staff: The Rev Canon Dr Charles Hill (Co-Secretary) Oberkirchenrat Matthias Kaiser (Co-Secretary) The subjects discussed at this meeting included:

Parish partnerships: There are approximately 20 CoE-EKD parish partnerships but it was recognised that there was a need for more overview of the links. Child Protection: The Rev Pearl Luxon, CoE/Methodist Child Protection Officer, addressed the Commission. Implications for exchange visits were explored. The German representatives were taken aback at the elaborate procedures required, including criminal record checks. Teaching of German History in England: This discussion arose because there was a sense of stereotyping and prejudice developing among English pupils. However, it was not clear to what extent this is a real problem, as only certain instances of anti-German prejudice tend to be mentioned in the media.

220 Standing Committee – Report 2008 Inter-faith relations: The possibility of arranging a joint CoE-EKD delegation to engage in dialogue with Islamic partners was raised. It was noted that there are different Islamic traditions in England and Germany, the latter being mainly Turkish. Cologne Kirchentag 2007: It was noted that the Kirchentag events nowadays are less prophetic than they were in the 1960s and 1970s. The main problem with having a Protestant/Roman Catholic Kirchentag (as happened several years ago in Berlin) appears to be the restrictions on worship placed by the Roman Catholic Church. There was also strong feeling among the German participants about the stance of the Roman Catholic Church in ‘Dominus Iesus’, which describes Protestant Churches as not being Churches “in the proper sense”. Theological Issues: A theological conference is planned and will have a focus on ordination. Covenant: The current situation in relation to this process was outlined. CoE/Methodist Relations: This was highlighted as the work of the Church of England/Methodist Covenant Joint Implementation Commission was seen to be relevant to CoE/EKD relations. Roman Catholic Church: The recent statement from the Vatican on Protestant Churches was discussed as was the work of the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission. The latter’s ‘Growing Together in Unity and Mission’ document, celebrating 40 years of Anglican/Roman Catholic dialogue, was circulated. Porvoo: There is considerable interest within the EKD in the Porvoo Communion. The EKD comprises three traditions: Lutheran, Reformed and United (Lutheran/Reformed). The EKD leader, Bishop Wolfgang Huber (Berlin) is to visit Ireland in May 2008. On the Sunday, the Commission attended an Ordination of Priests and Deacons at Southwark Cathedral, followed by a lunch at the Globe Theatre. In the evening, members attended Evensong at Guildford Cathedral, at which the preacher was Landesbischof Jürgen Johannesdotter. This was followed by a supper at the home of the Bishop of Guildford, by kind invitation of Bishop Christopher and Mrs Hill. Worship during the Commission meeting was led by Canon Robert Jones and the Rev Colin Penfold. The meeting was conducted in English and chaired by the Bishop of Croydon. I. M. Ellis 26.10.07

221 Standing Committee – Report 2008 APPENDIX P PARISH DEVELOPMENT WORKING GROUP REPORT 2008 Report to the Standing Committee In 2003, the Standing Committee set up, and authorised the Parish Development Working Group to run, a pilot programme of Parish Development for the Church of Ireland. The Group devised the Church21 programme which commenced in early 2006 and drew to a conclusion at the end of 2007, although some parishes are still working with their Church21 facilitator. Thirty-four parishes, from all parts of the island and of every shape, shade and size, were accepted after application on the recommendation of the diocesan bishop. The programme involved: • A six-session preparation course designed to help the parishes identify their key areas of development; • A three-day conference offering parishes help to shape and share their vision; • A year-long period of facilitation with external support and accountability; • A Follow-up Day for parishes to share their stories and to identify what will help them keep motivated for development. Feedback was sought at each stage of the process. Of those who responded all were of the opinion that what the programme offered their parish was in the categories of very to mostly helpful. At the Follow-up Day held in September 2007, there was clear demand for more support for the parishes currently part of the programme, particularly in the area of change management. Key benefits of the programme were identified as: • Meeting with other parishes on an all-Ireland basis; • The opportunity for partnership and twinning; • Hearing stories of what other parishes have done; • Encouragement by outside facilitators to devise and implement action plans. The Standing Committee authorized the Group, with some change of membership, to run a second programme and also to pursue a way of finding a wider base to parish development by looking at ways of linking this area into the new programme for theological formation in the Church of Ireland. The Group has submitted an application to the Priorities Fund for the running of this programme. The Working Group will be building upon the many positive aspects of what has already taken place and attempting to address the particular issues identified as needing improvement such as communication (e.g. through a regularly produced newssheet and a professionally run website), facilitator training and patterns of leadership.

222 Standing Committee – Report 2008 APPENDIX Q

THE PORVOO MEETINGS IN DUBLIN – OCTOBER 2007 A report by the Very Revd Desmond Harman

The Archbishops and Presiding Bishops of the Porvoo Churches met at Church of Ireland House in Dublin Oct. 8 – 9 to discuss issues of common concern to the churches of the Porvoo Communion. These included living in communion, cooperation with people of other faiths and migration and integration in Europe.

The Porvoo Contact Group, comprising one representative from each church, continued working through the week on issues suggested by the presiding bishops, and issues from a previous Church Leaders’ Meeting in Cardiff 2006. The group agreed on five areas of work to be carried forward: 1. The first is a theological conference on “Ethics and Communion” to be held in London in January 2008. The Standing Committee has already agreed to send Dr Andrew Pierce to this conference. 2. The second is an interfaith consultation to be held in Scotland in November 2008. 3. Denmark has been asked to host a consultation in early 2009 on “Migration and Integration”. 4. Work will continue on the role of the deacon within the Porvoo Communion. 5. A study will be conducted on a process for the possible enlargement of the Communion. During the meetings each member of the Contact Group presents a Country Report describing developments within their churches and society for discussion. For Ireland report see below. The Archbishop of Dublin, as host of the meeting, entertained the Primates to dinner on Monday October 7. On Tuesday the Archbishop of Armagh led the prayers at the opening of the meeting and that evening there was a Choral Eucharist in Christ Church Cathedral followed by a dinner in the cathedral crypt attended by the Primates, the Contact Group and ambassadors of the Porvoo-related countries. On Wednesday afternoon the Contact Group went to Glendalough for spiritual reflection led by Fr Michael Rogers during a mostly silent walk among the lakes in glorious autumnal sunshine. Holy Trinity Church, Rathmines, was the setting for the Eucharist according to the Evangelical Lutheran tradition on Wednesday and Thursday morning. I would like to thank the staff of Church House, of Christ Church cathedral and of the Archbishop of Dublin for their help in organising the meetings of this week.

223 Standing Committee – Report 2008 The Porvoo Communion is a communion of churches, mostly in Northern Europe, that have signed an agreement to “share a common life in mission and service”. The churches that signed the agreement are The Evangelical-Lutheran Churches of Estonia, Lithuania, Sweden, Norway, Iceland and Finland and the Anglican churches of Wales, Ireland, Scotland and England. Two churches from South Europe also belong to the Porvoo Communion. They are the Lusitanian Church in Portugal and the Reformed Episcopal Church of Spain. The Evangelical Lutheran Churches of Denmark and Latvia have observer status. See also www.porvoochurches.org Church of Ireland Country Report. October 2007 Political change The political parties in Northern Ireland have agreed to work together in the new Northern Ireland Executive and The Revd Ian Paisley has become First Minister and Mr Martin McGuinness the Deputy First Minister. This new situation demonstrates a public calm but underneath there remains a lasting suspicion among the communities. There have been suggestions that reconciliation programmes such as those used in South Africa should be activated but people from that country have warned that the circumstances in Ireland are different and that these attempts at reconciliation might make matters worse. How to come through conflict to healing is a challenge for the churches and it will not happen instantly. The hurts run too deep. Social change We are very aware of many growing social problems. Although the so called ‘Celtic Tiger’ has brought great prosperity for many people there seem to be others who are not benefiting. There is a growth in the use of drugs. There have been many gang-related killings. We have had very many road deaths caused by young drivers and immigrant drivers. Many questions remain related to immigrants but not all are negative. In Dublin one church has developed an ‘international’ ministry with a priest from Nigeria. Another church which was shared by Anglican and Methodist congregations is now shared with the Romanian Orthodox and Methodists with only a small weekday service for Anglicans. A Roman Catholic Church which had a small Tridentine Mass now has an overflowing Polish congregation. There is a growing Latvian community which needs a place to worship. In the wider community the farmers are finding it hard to work their land economically and are abandoning farming in favour of other more profitable work. Church change The Church of Ireland Hard Gospel programme continues to challenge the church to recognise sectarianism and racism and to encourage people to learn to live with difference. The programme has recently moved to examine our Church’s structures. It has criticised the make-up of committees, the lack of gender and age balance, the time of meetings which 224 Standing Committee – Report 2008 exclude many people and the time of General Synod in particular which meets mid-week in May and therefore excludes many who are loyal members of the Church, such as teachers. Mission 21 This is a programme to encourage parishes to examine their life and to plan development programmes. A number of pilot schemes have been organised. Theological College The House of Bishops has initiated a new programme of training for Ministry to begin in September 2008. This is designed to be more inclusive, to have greater elements of distance- learning and to accommodate those with families in a more caring way. Explorations are taking place to move the Theological College to a new site but no plans have been published. The cost will be very great. Marriage regulations The state in both parts of the island is introducing new regulations. These regulations demand that the couple obtain a Marriage Registration Form from a civil Registrar and then present this to a registered solemniser. This solemniser may be a church minister or some other recognised person. The Church of Ireland has issued its own rules for recording marriages and recommends that the normal place for a marriage is in a church but that in exceptional circumstances, with the approval of the bishop, it may take place elsewhere. Porvoo We are particularly glad to have the honour of hosting the meeting of the Primates and Presiding Bishops of the Porvoo Communion in October 2007. The Very Revd Desmond Harman Porvoo Contact Person

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APPENDIX R

PRIORITIES FUND

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT Year ended 31 December 2007 2006 € € INCOME Contributions from dioceses 620,596 580,107 Contributions from individuals - 1,500 Deposit interest 11,946 7,559 Dividend income 43,473 37,735 Miscellaneous income 30,032 - ______706,047 626,901 ______EXPENDITURE Administration expenses Salaries and PRSI 21,742 18,962 Organiser’s and Committee expenses 6,415 4,527 Printing and stationery 4,807 3,254 Postage and photocopying 1,296 1,252 Miscellaneous and transfers 2,326 4,073 ______36,586 32,068 ______Grants and loans Ministry 61,778 74,303 Retirement benefits 20,573 8,242 Education 74,004 112,853 Community 114,411 164,112 Areas of need 46,229 65,590 Reconciliation and outreach 47,729 97,885 Outreach Initiatives 73,011 ______437,735 522,985 ______Total expenditure 474,321 555,323

Surplus before currency exchange 231,726 71,848

Currency exchange for year (16,919) 5,030 ______Surplus for the year 214,807 76,878 ______

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PRIORITIES FUND

FUND ACCOUNT Year ended 31 December 2007 2006 € € CURRENT ASSETS

Cash in bank 72 5,122 Cash on deposit 586,804 365,129 ______586,876 370,251 ______CURRENT LIABILITIES

Loan for Priorities Fund purposes (16,760) (16,760) PAYE/PRSI (3,879) (3,100) ______(20,639) (19,860) ______INVESTMENTS

Investments held by RCB in trust at cost 659,894 660,933 ______Balance as at 31 December 1,226,131 1,011,324 ______FUNDS EMPLOYED

Balance at 1 January 1,011,324 934,446 Surplus for the year 214,807 76,878 ______Balance as at 31 December 1,226,131 1,011,324 ______

ACCOUNTANTS’ REPORT The Standing Committee is responsible for preparing the Income and Expenditure Account and the Fund Account for the year ended 31 December 2007. We have examined the above and have compared them with the books and records of the Fund. We have not performed an Audit and accordingly do not express an audit opinion of the above statements. In our opinion the above statements are in accordance with the books and records of the Fund. PricewaterhouseCoopers Chartered Accountants Dublin March 2008

227 Standing Committee – Report 2008 APPENDIX S

Report on the 51st Congress of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women for the Standing Committee by the Rev Canon Doris Clements - April 2007

It was an honour to be invited to represent Ireland at UNCSW, as the Anglican Consultative Delegate Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) and also as the International Anglican Women’s Network (IAWN) Link. I thank The Primate and the Standing Committee for sanctioning my appointment. I also thank Helen Wangusa, the newly appointed Anglican Observer to the UN, under whose office we gathered, and the Anglican Women’s Empowerment (AWE) who funded the trip. As I was a late nominee I had little time to prepare for such an experience! This made my first few days very exhausting, coping with all the terminology, UN rules and regulations, orientation, advocacy training and hundreds of new faces and names to learn. About 7000 people attended the Congress, between Government delegates from over 180 countries and NGO’s from all over the world. The Anglican delegation (ACC) of more than 80 women and 11 teenage girls, from 34 countries of the worldwide Anglican Communion, was the largest non-governmental representation (NGO) present. This year the theme of the Commission was "The elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence against women and the girl child”. And it was the first time that girls attended a UN congress on the Status of Women. I have never worked so hard at a conference as I did at the UN! Because the Episcopal Church, AWE, ACC and IAWN were so involved with us it was like attending two conferences at the same time. My day began at 6.30am and usually ended at 8.30-9pm, Saturdays and Sundays included! UN-related work took place from 8am to 6pm and then ACC, AWE and IAWN related activities, discussions, reporting, took place between 6pm and 9pm. Worship played a big role in my two weeks and it was interesting to experience different formats. I began each weekday with Morning Worship in the UN Chapel and was honoured to be asked to plan and lead worship with our two Welsh ACC/IAWN Representatives on March 1st, St David’s Day. ACC had been asked to lead on two mornings and other Christian NGO’s led on other mornings. I didn’t always attend the evening meditation in the ECC chapel at 6.15pm. However, our opening Eucharist in the Episcopal Church Centre Chapel was very inspirational. The Presiding Bishop, Katherine Jefforts Schori, preached and celebrated. So too were the two Sunday services that I attended …one was in a wealthy middle-class area in Manhattan, St Bartholomew’s, and the other in a predominately coloured area of Brooklyn, St Mark’s. Both churches were packed, the singing wonderful and in the Brooklyn church, the congregational participation an eye-opener for me! We also had an ‘event’ in Holy Trinity Church, Wall St, a dinner hosted by the Suffragan Bishop of New York Diocese for the ACC/IAWN delegates in St Andrew’s church Hall, Harlem and I visited St Paul’s church where the firemen and other helpers rested and were fed during 9/11. So a variety of churches viewed! The morning debriefings of NGOs at the UN were useful as we learned about some of the Parallel Events (organised by NGO’s) due to take place on the day. These were numerous, took place all during the day and were very interesting. There were also opportunities at them to participate. Some of the Parallel Events were entitled ‘Working 228 Standing Committee – Report 2008 to change Girls Lives from the ground up’. ‘The role of Young People in the Rebuilding of Iraq’. ‘Women on the Edge’. ‘Global Campaign to combat Child Pornography’. ‘Role of Men and Boys in achieving Gender Equality.’ ‘Rural Women and Violence against Girls.’ ‘The Importance of Mothers to the Girl Child’. ‘Female Infanticide’. ‘Violence against Girls in Togo, Ghana and Haiti’, ‘Working at the Grassroots in Rural Africa to eliminate FGM’ . It was difficult to decide which to attend! I mostly attended some of those that covered domestic violence as I had decided that that was where my interest would lie. The UN Plenary Sessions were held from 10am-1pm, and 3pm–6pm where keynote speakers and government delegates made statements. Expert Keynote Papers included ‘Girl-Children in vulnerable situations’, ‘From the kitchen to the classroom’, ‘The impact of harmful traditional practices on the girl child,’ ‘Counting invisible workers– girls in domestic activities within their homes’, ‘Teacher identities and empowerment of girls against sexual violence’, ‘The girl child in armed conflict…the violation of girls’ human rights’. Our own Mr. Frank Fahey, TD, Minister of State in the Dept. of Justice and Equality, gave a well-received statement about the situation in Ireland. He admitted that there are ‘significant gender inequalities’ once women/girls have completed their education, in pay and in decision-making roles! The Chairperson of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women at the UN, in her opening statement, reminded delegates that the Convention of same had been ratified by 185 countries and that these countries were obliged to ‘ensure the practical realization of the principle of gender equality’. The new Deputy Secretary-General of the UN emphasised the need to eliminate all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls and stated that the involvement of men and boys was paramount in order to change stereotypical attitudes and behaviour. Ms. Rima Salah, Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF claimed that the Millennium Development Goals cannot be achieved without addressing violence against girls and women as ‘this hinders the social and economic progress in nations’. These statements were echoed throughout the Congress and indeed by the Anglican women in their discussions and final statement. I usually attended the morning Plenary Sessions and the afternoon Parallel Events, so by the time I got to the ACC/IAWN sessions at 7pm I was almost ‘brain-dead’! I met some wonderful people - of all faiths, colour and creed! They were all advocating for basic human rights for women and girls. They were all highly educated and erudite. Those I spoke to, whether from Africa, India, Australia, China, the Americas or Europe, all had a determination to do something about the inequality and violence against women. The three Muslim Medical Doctors from Egypt, the Trade Union Members from Eastern Europe, the lawyers from Pakistan and China, the psychologist from Africa, the Commanche from the Indian Reservation, the 16 year-old ‘Restavek’ (ex-slave!) from Haiti, the 14 year-old from Togo, the Norwegian involved in ‘Heifer International’, all had a common cause- equal educational and work opportunities, better home life, less violence and more government enforcement of UN Conventions. We heard from and met many Anglican women dedicated to their church and to the advancement of women - the Presiding Bishop, Katherine Jefforts Schori, a wonderful speaker, preacher and very inspirational and yet gentle and kind; Rev. Margaret Rose,

229 Standing Committee – Report 2008 Director of Women’s Ministries in the ECC; Amanda Akes, the very patient staff member from the ECC office who organized our accommodation and funding; Ann Skamp, an Australian and Chairperson of the Steering Committee for our delegation; Virginia Davies, a fund-raiser for AWE who hosted a dinner for us in her penthouse suite; Phoebe Griswold, wife of the recently retired Presiding Bishop, whose commitment to increasing the voice of women throughout the Anglican Communion led to the founding of AWE; Kay Meyers, the US President of the Episcopal Church Women; Ruth Choi, the ACC delegate from Sth Korea and the World President of GFS; Phyllis Gomaz, the Provincial President of the MU in the USA; and of course all the ACC/IAWN delegates from around the Anglican Communion. There were men at the Congress too! Jonathan Crooms, from the UN office of the Presbyterian Church, noted that the active involvement of men and boys, starting at family and community levels, was vital in order to change attitudes that condone, and practices that sanction, discrimination and violence against women and girls. Rev Roger Schmidt, a German belonging to the Lutheran World Federation, said that although the focus at the Commission on the Status of Women was on women and girls it was important to raise the problems of men and boys too. They needed to be informed and included in discussions. I managed to meet our Irish Government delegates, Alan Gibbons, the permanent representative to the UN in the Irish Mission and Pauline Moreau from the Dept of Justice and Equality. She has promised me substantial Government funding if I wish to raise awareness of domestic violence in the community. This I hope to do, whether as a Mothers’ Union (MU) member, a Church of Ireland member or as an individual! A few days before I travelled to New York, as All-Ireland Co-Ordinator of the MU Faith and Policy Unit, I had been informed of the rape of two MU members, in their own homes, in Ireland, in recent months, and was frustrated that we in the MU can do little to help such victims. Both had been ‘ashamed’ to report these violations. I was also told about a domestic violence situation, in a Church of Ireland home, where the media was most unhelpful. If I can get support from MU and the Church then Ms Moreau’s offer of funding will help to raise awareness of domestic violence, hopefully encourage victims to seek help, and progress some of the Bejing Millennium Development Goals and the UN Convention policies, here in Ireland. As ACC/IAWN delegates we had little contact with the MU delegation of four this year. Perhaps this was due to the fact that they stayed in a different hotel, ours being too expensive for Mary Sumner House to fund! Two of these were from England, one from Africa and one from the West Indies, three of them being Trustees. As there was a shortage of staff in MSH before Christmas, there was no time to write a submission to the UN. Hence no statement or presentation by them. However, over 20 of the ACC/IAWN delegates were very active MU members in their own countries. The MU provides a ‘ready-made’ network for IAWN in particular, and MU policies and concerns with family life ensure that the MDG’s are being implemented rather than discussed. I hope to use my involvement in the MU to inform others about what I have heard and learned at the UN and I have already given a short presentation to the All-Ireland Council.

230 Standing Committee – Report 2008 At the end of our time together, the ACC and IAWN delegates put together a statement to present to the UN for consideration. This included the role of the Church in the elimination of discrimination and violence against women and girls. We also wrote a statement to present to our Provincial Primates. This I have already done and I understand that it was well-received. As Dr. Jane Williams, wife of the Archbishop of Canterbury, has said, “Women united could bring about much of the healing needed throughout the Church”. In 2005, the ACC received and adopted Resolution 13/31, and asked that all Standing Committees in the Anglican Communion identify ways to implement the Millennium Development Goals. As the delegates to UNCSW 2007, we were asked to insure that ACC 13/31 has been implemented in our own countries. I have already completed a questionnaire about this and will be asked to complete another in July. I will have some questions for the Standing Committee then regarding a Women’s desk in Church House, and equality representation on all our Church committees, at local, diocesan and National levels! Many times during those days in New York, I thought how true Kofi Annan’s (the retired UN Secretary General) words are… “Women are the last undeveloped resource on this planet”. Perhaps, when the world sees its way to eliminate all forms of discrimination and violence against women and the girl child then this ‘undeveloped resource’ will be developed and used to improve life for all throughout the world. In the words of our statement to the UN, I was ‘proud to represent our Church, privileged to be part of the UNCSW and humbled by the opportunity to gather with women of all faith and spiritual traditions’. A marvellous experience and opportunity, greatly appreciated and, hopefully, I will make good use out of it all. In conclusion, I would recommend that Church House/The Primate respond as soon as possible to the ACC’s invitation to send an ACC and or IAWN delegate to UNCSW next year. This will enable the committee at the UN, in the Episcopal Church Centre and IAWN to plan funding and accommodation, to debrief and enrol delegates and it will provide the delegate with time to research, prepare and book flights!

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APPENDIX T WORKING GROUP ON DISABILITY REPORT 2008 Membership Miss J McGaffin (Chairperson) Mrs M Mann Mrs JM Bruton Rev Canon WA Murphy Mr J Clarke Mr I Slaine

1. TERMS OF REFERENCE The Standing Committee in March 2005 established the Working Group on Disability to address issues concerning disability that affect the Church of Ireland and to consider the implications of legislation and proposed legislation on disability in both jurisdictions. The Church of Ireland is periodically invited to comment on consultation documents, white papers and draft legislation. It was envisaged that a working group with expertise in this area would be in a position to prepare considered responses on behalf of the Church. 2. CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERSHIP The Working Group acknowledges the sound leadership and immense contribution made by the Rev Robin Harris as Chairperson of the working group since its inception in 2005, prior to his resignation from the Working Group in November 2007. Miss Judith McGaffin was appointed Chairperson in place of the Rev Robin Harris. Mr Ian Slaine was invited to become a member of the working group, which facilitates the very useful relationship that the Group has with the Board for Social Responsibility (NI). 3. SUMMARY • Audit of access to churches and other buildings • Training in the dioceses • Disability Awareness Sunday • Ministry to deaf people 4. POLICY STATEMENT The challenge for the Church is to be an inclusive Church and to conform to the law in each jurisdiction and to implement a policy to make all aspects of Church life and worship accessible to all. The Working Group accepted a statement determining the Church’s policy, which was approved some years ago by the Standing Committee. However, the statement is currently under review by the Working Group in the light of current thinking and practices. The policy statement is as follows: • The Church of Ireland recognises that each person is entitled to participate fully in the life of the Church;

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• The Church is committed to keeping policies, practices and procedures under review to ensure that people with disabilities are not treated less favourably; • The Church aims to encourage members, employees and others acting on its behalf to promote practices and attitudes which do not discriminate against people with disabilities. 5. DISABILITY AWARENESS SUNDAY Raising awareness on disability issues continues to be one of the first priorities of the working group. Part of this process has been to designate the third Sunday in November as Disability Awareness Sunday. Disability Awareness Sunday in 2008 will be held on 16 November, which will be the fourth such designated Sunday. In advance of the event, all parishes will again receive an information pack which will include publicity posters, facts on disability and an evaluation sheet. The continuing support of the Archbishop of Armagh and the diocesan bishops is much appreciated by the Working Group, which has received much encouragement to continue their work from both clergy and lay people. 6. AUDIT OF ACCESS FACILITIES IN PARISHES The working group commissioned an audit of access facilities in all parishes throughout the Church of Ireland and was very encouraged by the excellent response from parishes. The audit followed up on an audit of church buildings carried out in Northern Ireland some years earlier. The working group is very grateful to those parishes that responded to the questionnaire. The overall response rate was just under 44% and the following table shows the percentage of questionnaires returned for each diocese. Diocese Number Total Percentage Armagh 50 87 57.5 Cashel and Ossory 74 150 49.3 Clogher 29 71 40.8 Connor 56 116 48.3 Cork, Cloyne and Ross 31 74 41.9 Derry and Raphoe 70 121 57.9 Down and Dromore 63 118 53.4 Dublin and Glendalough 48 107 44.9 Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh 23 98 23.5 Limerick, Killaloe and Ardfert 10 66 15.2

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Meath and Kildare 21 59 35.6 Tuam 7 31 22.6 Total 482 1,098 43.8 A professional analysis of the questionnaires resulted in the production of the 2006 Audit of Disabled Access; Opening Doors. The Report was referred to the RCB Property Committee. The group is considering the Report and, based on their deliberations and inputs from the Property Committee, will decide what further action should be taken to encourage parishes to facilitate people with disabilities to fully participate in the life of the Church. 7. DISABILITY AWARENESS TRAINING Training officers or other appropriate staff from each of the major organisations that have an interest in disability were invited to a seminar on 7 June 2007 in the Dromantine Conference Centre. Twenty-two people attended, representing a number of major voluntary organisations on both sides of the border. Diocesan representatives were also invited to attend, however only six dioceses were represented. Following the seminar, it is proposed that a training pack for parishes will be produced, in consultation with Disability Action and the Through the Roof organisations. The other organisations that attended the seminar, will be asked to quality assure the training pack. We recognise that the key to changing attitudes will be training at local level. The implementation of this policy will depend on support from the central committees of the Church.

8. CHURCH OF IRELAND MINISTRY TO DEAF PEOPLE The Working Group is reviewing the needs of deaf people and the wider disabled community and having discussions with the Presbyterian Board for Social Witness concerning ministry to deaf and hearing-impaired people.

9. INFORMATION ABOUT THE WORKING GROUP The working group has an information page on the main Church of Ireland website at www.ireland.anglican.org

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APPENDIX U STANDING COMMITTEE RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS ACCOUNT Notes 2007 2006 € € RECEIPTS Representative Church Body 873,318 841,367 Deposit Interest 2 27,943 23,282 Sales of Publications - 626 Royalties Fund Income 39,388 69,777 Grants/Contributions 135,688 197,319 Adjustment to Opening Balances 8 (1,153) - ______1,075,184 1,132,371 ______DISBURSEMENTS

Ecumenical and Anglican Organisations 3 145,853 175,629 Central Communications Board 4 113,518 161,212 Grants Paid to Church Organisations 33,179 - Church of Ireland Marriage Council 11,739 10,458 Royalties Fund Expenditure 2,742 83,143 The Church in Society 29,794 44,365 The Hard Gospel 225,120 226,118 Safeguarding Trust 3,556 - ______565,501 700,925 ______EXPENSES Facilities provided by RCB 290,509 276,688 General Synod Expenses 5 48,306 36,596 Miscellaneous Expenses 6 22,755 24,907 ______361,570 338,191 ______Surplus for year 148,113 93,255

Refund excess allocation to RCB (129,551) (88,137) Balance 1 January 898,708 888,613 Currency translation adjustment (28,978) 4,977 ______

Balance 31 December 888,292 898,708 ______FUNDS EMPLOYED

Cash on Deposit 7 888,292 898,708 ______

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ACCOUNTANTS’ REPORT The Standing Committee is responsible for preparing the Receipts and Disbursements Account for the year ended 31 December 2006. We have examined the above and have compared it with the books and records of the Fund. We have not preformed an Audit and accordingly do not express an audit opinion on the above statement. In our opinion the above statement is in accordance with the books and records of the Fund. PricewaterhouseCoopers Chartered Accountants Dublin 13 March 2007 Notes to the Accounts 1. Foreign currency transactions have been translated to Euro at the rate of exchange ruling at 31 December 2006, €1 = £0.6715 (2007: €1 =£0.7333).

2007 2006 € € 2. Deposit Interest - Royalties Fund 22,356 15,084 - The Hard Gospel 5,587 8,198 ______27,943 23,282 ______3. Ecumenical and Anglican Organisations - Anglican Consultative Council 50,866 53,462 - Churches Together in Britain and Ireland 27,619 29,672 - Irish Council of Churches 23,036 36,634 - Irish Inter-Church Meeting 11,237 11,914 - Irish School of Ecumenics 10,000 15,000 - World Council of Churches 8,250 8,191 - Conference of European Churches 5,594 5,328 - Delegates’ expenses (travel/conferences) 9,251 15,428 ______145,853 175,629 ______4. Central Communications Board - Press Office 84,044 137,099 - Broadcasting Committee 3,097 4,624 - Internet 22,003 10,539 - Liturgical Advisory Committee 4,374 8,950 ______113,518 161,212 ______

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31 December 2007 2006 € € 5. General Synod Expenses -Venue and Facilities 48,306 36,596 ______48,306 36,596 ______6. Miscellaneous Expenses - Minor expenses of committees 3,436 5,023 - Publications & Printing 2,869 11,352 - Honorary Secretaries’ expenses 8,964 6,158 - Porvoo Communion 5,499 1,374 - Historiographer’s Expenses 1,987 1,000 ______22,755 24,907 ______7. Cash on Short Term Deposit - Royalties Fund 589,754 533,722 - Hymnal Revision 1,756 1,918 - Other Account Balances 296,781 363,068 ______888,292 898,708 ______

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GENERAL PURPOSES FUND Year ended 31 December 2007 2006 € € INCOME Interest and Dividends 1,541 1,181 Ven E Colvin Bequest 34 29 Refund Episcopal Elector’s Expenses 1,989 3,450 ______3,564 4,660 ______EXPENDITURE Registrar, Court of the General Synod 63 Episcopal Electors’ Expenses 1,989 3,450 ______1,989 3,513 ______

Surplus for year 1,575 1,147 Balance 1 January 31,787 30,645 Currency translation adjustment 4 (1) ______Balance 31 December 33,366 31,791 ______FUNDS EMPLOYED Investments 18,494 18,496 Cash 14,872 13,295 ______Balance 31 December 33,366 31,791 ______

Sterling balances and transactions have been translated to Euro at the rate of exchange ruling at 31 December 2007, €1 = £0.7333 (2006: €1 = £0.6715). ACCOUNTANTS’ REPORT The Standing Committee is responsible for preparing the Income and Expenditure Account and the Fund Account for the year ended 31 December 2007. We have examined the above and have compared it with the books and records of the Fund. We have not performed an Audit and accordingly do not express an audit opinion on the above statement. In our opinion the above statement is in accordance with the books and records of the Fund. PricewaterhouseCoopers Chartered Accountants Dublin March 2008 238

Church in Society – Report 2008

THE CHURCH IN SOCIETY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP The Bishop of Clogher, The Rt Rev Dr MGStA Jackson (Chairman) The Archbishop of Armagh, The Most Rev AET Harper The Archbishop of Dublin, The Most Rev Dr JRW Neill Dr R Corbett (Medical Ethics, Science and Technology Sub-Committee) Rev Canon Dr IM Ellis (Honorary Secretaries' nominee) Rev KRJ Hall (Social Justice and Theology (NI) Sub-Committee) Mr SR Harper (Legislation and Politics (RI) Sub-Committee) (Honorary Secretaries' nominee) Rev WD Humphries (Ecological and Environmental Sub-Committee) Rev Canon WA Lewis (Legislation and Politics (NI) Sub-Committee) Dr K Milne (European Affairs Working Group) Very Rev FJG Wynne (Social Justice and Theology (RI) Sub-Committee)

PURPOSE The Church in Society Committee of the General Synod of the Church of Ireland seeks to identify, contribute to, challenge and develop areas of living today where the mission of the Church can be active and the love of God shared. It does this through the development of reports, resource materials and by developing projects that apply theological perspectives to public issues in a challenge to Christian living.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

During 2007-2008, the Church in Society Committee completed the following work: Statements • The Chairman made an address on the role of Churches in dealing with issues of the past in Northern Ireland (Appendix A). • Dr Rory Corbett issued a response to new proposals on organ donation by Prime Minister Gordon Brown (Appendix B). • Revd Kenny Hall issued responses on the high rate of suicide amongst young people in the Diocese of Armagh (Appendix C) and on the appointment of the Victims’ Commission (Appendix D). Consultations • A submission was made by the Social Justice and Theology (NI) Sub-Committee to the Probation Service for Northern Ireland (Appendix E). • A submission was made by the Legislation and Politics (RI) Sub-Committee to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children (Appendix F). • A submission was made by Social Justice and Theology (NI) Sub-Committee to the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister on the Draft Programme for Government 2008-2011, the Draft Budget 2008-2011, and the Draft Investment Strategy 2008-2011 (Appendix G). 239 Church in Society – Report 2008

Publications • Embracing Difference by Revd Canon Patrick Comerford was published and launched by the Social Justice and Theology (RI) Sub-Committee. • A report entitled Change in Rural Ireland: Life after Sugarbeet is being finalised. • A report entitled Pastoralia in a Digital World is being prepared. The Church in Society Committee would like to thank Ms Lucy Connolly for her contribution to the work of the Committee and wishes her well in her new role.

FUTURE OBJECTIVES Social Justice and Theology (RI) Sub-Committee: • Production of a pastoral reflection on the Church of Ireland and the Travelling Community; • Review of balance between publication of material and compilation of responses for answering questions put to the Church; • Consultation with State agencies to identify new areas where useful work could be done. Social Justice and Theology (NI) Sub-Committee: • It is hoped to meet as soon as possible with The Victims’ Commission; • Draw up a submission on the proposed Presumption of Death Bill. European Affairs Working Group: • To identify the major issues emerging from the Lisbon Treaty and to encourage an informed discussion within the Church; • To identify the significance of other general developments emerging from the European Union and to make information on such developments available to the Church; • To communicate, where appropriate, the particular views of the Church to the governments of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and to the institutions of the European Union. Medical Ethics, Science and Technology Sub-Committee: • Continue to monitor legislation emerging from the Northern Irish Assembly, the Oireachtas and Westminster relevant to the fields of medicine, science and technology; • Continue to monitor developments in medical, scientific and technological industry and academia; • Work is underway to prepare a paper on nanotechnology to outline factually what innovations are involved and to draw attention to the ethical repercussions.

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Ecological and Environmental Sub-Committee: • Further encourage good ecological practice at parish level by continuing the publication of Greening the Church and holding the annual Ecological Workshop; • Complete the Environmental Policy for central and Church offices; • Continue ecological and environmental inter-church activity by encouraging parishes to use Eco-Congregation Ireland and to apply for the Eco-Congregation Award. Legislation and Politics (RI) Sub-Committee: • Continue to monitor issues arising from legislative and political developments within the state; • Continue to resource, with analysis underpinned by research, those within the Church who are required to comment; • To consult, when appropriate, those with relevant or expert knowledge of pertinent issues such as care of the elderly, protection of children and upon legislation relevant to marriage; • To engage with parliamentary, government and civil/public service consultative processes to ensure the views of the Church of Ireland are taken into account. Legislation and Politics (NI) Sub-Committee: • Engagement with the Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland process and response; • Meeting with the Northern Ireland political parties to discuss and take action on engagement with the political institutions at Stormont.

REPORTS OF SUB-COMMITTEES SOCIAL JUSTICE AND THEOLOGY (RI) SUB-COMMITTEE The work of the group in the twelve months to February 2008 comprised the following: • Rural Ireland after Sugar Beet – this pastoral reflection was drafted and presented to the main committee; • Embracing Difference, Canon Patrick Comerford’s booklet, was published under the group’s auspices in January 2008 and is intended as a resource for parishes who wish to approach the ‘New Irish’ in their midst; • Pastoralia in the Digital World – this booklet has been drafted and presented to the main committee; • Thought is being given to a pastoral reflection on the Church of Ireland and the travelling community; • The Chairperson attended the conference held in Dublin to launch the encyclical Deus Caritas Est, from this many points of common interest and inspiration emerged. 241 Church in Society – Report 2008

The group is thinking, in general, about how best to take its work forward in the light of discussions held with the main committee and the Archbishop of Armagh following General Synod 2007.

SOCIAL JUSTICE AND THEOLOGY (NI) SUB-COMMITTEE In light of the high rate of suicides among young people, in particular in the Armagh Diocese, an appeal was made for young people to understand that there are people who care about them and who would be willing to help them find a way through their problems (Appendix C). The Rev Kenny Hall, Chairperson of the sub-committee, also issued a statement with regard to the appointment of the Victims’ Commission urging all victims to take part and for the setting up of a Victims and Survivors Forum (Appendix D). It is also planned to meet with the Victims’ Commission as soon as possible. The committee were grateful to Mrs Ethne Harkness, a former director in Law Reform for making a response to the Draft Programme for Government for Northern Ireland Building a Better Future. This Programme for Government highlights the key goals and actions the Executive will take to drive forward those priority areas (Appendix G). A response was also made to the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI) stating our support that the PBNI will require additional resources to successfully implement new provisions, while efficiency savings will be expected in provision of existing services. We recognise that the PBNI has a good track record in reducing offending and further development of success in this area is to be welcomed (Appendix E). A submission is currently being prepared on the proposed Presumption of Death Bill. It will be important for relatives of "the disappeared" but its impact will be wider than that, covering cases where people are missing but death cannot be proved in the "normal" way (by production of a body) so there cannot be Registration of a Death.

EUROPEAN AFFAIRS WORKING GROUP The period of ‘reflection’ recommended by the European Commission following the rejection of the Constitutional Treaty by France and the Netherlands ended with the conclusion of negotiations on a new treaty during the Portuguese presidency. The signing of the Lisbon Treaty, sometimes referred to as the Reform Treaty, on behalf of all the member states of the Union took place on 13th December 2007. If it is to come into effect (possibly by 1st January 2009) it has to be ratified by all 27 states. It now appears to be the case that Ireland alone among the 27 is putting the treaty before the electorate for approval by referendum. This places an exceptional responsibility on the Republic which has, in effect, a veto on the entire process. In order to familiarise the public with the issues arising from the Treaty, the National Forum on Europe (on which the Church of Ireland is represented) organised several regional meetings at which speakers who supported the treaty, and those who opposed it, put forward their arguments. The forum also published A Summary Guide to the Treaty of Lisbon. The Institute of International and European Affairs, of which our working 242 Church in Society – Report 2008 group is a member, has published a Consolidated Version of the Treaties as amended by the Treaty of Lisbon, intended to provide a readable version of the several foundation treaties of the Union as amended by the new treaty. It has been our endeavour to enable members of the Church of Ireland to identify the major issues raised by the Lisbon Treaty and to encourage informed discussion on the treaty within the Church and to approach these tasks in an ecumenical manner. We are grateful for the attention that the Church of Ireland Gazette and diocesan magazines have drawn to this important treaty which has equal significance for society north and south of the border. The EU office in Dublin arranged a fact-finding visit to Brussels in April by members of the several religious traditions in the country and four of our working-group participated in the event. Since we last reported, we have had a meeting with Mr Jim Nicholson, MEP, in accordance with our policy of seeking discussion with MEPs representing all constituencies on the island. We had already met with Mr Jim Allister and most MEPs from the Republic. We are happy to report that in the course of the year, having in mind the objectives of our covenant with the Methodist Church, our working-group was joined by Mr Robert Cochran. We would also like to convey our good wishes on his appointment as Bishop of Down and Connor to Mgr Noel Treanor who, as Secretary General of the Conference of Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union, was ever ready to help us in our work.

MEDICAL ETHICS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SUB-COMMITTEE The Medical Ethics, Science and Technology Sub-Committee continued to monitor developments in legislation and innovation in industry and academia relevant to its brief. The public debate initiated by Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s suggestion that the United Kingdom should operate an “opt-out” rather than an “opt-in” system for organ donation was welcomed in a statement by the Chairman of the Sub-Committee (Appendix B). The progress of the Human Fertilization and Embryology Bill through the House of Commons is being closely watched by the Sub-Committee, while the impact of new draft guidelines on the termination of pregnancy in Northern Ireland issued by the Department of Health is being monitored. A paper on nanotechnology is being prepared to inform the Church on the factual implications of this innovation and to draw attention to some of the arising ethical issues that will proceed with the development and deployment of such technology.

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ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUB-COMMITTEE Over the past year the sub-committee has continued its work on two fronts. On the one hand the ecumenical work has further developed through Eco-Congregation Ireland, where progress has been advanced with the addition of the Society of Friends to the Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist and Church of Ireland representatives on the panel. Several parishes (including two from the Church of Ireland) are almost ready to undergo assessment for the Eco-Congregation Award. If successful these will be the first to receive the award under the Irish administration, the only other Irish award having been made to St Molua’s Stormont before the Irish branch of Eco-Congregation came into being. Eco-Congregation Ireland has also made a significant contribution to the work of several other bodies including Friends of the Earth, Trocaire and Christian Aid with a regular report made to the Inter-Church Meeting. The sub-committee expresses its thanks to the other members of the Eco-Congregation Ireland Committee: Helen Sheil (Methodist Church), Catherine Brennan SSL (Roman Catholic Church), Natasha Harty (Society of Friends), Joe Furphy (Presbyterian Church). On the second front, progress has continued within the Church of Ireland and there has been a concerted effort to encourage individual parishes to become “eco-friendly”. The Ecological Workshop held at the Emmaus Centre, Swords, saw attendance double from the previous year’s workshop at Dromantine with a healthy balance between northern and southern delegates. The number of parishes showing an interest in environmental work continues to grow steadily and the advice of the sub-committee continues to be sought on a regular basis. One successful and particularly constructive development has been the establishment of an e-mail magazine entitled Greening the Church, produced intermittently, and sent to individuals throughout the Church of Ireland. The number of recipients is growing with every edition and this cost-free project is intended to provide information on the many and varied activities of eco-parishes throughout the country and to encourage further development at “grass roots” level. Through the sub-committee many Church of Ireland parishes took part in the very worthwhile and rewarding Global Day of Action on Climate Change (Saturday 8 December 2007) when church bells were rung throughout the country and mass demonstrations were held in several centres including Dublin and Belfast. The aim of the action, which coincided with the Bali talks on climate change, was to draw the matter of climate change to the attention of everyone including local politicians. The sub-committee has also been encouraging the viewing of the Al Gore film, An Inconvenient Truth, which it considers to be a valuable and thought-provoking contribution to the debate on Global Warming. The film has now been shown at several centres throughout the land.

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The development of an Environmental Policy for central and Church offices has further progressed in the past year and is now nearing completion. The thanks of the sub-committee is expressed to all those who have recently acted as consultants in respect of its work.

LEGISLATION AND POLITICS (RI) SUB-COMMITTEE The occurrence of a general election and the resultant formation of a new government, and with it a new Programme for Government, within the last year has impressed heavily upon legislative and political developments within the Republic of Ireland. We have been monitoring these developments and will continue to do so. A submission was made to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children in which the Sub-Committee outlined some points of concern that it had with the draft Constitutional amendment, as circulated by the Oireachtas committee, as well as noting the points that we welcome in that draft (Appendix F).

Submissions were also made to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Constitution in its consultative process on the issue of freedom of expression and to the Director of Public Prosecution in the consultative process undertaken by his office on the practice of not giving reasons to victims or to the public when a decision is made not to prosecute or to withdraw a prosecution. We continue to fully avail of the very welcome opportunities granted through the government’s consultation process with churches and faith communities.

LEGISLATION AND POLITICS (NI) SUB-COMMITTEE The Legislation & Politics Committee (NI) is examining developments to date in the Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland process. The Committee reviewed submissions made by the Role of the Church Committee, 2000-2003, in the Human Rights Commission consultation process on a Bill of Rights. Those statements find broad acceptance with the current thinking of the Committee. Presently, the Committee is engaged in a review of the work of the Bill of Rights Forum and intends to issue a response to the Forum’s Report when it is published in March 2008. The Committee is involved in a series of meetings with the main political parties in Northern Ireland to discuss two matters: 1) A Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland; 2) Church of Ireland engagement with the political institutions at Stormont. The Committee has met the (UUP). Meetings with the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), Sinn Fein, Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and the Alliance Party are scheduled.

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APPENDIX A

CHAIRPERSON’S ADDRESS ON THE ROLE OF CHURCHES IN DEALING WITH ISSUES OF THE PAST IN NORTHERN IRELAND Introduction I wish to suggest three areas in which the churches, individually and together, need to take an active role in making a fresh contribution to the evolving life of Northern Ireland for the future. You might understandably say: But is this not the sort of hand-wringing exercise in which the churches themselves already indulge all too often? In many ways, the churches are every bit as ‘lost' as is anyone else in the new Ireland of today. Deliberately I use the plural. In Northern Ireland society, we are going through a painful process of political maturing after years of brutal violence, years of uneasy truce, and now years where active community-building and peacefulness lie before us. In the Republic of Ireland, there have emerged deep questions about the importance of readily recognizable values in a society whose expectations are set instinctively by the spread- sheet of economic achievement and expansion. There are gaping holes in the moral substructure of both societies. These all too often are glossed over because a type of future different from the past is much more exciting and seems, from our irreversibly consumerized perspective, to make fewer demands of us as individual moral agents. Call it secularism if you like! Call it mammon if you prefer! It is part of the air we breathe and the churches are powerless to reverse the trend. They are not, however, voiceless to speak into the situation critically and compassionately. Three Aspects of the Future Role of the Churches (1) I myself have often said that Northern Ireland suffers just as much from religious indigestion as it does from religious hunger. A result of this is that the conventional language and ideas of religion are not ‘new news' to anyone, nor indeed are the caricatures of the convictions and practices of people who try to live a religious way of life. The first suggestion which I have as a role for the churches is that they or we, if we are part of them, be honest about the chain reaction, and often the causal link, between denominational conviction and rank sectarianism. One of the big, bad scary words in today's society is: pluralism. But if religions embed themselves in exclusivity as a primary definition of who they are and what they do, then their shelf- life is limited when people generally are no longer looking instinctively to religion or to religious practice to enhance their understanding of their own self-respect. One of the basics of Christianity is that, in a primary way, it exists for others and for those outside the church. In technical terms, this is called mission. Too often mission has been understood as little more than recruitment of someone else to a set of religious practices and ideals, the philosophy behind which is already obvious to you yourself. Such an exercise has also frequently suffered from that fatal practice of comparing the best expression of one's own tradition with the worst expression of someone else's tradition. The unchallenged articulation of exclusive certainties diminishes trust between individuals and erodes cohesion in society. While we luxuriate in a sophisticated two-party denominationalism, there is an Inter Faith reality to be

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addressed already in our midst. My first role for the churches is one of generous humanity in this new society. (2) Religion needs not only to do an autumn tidy-up in its own garden but needs to be confident about presenting to the emerging generation what it has to give in terms of what people now call ‘value added' to the people of Ireland. If I may indulge myself with another modern cliché, I do not think that the church as an institution in our societies is ‘no longer fit for purpose.' But it does have to re-focus after a radical re- appraisal. In a post-modern world, political correctness has the capacity to draw out of people both defensiveness and aggressiveness. Those who feel that things which matter are slipping away from them in the new marketplace of ideas become increasingly protective, not knowing what is next for the shredder. Those who are impatient to ‘set out their stall' feel that every opportunity for a fresh expression or a new make-over needs to be taken. Appropriate dealing with the past is a casualty of both scenarios. And so we can move into a situation where - dare I say it once again - the churches bicker with one another and other people wonder why they cannot offer any recognizably common Christian witness to the world around them and beyond them. Over the next ten years, a thoroughly divided Christian witness will become an increasing conundrum and a focus of impatience to more and more people. The churches, individually and together, have a role and a powerful one in the Northern Ireland of tomorrow if they give expression to the divine invitation to find God present and at work in today's Ireland. It is the role of religion to talk about God. Again, this is a rather obvious thing to say. A religion devoid of theological purpose has already shrivelled and, unknown to itself, is crumbling. If I speak of the causal link between creation and redemption; if I speak of the operational love of God in giving life to human beings with a free will and a responsibility for all aspects of creation you will, like everybody else, say either: I don't know what he is talking about or I think that is better left to the clergy. But if, instead, I talk about respect for person and respect for place, about ecological awareness; if I talk about The Enniskillen Bomb or The Omagh Bomb or human trafficking, you will, I hope, see that there are tangible, everyday manifestations of the theological language which I used just a minute ago in terms of good and evil and how we respond to both. And that is a totally, if unselfconsciously, theological thing to do. I think that the churches can and must do this work time and again within all aspects of contemporary life - ipods, internet access, consumerism, ecology, justice issues - precisely because of the fact that they did offer hope and compassion in the decades of human suffering, intimidation and death. Most people think that normality is something which is always there. I disagree. Normality is something which needs to be fought for, constantly re-asserted and thought through from first principles. So, my second role for the churches is to be agents of courage and confidence. (3) A third area where the churches have a role is in revisiting the use of language. Let me give you an example. Stick to your principles, whatever you do! How often have we heard it, or even said it? Yet very few of us, I imagine, are willing to own up to having prejudices. Prejudices are what other people have. As I see it, a principle is a beginning, a starting-point to which we return again and again to find our bearings, to re-position ourselves, to set out once more on the same sort of journey of life which 247 Church in Society – Report 2008

we all must take. A prejudice is a mental attitude or decision where a judgement which we made once - in particular circumstances which we are convinced have not changed, or on the basis of something which we took over from others without really thinking it through for ourselves - holds fast and we will not, or cannot, deviate from it. The irony is that it may well have started out as a principle but developed into something non-negotiable, that is a prejudice. And this brings me into a further area where the churches, through their title deeds and through the personal example of Jesus Christ, can play a role in challenging the many noxious misunderstandings of power and authority. Not only is authority earned, it is also derived. Power, on the other hand, needs constantly to be tempered and challenged by a critical assessment of any entitlement to use it over against other people. It is not of itself bad but, all too often, is used to dismantle the authority of others - particularly children, women, disadvantaged, disabled, poor people - and to zap their capacity to ask for equivalence of status or make a contribution which they alone, from their perspective and position, can make. The churches have the role of being the place where this sort of human accommodation is modelled. So, my third role for the churches is to be upholders of honourable first principles. Conclusion The churches have no automatic role in the future of Northern Ireland. The churches however, in my opinion, individually and yet at the same time from an agreed common perspective, have a strategic role of both service and leadership because: they are, as we hear endlessly, present throughout the total community; they have principles and practices which too often have become confused with prejudices and exclusivities and yet, once re-thought in the fresh contexts into which they wish to speak and act, can act as yeast. They, in fact, need the society at large to ask more not less of them, rather than allow them to move increasingly into the lay bys and cul-de-sacs of an emerging society because not enough is being asked of them. The society, in all its good and bad manifestations, will be experimental for quite some time and will change whether or not the churches decide to take up the role which lies at their feet, if not yet in their hands as a strong force for honesty, healing and cohesion. Members of a fledgling democracy such as ours in Northern Ireland, living through the birth-pangs of political maturity and mutuality, have little time for theoretical musings. They, that is we, will be receptive to practicalities and living examples of generosity towards others. They will also, whatever their creed, be sustained by a Christian witness which derives the parables of its teaching from unpretentious, complex contemporary life. And they will undoubtedly respond to an institution and its people who make the first move.

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APPENDIX B

CHAIRPERSON’S RESPONSE TO NEW ORGAN DONATION PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD BY PRIME MINISTER GORDON BROWN

The Church of Ireland welcomes the recent statement of the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, on the issue of “Organ Donation”, and bringing it back into the public domain. Members of the Medical Ethics committee, who are practising doctors, are only too well aware of the number of deaths due to the shortage of donated organs.

Organ donation is to be seen as an entirely consistent Christian act, both of caring for those less well off, and responding to Our Lord’s example of, and instruction to, heal and show compassion. There does not appear to be a theological argument against the change in practice from an opt-in to an opt-out one. However we are sensitive to those whose religions hold different views, such as the body being as complete as possible for burial, the discomfort that there is over the transplantation of cadaver organs, and the reaction of many, including, Christians to the removal of body parts. We believe that the reasons for the significant shortfall of donated organs, for instance only 15% of those requiring a liver transplantation receive one, should be addressed, as to whether it is a failure to ask relatives at a time of great emotional distress, or due to lack of transplant co-ordinators to carry out this asking; whether it is due to difficulty for members of the public to opt-in, apart from when renewing their driving licences, or simply a lack of voluntary donors, but whatever, it does require agreement to the action by others, not just a signed donor card by the potential donor. Before any changes are considered we would wish to see more public discussion and education on all the issues concerned. This would allow the public to have given thought to the issues involved, so as to make a decision at such a time, and for many not to be left some time after the event regretting either that they had declined the invitation to agree to donation, or had not been asked. The experience, for instance, in Spain is encouraging to take this approach. The Prime Minister has, however, suggested that permission of the family, or representative, would still be necessary with a change to an opt-out scheme, which would suggest that there would be no improvement without education. This change, if it took place, would of itself mean a very major change in the relationship of the State and the individual. The Church of Ireland believes, that organ donation is a Christian act; that it is a way of bringing something good out of a tragedy (frequently the potential donor is young and the result of an accident), and in the longer term it gives the bereaved family comfort. However at this time we believe that other actions should be considered to increase the rate of organ donation before a change in the law, and we would encourage all the members of the Church to become fully involved and committed, if and when they should ever find themselves in this situation, and to remember all those awaiting the gift of a new organ.

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APPENDIX C

REVD KENNY HALL’S RESPONSE TO THE HIGH RATE OF SUICIDE AMONGST YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE DIOCESE OF ARMAGH

We want our young people to realise that no matter what they may be feeling, no matter what they have or haven’t done, no matter what the situation, there are people who do care about them and will help them find a way through. There are many agencies, many help lines and many individuals all willing to help. Clergy of all denominations often make themselves available 24 hours a day for people to contact in emergencies, on a confidential basis. We, as clergy, are not there to condemn thoughts or actions. We want to make ourselves available for people to consult, to talk through issues and to guide and direct, whether those issues are family issues, social issues, relationship issues, sexual issues, financial issues, or school/university issues. We are available and willing to help. There is always another direction to take, but sometimes people need help in finding that direction – so please, please seek help. This year alone too many families have been affected by suicide and, as well as having a devastating impact on those families, it also affects their friends and the communities in which they live. As responsible members of the community we must encourage all people, especially our young people, to talk about their problems with whoever they feel comfortable speaking to, and to seek help when they so desperately need it.

APPENDIX D

REVD KENNY HALL’S RESPONSE TO THE APPOINTMENT OF THE VICTIMS’ COMMISSION

The Interim Victims’ Commission, regardless of how it has been appointed is long overdue and should be welcomed by all. This time last year we issued a statement backing a fund and a forum for victims to be established and now in supporting this new team of Commissioners, I would urge all victims to take part. The new Commission needs to spearhead plans and priorities for a Victims and Survivors Forum. Many victims feel that they are the forgotten part of the peace process. It is therefore important that this new Commission is acceptable to all. Many people in Northern Ireland remain frightened to speak what they perceive as the truth. This often results in their remaining silent. A background of fear is capable of disrupting trust and communication. The proposed forum must be a place where people do not feel under threat and are able to express their thoughts and concerns. This is a prerequisite for movement towards reconciliation. All must work together for the benefit of each other and build a society that is at peace with itself.

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APPENDIX E

SUBMISSION TO THE PROBATION SERVICE OF NORTHERN IRELAND

Social Justice and Theology (NI) Sub-Committee

PBNI Corporate Plan 2008-2011 Consultation: A Response http://www.pbni.org.uk/cp0811draft.pdf

1. Please provide your views on our Planning Assumptions (p9) The Panel particularly supports the assumption – The PBNI will require additional resources to successfully implement new provisions, whiles efficiency savings will be expected in provision of existing services. The increased responsibilities and volume of work implicit in the provisions of the new Criminal Justice Order sentencing framework legislation referred to on p6, will require additional budgetary allocation to enable the PBNI to properly discharge its new responsibilities. Failure to deliver on this assumption would raise serious concerns over public safety and would have a negative impact on public confidence in the criminal justice system as a whole and on the PBNI particularly. 2. Please provide your views on our strategic objectives and the direction set by them. Reducing offending The Panel believes the PBNI has a good track record in reducing offending and further development of success in this area is to be welcomed. Risk Assessment Offender management The provisions of the new Criminal Justice Order will greatly increase the number of offenders managed in the community – and this implies a greater volume of work for the PBNI in terms of risk assessment and offender management. These objectives should be prioritised and appropriately resourced. It is also proposed that some resourcing should be allocated to educating the public about the new system. Business performance The panel affirms the wisdom of devising specific management objectives to guide the organisation through a period of growth and change.

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3. Please provide your view on how we can work more effectively with the community and other partners? With regard to the objective to increase the number of people performing community service under the revised sentencing framework, the Panel proposes that a strategy is put in place to develop a broader network of partnership links with any groups and agencies in the community that can provide the opportunity for such service, and to any potential funding issues in providing these opportunities. As this will require public education about the process and ‘buy in’ to the concept, the Panel also proposes making a series of stated public education objectives and, ultimately attaching budget and staff towards delivery. Consideration also needs to be given to public safety, monitoring and insurance issues etc. 4. Have we missed anything? See point 3 above. 5. N/A

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APPENDIX F

SUBMISSION TO THE OIREACHTAS JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ON CHILDREN

Legislation and Politics (RI) Sub-Committee Introduction The Church in Society Committee of the General Synod of the Church of Ireland seeks to identify, contribute to, challenge and develop areas of living today where the mission of the Church can be active and the love of God shared. It does so by seeking an informed understanding of the societies in which we live and aims as much to listen as to speak and to be informative and practical in the fruit of its work. The sub-groups of the Church in Society Committee are authorized to issue statements and reports in their own names. The following submission has been produced by the Legislation and Political (RI) sub- group and will be presented to the Church of Ireland General Synod. This document has been submitted at this point to meet the deadline as set out by the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children. However, as this is an ongoing discussion, both within and without the Church, we would consider this an interim response and we would like to reserve the right to contribute further on this issue at a later date. The passage or non-passage of the European Union Reform Treaty, for example, would have a critical bearing on the opinion of the Sub-Committee as to whether the Constitutional amendment on children is adequate. Additionally, the Sub- Committee would welcome the opportunity of consultation on any proposed legislation that might emerge on foot of a ratified amendment as it is in the detail that the concerns of the Church come into sharpest focus. The European Dimension

There is still much confusion as to whether the proposed referenda on the European Union Reform Treaty and the proposed amendment on children are to be held separately or concurrently. Clarification on this matter would be welcomed by the Sub-Committee as the Treaty is relevant to the debate on the rights of the child. The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, which the Treaty will afford “the same legal value as the Treaties”1, includes the following rights for children: Article 24 of the Charter

1. Children shall have the right to such protection and care as is necessary for their well- being. They may express their views freely. Such views shall be taken into consideration on matters which concern them in accordance with their age and maturity.

1 Article 1.8, Draft Treaty Amending the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty Establishing the European Community. 253 Church in Society – Report 2008

2. In all actions relating to children, whether taken by public authorities or private institutions, the child's best interests must be a primary consideration.

3. Every child shall have the right to maintain on a regular basis a personal relationship and direct contact with both his or her parents, unless that is contrary to his or her interests. Many of the aspirations expressed in previous submissions by the Church of Ireland and this Sub-Committee, as they relate to the rights of the child, would be met in the Republic of Ireland by the implementation of this Article. However, without its implementation the draft amendment to Bunreacht na hÉireann would be insufficient in our view on several counts. Obviously, the success or failure of the Reform Treaty will determine our opinion on the adequacy of the Constitutional amendment; indeed a question arises as to whether a final and full judgement on the Constitutional amendment is possible at all without knowing first the fate of that same Treaty. Welcome Components of the Proposed Draft The Sub-Committee welcomes section 5.1º of the proposed draft, which will allow for the formulating of laws permitting the collection and sharing of “soft intelligence” for the purpose of child protection. There is a weakness in the current vetting process in that it relates to convictions and not to those areas where there may be a reasonable suspicion that someone is inappropriate to work with children. We are aware that the sharing of soft intelligence may seem unfair as it allows for a decision without the due process of a trial and conviction, but we feel that such considerations must be balanced by the reality that it may actually deter individuals who might otherwise be tempted to commit an offence against a child.

Similarly, the Sub-Committee welcomes the section 5.2º of the proposed draft, which will allow for legislation permitting the reintroduction of absolute or strict liability for offences “committed against or in connection with a child under 18 years of age.” While this gives the Oireachtas wide-ranging scope to legislate for the protection of children, both from older predators and from themselves, the Sub-Committee appreciates that such broad terms are necessary for such issues and the Constitution is not the place to delineate the details further on this matter. However, any legislation emerging on foot of such an amendment will have to be considered most carefully as it is an immensely important and delicate balancing act. The Sub-Committee would like to express in the strongest terms its opinion that further consultation should be provided for on any legislation re-drawing the terms of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2006.

Points of Concern in the Proposed Draft Section 4 of the proposed draft raises several issues of concern for the Sub-Committee. While efforts to give the best interests of a child their due weight of consideration in determining action in relation to that child is welcome, the limited scope of this section- it only applies to court proceedings- raises some questions over the adequacy of this reform. Similarly, we are concerned that the implied reforms provided for in this section will only be applied if legislation requires it, and under the terms of the proposed draft

254 Church in Society – Report 2008 the Oireachtas will be under no obligation to pass such legislation. Given that legislative reform is still pending on the Constitutional amendment of 1979 on Seanad Éireann, the Sub-Committee believes that a more instructive choice of wording would be desirable. Towards this end, it is our view that the Constitutional amendment on children should oblige the legislature to prioritise, as a primary consideration, the best interests of a child in actions relating to that child. As referred to above, this aspiration might be realised through the European Union Reform Treaty. However, in the absence of surety on this issue the Sub-Committee cannot consider section 4 of the proposed amendment to be adequate, either in the scope of its prescription or in the force of its instruction.

Finally, the Sub-Committee has detected some variation in the rate of consensus that exists on certain parts of this amendment. We would not be adverse to suggestions that section 5.2º be decoupled from the rest of the amendment so that a referendum to provide for the re-instatement of absolute or strict liability for offences committed against or in connection to a child could be held alongside the European Union Reform Treaty, leaving more contentious parts of the amendment to be further deliberated upon with a later polling date for the final draft of the remainder of the proposed amendment.

255 Church in Society – Report 2008

APPENDIX G

SUBMISSION TO THE OFFICE OF THE FIRST MINISTER AND DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER

Social Justice and Theology (NI) Sub-Committee Overview The consultation covers three documents: Draft Programme for Government 2008-2011; Draft Budget 2008-2011; Draft Investment Strategy 2008-2018. In addition there are 23 Public Service Agreements (PSAs) published on the website as an annex to the Programme for Government. The Draft Programme for Government 2008-2011 sets out the Executive’s strategic priorities and key goals which have directed the allocation of resources as set out in the Budget and Investment Strategy. The over-arching aim is to build a peaceful, fair and prosperous society in Northern Ireland, with respect for the rule of law and where everyone can enjoy a better quality of life now and in years to come. Within that aim, there are five key strategic and interdependent priorities listed: Growing a Dynamic, Innovative Economy; Promote Tolerance, Inclusion and Health and Well-Being; Protect and Enhance Our Environment and Natural Resources; Invest to Build Our Infrastructure; Deliver Modern High Quality and Efficient Public Services. The Programme for Government highlights the key goals and actions the Executive will take to drive forward those priority areas. The Draft Budget sets out the expenditure plans for the Northern Ireland Departments in 2008-2011. This takes account of the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) which offered a smaller increase in resources for Northern Ireland than previously granted. Accordingly, the need for Departments to make cash-releasing efficiencies is emphasised, as such savings remain in Northern Ireland for use in funding public services here. The Draft Investment Strategy 2008-2018 sets out the longer-term framework for creating a sustainable 21st century infrastructure, reflecting the same strategic priorities. The Executive intends to finalise delivery plans for each priority area in the coming months, which will provide detail on schemes and timescales. Notably, in the Investment Strategy the priority area of Growing a Dynamic, Innovative Economy is placed at the core of achieving success in the other four priority area. That is very clearly the central message of these documents: “It’s the economy, stoopid.”

256 Church in Society – Report 2008

Priorities and Challenges Introduction The Programme for Government reads like a manifesto, optimistic and aspirational, promising a lot of apple pie all around. This is a high-level document with ambitious aims described in smooth rhetoric so it is difficult to provide any forensic analysis or meaningful critique. The significant decisions will come when the Executive has to move beyond anodyne statements of good intent into firm, detailed policy-making and implementation on the ground, tacking politically sensitive and controversial issues that are largely avoided in these documents. That will be the real test for viability of the devolution settlement. At this stage, any detail the Programme for Government contains is found in Tables of Key Goals and associated actions for each of the five priority areas. Even there, in most cases it is not explained how each goal will be achieved. There is no detail on approaches or mechanisms. The “how will that be done” question goes unanswered – in fact it is largely not asked. Potential conflicts between competing goals are not addressed. Nor is there a detailed legislative programme included. The framework of 23 PSAs has Tables of Objectives, Actions and Targets with, we are told, a focus on addressing key cross-cutting issues and challenges - perhaps a recognition that achieving joined-up government is very difficult at any time let alone for an enforced coalition administration. Some of the Actions and Targets are more specific than others, but there are some tired and vague recitals and some that reflect routine work in progress; actions and targets like “Development and implementation of a Higher Education strategy”, “Ensure the central role of the rights of the child” and “Manage and develop NI cultural infrastructure”, need to be further refined. In summary, the lack of detail in the Programme for Government, even when supplemented by the PSA framework, is a theme underlying many of the following comments. Priority: Growing a Dynamic, Innovative Economy In relation to the key goals for Growing a Dynamic, Innovative Economy, many questions arise. What mechanism will be used to halve the private sector productivity gap with the UK average (Goal 1)? Where will the jobs come from to increase the employment rate from 70% to 75% (Goal 2)? What steps will achieve growth of up to 15% in the creative industries sector (Goal 6)? The actions mentioned in this section of the Programme for Government cannot in themselves match the 11 key goals set out on page 6. Close attention to the PSA framework will be essential to achieve progress here; for example, the PSAs on Productivity Growth, Skills for Prosperity, Increasing Employment and Supporting Rural Businesses set high targets that will involve close co-operation from DETI, DEL, DRD and DARD. Can we really look forward to that level of co-operation? With this in mind, we certainly welcome the Executive’s undertaking (on page 48 of the Draft Budget) to review and consult on its priorities and performance each year.

257 Church in Society – Report 2008

Reading the Draft Budget alongside the Programme for Government, it is clear that improvement in the economic situation is essential for any progress for Northern Ireland. Without enhanced economic growth and greater productivity, we cannot hope to achieve the key goals across the five priority areas. In the Draft Budget there are targets and actions in respect of the four drivers of productivity – skills, enterprise, innovation and infrastructure – but the tone of the Budget document is more cautious than the Programme for Government. Notably it is recognised that a big constraint lies in the lack of fiscal policy instruments made available by HM Treasury and now that we know the Varney Review is not going to deliver much extra assistance to Northern Ireland, we have to be concerned about the economic prospects. With these problems and a global downturn, including our traditional problems of high energy and fuel costs, the outlook is not reassuring, but some would argue that it is not good enough for the Executive or our politicians to blame outside factors or other people. Northern Ireland people, given this opportunity of devolution and reconciliation, now have to take responsibility for our own future, help ourselves and each other and work ourselves out of economic disadvantage. The task for all of us is to build optimism in our communities and get on with working together, using our skills and talents of innovation and creativity, especially in locally-based industrial and agricultural enterprises. Without renewed confidence and co-operation, for example, we cannot tackle another negative feature highlighted in the Budget – the high level of economic inactivity amongst our working age population. All of this requires co-operation not just from our political representatives but more broadly in our communities. It is disappointing, therefore, that the issue of investing in “Shared Future” activities is not addressed adequately. Another confidence-building measure would be some movement in dealing with the needs of victims of the Troubles who are barely mentioned in these documents. Priority: Promote Tolerance, Inclusion and Health and Well-Being Looking at the key goals for the second priority area, to Promote Tolerance, Inclusion and Health and Well-Being, similar questions about lack of detail arise. For example, how will the Executive reduce child poverty by 50% by 2010 (Goal 1), when it does not have tax-raising powers and it appears tied to United Kingdom benefits and minimum wage rates, especially given that the Government has failed to reach its own targets in this area? The PSA targets are focussed largely on benefit issues but recent research indicates there is a significant level of child poverty amongst families in work but trapped in badly paid jobs. Economic progress is key to tackling this social problem so we welcome the recognition that job creation should concentrate on jobs with salaries above the Northern Ireland Private Sector Median (PSA 3, page 10). In this section of the Draft Programme for Government, Goal 4 is welcomed – “Ensuring that by 2013, anyone with a mental health problem or learning disability is promptly and suitably treated in the community and no-one remains unnecessarily in hospital.”. It is surprising, however, that there is no commitment to full and speedy implementation of the Bamford proposals (although Bamford is mentioned with approval in the Draft Budget and there are some PSA targets reflecting this). The Bamford Report is the product of thorough and costly research and consultation amongst practitioners, users of the current services and other experts and we would have hoped for more progress in 258 Church in Society – Report 2008 implementation by now. This omission causes concern that there is not yet serious commitment to addressing the problems which have been clearly identified in this area, where Bamford estimated £50m would be needed over the next 3 years. Likewise, the absence of any reference in the Programme for Government to goals or actions focussed on care of the elderly is very disappointing. The experience of many elderly people and families struggling to make good arrangements for elderly relatives coping with dementia or other physical or mental disabilities is that there is a severe lack of first-class services.

We share the well-publicised concern about the level of health care funding. We have seen Mr McGimpsey’s campaign for increased resources and we must say that if the Minister himself is not confident of success then how can the consumers of health services feel confident? We understand the focus on economic improvement in the Programme for Government and Budget but people here and now have problems in health care provision and will expect the new administration to deliver improvement in primary and community care and hospitals. In terms of education, there is a welcome goal of improving GCSE performance for children from less-advantaged backgrounds, but there is no reference in the Programme for Government to structural reform of school provision and of course no consensus on post-primary arrangements. On this latter issue, the current impasse must be resolved without further delay or destructive confrontation. It is surprising that the PSAs on Helping our young people to achieve through education (PSA10, page 18) and Raising Standards in our schools (PSA 19, page 27) contain no targets or actions directed at this issue even though it is shaping up to be one of the most intractable and divisive issues facing us. Equally inexplicably, there is no direct reference to the matter in the draft Budget for the Department of Education. This appears to be a case of avoiding difficult issues for as long as possible in the hope that they will go away because there is no agreement on the appropriate solution. Priority: Protect and Enhance our Environment and Natural Resources In relation to the priority to Protect and Enhance our Environment and Natural Resources, there is the statement that everyone can agree with: “At a local level, therefore, action is needed to protect our built heritage, our landscape and marine environment and to reduce our impact on climate change.” (page 10). Again, however, the real issue is how the key priorities embodied in that statement are to be achieved. There are also issues here about possible conflict between environmental protection and the proposed infrastructure developments such as road building and other construction projects. For example, how do we reconcile Goal 7 “To halt the loss of indigenous species and habitats by 2015” with these infrastructure developments? In this area – as in others – the challenge for government lies in its ability to resolve conflicts amongst competing policy objectives. Although key priorities are stated, there is no immediate commitment to reform Northern Ireland’s environmental protection structures as part of the effort to achieve these objectives – for example, by establishing an independent agency to replace the present Environment and Heritage Service within the DoE. There is no reference to establishing National Parks in Northern Ireland even though much

259 Church in Society – Report 2008 work has been done on this and one might have expected some indication of the way ahead. Priority: Invest to Build our Infrastructure Within the priority of Building Infrastructure, the key goals and actions require very substantial expenditure both immediately and in the longer term. The neglect of past years has to be paid for now. However, success here will not only require new financial resources on an unprecedented scale. We should also ask if the Northern Ireland public sector has the expertise and skills necessary to deliver in these areas – project planning and management, contract negotiation and drafting, performance supervision, design, risk management, procurement, funding arrangements etc. Experience in many of these areas may not be available locally and expensive mistakes could be made if the necessary skills are not engaged. Priority: Deliver Modern High Quality and Efficient Public Services The final priority area looks to Deliver modern high quality and efficient public services, again with key goals and actions. Some of these are already in hand. The focus is largely on saving money, and if that can be done at the same time as “bringing government closer to people, revitalising public services and responding to the increasingly diverse nature of our society”, then of course everyone will be delighted. It is noted, however, that the proposal to reduce bureaucracy involves setting up a new government unit, a Performance Efficiency Delivery Unit, just as Sir Humphrey himself would have proposed. In reality, it may be that, when it comes to working out the details, the demands generated by this Programme for Government mean we will have to spend more on public sector salaries and consultancy, not less. Overall the Programme for Government, Budget and framework of PSAs will place very heavy demands on our public sector employees, beyond what they have been asked to meet in the past. We wonder if the scale of this challenge is fully appreciated and if effective action can be taken to ensure that “NICS staff have the right skills and expertise” as directed under PSA 21 (page 29).

Mapping Church of Ireland Engagement

For the most part, these Consultative Documents are drafted in general terms, leaving the specific details for another time. The main thrust of the papers is the need to grow the Northern Ireland economy, but beyond that it is difficult to identify a unified social policy approach. The Programme for Government makes promises in just about every direction, not all well-defined or measurable, and not all deliverable. We are working towards a Church of Ireland approach that sets out the parameters for our engagement with the Northern Ireland Executive over the next few years. With this brief in mind, it is suggested is that we accept the emphasis on economic development as a first priority and then continue to press for social policy reforms and actions that reflect our pastoral concerns. We want to identify our priorities and set out our own coherent and principled policy guidelines. It is suggested that our focus should be on support for

260 Church in Society – Report 2008 the individual within the family as the key unit of our society. That will lead us to concentrate on areas such as: • Employment (with jobs above minimum wage levels) • Social housing • Family dispute mediation and support • Child contact with non-resident parent • Mental health provision • Suicide prevention and support • Alcohol and substance abuse • Care of elderly.2

We also have well-established and important interests in community relations issues and in the management of schools.

2 Further to Ethical Issues and Care of the Elderly (2007) and Resources and Rationing in Health Care (2004) prepared by the Medical Ethics, Science and Technology Sub-Committee. 261 Church in Society – Report 2008

262 Board of Education – Report 2008

BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE GENERAL SYNOD OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND

REPORT 2008

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. Synod Examination 2. Board Day of Discussion – renewing the vision of the Board 3. Review of Public Administration (RPA) – threatened loss of transferors’ rights 4. Minister’s proposals on arrangements for transfer to post-primary school 5. Every School a Good School – a recent consultation on proposals for school improvement 6. Religious Education – New Key Stage 3 teacher resources 7. Safeguarding Trust – report of the work of the CPO and the 2008 edition 8. Building Blocks – Children’s ministry conferences in Jordanstown and Dublin 9. Annual Theological lectures at Queen’s University Belfast 10. Membership 11. Personalia 12. Primary School Boards 13. Denominational Schooling 14. School Insurance 15. Board of Management Training 16. Safeguarding Trust 17. Redeployment Issue for Post-Primary Employers 18. School Funding 19. Follow Me RE Programme

SYNOD EXAMINATION IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

The prize winners for 2006/2007 were as follows:

YEAR 1

Morgan Jellett Fund Prize Brian Von Oosten The King’s Hospital Dearbhla Dowd The King’s Hospital 2nd Prize Michael O’Neill Newpark Comprehensive School 3rd Prize Rachel Healy Alexandra College

YEAR 2

James Fitzgerald Gregg Prize Tim Allen Newpark Comprehensive School 2nd Prize Elizabeth Murphy The King’s Hospital 3rd Prize Leanne Ennis Alexandra College Friederike Von Bünau Wilson’s Hospital

263 Board of Education – Report 2008 YEAR 3

Morgan Jellett Memorial Prize Elizabeth Swanwick Alexandra College 2nd Prize Emma Tuthill/Caroline Synnott Wilson’s Hospital 3rd Prize Clarke Wilson’s Hospital

Junior Division Prizes:

Emily Betty Alexandra College Eleanor White Alexandra College Béibhín Lloyd-Keogh The King’s Hospital Sarah Scales The King’s Hospital Jennifer Rynne The High School David Wolfe Ashton School Toluse Akinlabi Cavan Royal John Fallows Royal and Prior Lysette Golden Wilson’s Hospital Roisin Manning Wilson’s Hospital Leslie Middleton St Aidan’s Comprehensive

TRANSITION YEAR

Ferns Fund Prize Wanda Hogan Ashton School 2nd Prize Michelle Long Royal and Prior 3rd Prize Victoria Gibson Royal and Prior

YEARS 5 AND 6

Ferns Exhibition Prize Carmel O’Brien Ashton School 2nd Prize Catherine Warren Royal and Prior 3rd Prize Joanne Robinson Royal and Prior

Senior Division Prizes:

Andrea Bickerdike Ashton School Ruth Graham Royal and Prior

Hackett Special Prize: Unfortunately, fewer schools entered scripts into the examination this year and the standard of entries in some categories was disappointing. It was therefore decided not to award the Hackett Special Prize this year. The constant generosity of the APCK in funding the prizes is greatly appreciated and the Board welcomes the intention to increase the value of the prizes in the coming year. The Board itself provides additional funding in relation to participating schools.

264 Board of Education – Report 2008 Mrs L Clarke has, with her usual skill and generous time commitment, moderated the scripts and advised on the future structure of the examination. The examination is now based totally on the State syllabi for religious education at Junior Certificate and Leaving Certificate level but there is no requirement that pupils should be entered for those exams.

Board of Education Northern Ireland Board Day of Discussion The Board held a short conference in November 2007 to consider and renew its vision for the education. Mr Neill Morton, principal of Portora Royal School, spoke at the outset and presented a broad outlook on the challenges and potentials in education in NI today. Through a structured method in topic groups, members then discussed the values which should be shaping the Board’s approach to policy matters in education. Themes explored included: the role of the church in the public square, the qualities the church seeks in the NI system of education, and an understanding of ethos. Members agreed that the discussion had been profitable and look forward to a forthcoming report to be used as a reference point for future work. Review of Public Administration (RPA) The Transferor Representatives’ Council (TRC) has petitioned the Assembly Education Committee regarding its concerns for policy proposals for governance of controlled schools which would remove church transferors’ rights to representation on such boards. In future, it is proposed that transferors will only have rights of representation in schools they formerly owned or which were superseded. The TRC believes that this will lead to a huge loss of rights for transferors and that the proposal will, at a stroke; remove the Christian ethos as of right from the controlled sector of education. The TRC seeks parity of protection for the Christian ethos in schools attended generally by Protestant children, currently enjoyed in the Catholic maintained sector of education. The TRC is entirely supportive of the right of Catholic schools to safeguard and maintain their Christian ethos in the context of identical funding. The TRC seeks comparative arrangements to make reasonable and equitable alternative provision for the Protestant churches to continue to carry out the role they have always played in education. To this end, the TRC firstly urged the Education Committee to obtain from the Department written and urgent clarification of specifically how it will protect the Christian ethos in the controlled sector. Secondly, in the event that the Committee is not satisfied with reassurances given, the TRC seeks support from Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to block any legislation, which does not protect the Christian ethos of both Protestant and Catholic traditions. The TRC has also submitted a paper in response to Policy paper 21 which deals with Sectoral support – post review of public administration (RPA). Paper 21 proposes that various sectors (including transferors for the first time) receive a modest amount of

265 Board of Education – Report 2008 statutory support. Details of the TRC responses to these RPA issues can be found on the Church of Ireland website, under the Information section. At the time of writing the direction and speed of implementation of the various proposals for RPA within education is unclear. The TRC is using this period to raise public awareness of the various issues of concern to churches and meet with the various political parties’ Education Committee representatives on the basis that any changes must eventually be approved by Assembly members. Minister’s proposals on arrangements for transfer to post-primary school In December 2007 the Minister of Education made an announcement regarding future transfer arrangements from primary to post-primary schools. This was essentially a vision statement with little detail of practical outworking of proposals. The main policy change is to move the point of transition to age 14 using the method of informed parental/pupil election. Post-14 children will have a range of pathways determined by local area planning which might include remaining in the current school, a change of school, or access to courses in other schools through collaborative arrangements. A controversial feature is the removal of the 11 plus test. In future parents of P7 children will choose a post-primary school on the basis of their preferences as they would a primary. If schools are over-subscribed admissions criteria will include community, geographical and family criteria. The TRC has been consulted by the minister and its views on the new proposals sought. Due to the lack of detail in the minister’s statement the TRC was restrained in its response. The TRC response indicated that it seeks a system of transfer which enables equality of opportunity and high quality outcomes for all pupils, and believes there is a strong argument for deferring key pathway decisions until 14 based upon informed parental choice. However it expressed to the minister the view that new arrangements must be built upon firm foundations including: clear transfer procedures, working collaborative arrangements, significant investment in the schools’ estate, functioning local area planning, consensus among key stakeholders and high levels of parental confidence. The time for these conditions to develop should not be underestimated and to forge ahead without the necessary preparation would be very risky and unlikely to gain support. Every School a Good School This recently published proposed school improvement policy outlines key indicators of a good school including: performance in assessments and examinations, outcomes of inspections, the quality of financial management, the view of governors and parents, collaborative arrangements with other schools etc. The policy also proposes accountability measures along with appropriate support and interventions to drive forward school improvement. The Board welcomes the goal to improve school performance yet cautions against a view of education that overlooks a school’s social purpose and its value to a community.

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Religious Education – Key Stage 3 resources The Council for the Curriculum Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) – Religious Education (RE) Advisory group has developed new teacher resources for Key Stage 3 including: a Subject Guide for religious education within the NI Revised Curriculum, a World Religions web-site and materials suitable for teaching the subject areas of prejudice, sectarianism and reconciliation. Planning is underway to continue this project into the future and recognising the need for resources at Key Stage 1 and 2. Safeguarding Trust The appointment of Ms Margaret Yarr, the Child Protection Officer NI (CPO) has brought professional expertise to the development and implementation of Safeguarding Trust within dioceses and parishes. During the year Ms Yarr has provided a thorough support and advice service to parishes and dioceses in NI. The CPO has facilitated training for newly ordained clergy and first incumbents, and in addition has provided diocesan training for parish panels in Clogher, Connor and Down and Dromore dioceses. Ms Yarr has also visited a wide range of parishes and rural deanery groups to provide start-of-year basic training. In addition she has overseen the parish evaluation process and provided follow-up reports on each visit. The CPO has herself undergone training and professional development attending a number of training courses including: Child abuse and the Internet, AccessNI – the new vetting service for NI, and Sexual Abuse and Faith Communities. The writing and production of the 2008 edition of Safeguarding Trust has proved a monumental task and the Board looks forward to its publication in early spring. The delay in the production has been largely due to the complexity of redesigning the book into a loose-leaf binder format and recent legislative changes in the area of child protection. It is the intention of the Board to arrange distribution of the new edition and information sessions for all clergy as soon as possible after publication. Following the publication of the new edition, it is the aim of the CPO to design a more effective training strategy for parish workers and to review the current method of parish evaluation. Building blocks – Children’s ministry conferences In November 2007, the sixth annual Building Blocks conference took place in Jordanstown and Dublin. The NI organising committee comprises representatives of the Church of Ireland, Presbyterian Church, Methodist Church and SU. The Jordanstown event drew over 400 delegates and in Dublin over 300 from a wide range of churches attended. The speaker was Mr Bob Hartman, a well known children’s ministry writer and bible story-teller. These events have become established as an annual resource for inspiration and training for children’s ministry leaders. Details of the conference including seminar notes etc are available at: www.buildingblocks.ie Annual Theological lectures at Queen’s The 2008 lectures were delivered by Rev Dr David Wenham, Senior Lecturer, New Testament Studies, Trinity College, Bristol. His theme was Mountain-top Theology – 267 Board of Education – Report 2008 Jesus and Paul. These popular lectures are funded by the Board and arranged by the Church of Ireland Chaplaincy at Queen’s University Belfast. Membership The Board welcomes the Rt Rev A Abernethy as diocesan for Connor and Professor Ken Bell as a co-opted member.

Personalia Mrs Rosemary Patterson, Administrative Assistant in the office of the Board of Education NI, has resigned her position to take up a new post of secretary to the Bishop of Connor. The Board sincerely thanks Rosemary for her most effective and dedicated service over the last six years and offers good wishes to her in her new role. A recruitment and selection process is underway to find a full-time Administrative Assistant.

Board of Education Republic of Ireland Personalia The late Very Rev RD Harman had been a valued member of the Board of Education from his election as an Honorary Secretary of the General Synod. His incisive questioning and long experience as a school chairperson and school chaplain contributed greatly to the work of the Board. The Board shares the grief of his family and church at his untimely passing. Dr Shirley Brook attends meetings of the Board of Education (RI) as an observer on behalf of the Methodist Board of Education which in turn welcomes an observer from this Board. Boards of Management New boards of management commenced a four year term of office on 1 December 2007. Board members received from the Department of Education a revised copy of The Constitution of Boards and Rules of Procedure together with an Information manual. The Board of Education had been a party to the revisions included in the Constitution. Chairpersons, principals and patrons assessors had the opportunity to attend briefing sessions provided by the Secretary on the key changes in the Constitution. Most presentations took place in advance of the formation of the new boards so that chairs and principals would be aware of the changes which came into operation with the new boards. The changes in the Constitution are significant and include important changes in relation to the appointment procedure for teachers and special education needs assistants. Special education needs assistants are those who support children with special educational needs arising from learning, behavioural or physical difficulties. The need to be compliant with both statutory and agreed procedures has been repeatedly stressed as difficulties are more likely to arise when errors or omissions occur in the implementation of matters such as teacher appointments or parental complaints. The use 268 Board of Education – Report 2008 of mediation has been found helpful in relation to resolving a small number of issues within school communities but it is always preferable to resolve matters at the earliest possible moment to prevent the development of entrenched positions.

The role of those who serve on boards of management and give such a vital service on a voluntary basis is greatly appreciated and the Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin TD paid tribute to all those who volunteered their services to ensure that schools are effectively managed on a day to day basis. The provision of an information manual together with the CPSMA Handbook and the Supplementary Handbook provided by the Church of Ireland Primary Management Association all provide valuable resources to assist boards in providing the very best education in accordance with procedures and guidelines. The Board of Education publishes Education Newsbrief on a regular basis which is circulated to all schools under Protestant management with copies for each board member. Denominational Schools The Minister for Education and Science has announced the development of a community national school under the patronage of County Dublin Vocational Educational Committee. This is a new development at primary level and provides a new pattern for the delivery of education. The Minister has emphasised that such a pattern is not to replace denominational schooling but to provide additional parental choice. The Board has been in correspondence with the Department of Education and Science (DE&S) regarding the provision of religious education in such schools in view of the proposal to merely provide an ethical programme for all students. The rapid increase in population in North Dublin resulted in a large number of children who were unable to be accommodated in the existing primary schools. This was unfortunate and appears largely to have been the result of unforeseen population growth. The existing schools in that area, including the schools under Church of Ireland patronage, had sought additional accommodation and had this been provided the sudden pressure on places would not have occurred. The Equality Authority issued a briefing which appeared to cast doubt on the validity of denominational schools enrolment policies. However the response to the Equality Authorities briefing was very firm and underlined the constitutional right and expectation that the Churches, including the Church of Ireland, should continue to be involved in the patronage of the denominational schools. Primary Schools Insurance The Diocesan Board of Education of Dublin and Glendalough together with support from the Board of Education and the Church of Ireland Primary School Management Association undertook a study both of the risks inherent in the activities and responsibilities of the boards of management and also examined the policies currently on offer to schools. A review undertaken by Marsh Ireland resulted in a number of general issues been raised with the Ecclesiastical Insurance Office (EIO) which is the insurer for the majority of schools under Church of Ireland patronage. Boards of management are encouraged to avail of the free survey and valuation offered by the EIO where the 269 Board of Education – Report 2008 increase in the insured value of the buildings has not been increased in recent years. Schools have also been advised to have a contingency plan in place to provide for the immediate resumption of school activities in the event of a school building being a target for significant vandalism or arson. The addition of high cost technology equipment in schools should always be conveyed to the insurer to ensure that cover for theft or accidental damage is in place. This Board has been aware of issues which have arisen through occasional accidents to children while in the care of schools and the inclusion of all pupils in a pupil accident protection insurance cover is strongly recommended. These general points are not intended to replace professional advice and boards of management are always advised to consult their own insurer or broker in regard to such issues. Board of Management Training The Department of Education and Science (DE&S) has committed funding to support training for the current boards of management. The Board of Education, in conjunction with the other Partners in Education, has been planning a series of seminars to resource and support boards in their role and duties. These seminars will be rolled out over the next three years and will be provided on a partnership basis in all dioceses. Patrons and diocesan boards of education have been asked to nominate individuals to sit on steering committees to assist with the implementation of the proposed training. Safeguarding Trust Ms Renée English was appointed as Child Protection Officer for the Republic of Ireland with effect from September 2007. Ms English is available on the basis of a three day week and has been in contact with diocesan trainers throughout the Republic and has participated in training and in the revision of Safeguarding Trust. The new edition of Safeguarding Trust, which was approved by the Standing Committee, had previously been reviewed by Dr Helen Buckley who is a leading expert on child protection in the Republic. Dr Buckley’s review confirmed that the policy accords with the best practice guidelines in particular with Children First being the guidelines issued by the Department of Health and Children. The format of the new edition is designed to be both user friendly with relevant sections for panel members and leaders and being loose-leaf will allow for updates. A key change in the edition is the provision that the panel should, having formed a reasonable opinion in line with the objective indicators provided, report all concerns, disclosures or allegations and not just those in which the panel might be considered to have a legal interest. There is the continuing provision for a panel or individual to raise a hypothetical query with the duty social work in the local HSE child and family area before making a decision to report. The Boys’ Brigade Battalion in the Republic of Ireland, except the Diocese of Raphoe, is satisfied that the organisation should be treated as an autonomous organisation. This means that the Boys’ Brigade provides its own child protection policy and vets its own leaders.

270 Board of Education – Report 2008 The vetting process continues to be available for all new appointees to voluntary or paid posts where the individuals have responsibility for unsupervised access to children. Some 20 - 60 vetting requests are processed each week by the authorised signatory and the time from receipt to return to a parish or school can vary between four and eight weeks. A considerable number of forms have to be returned for correction before submission to the Garda Vetting Unit and this inevitably creates further delays. It is very important that the guidelines, provided with a vetting form, are followed in full and that the information is treated in accordance with data protection principles. Religious Education Certificate for Primary Teachers A working group including representatives of the Board under the chairpersonship of Mr Sydney Blaine the Principal of the Church of Ireland College of Education has been planning the development of a religious education course for teachers which would provide teachers with additional certification. This course would be both of assistance to teachers and would be welcomed by boards of management as a valuable additional skill. It is likely that the course would be offered as an option for students in the College of Education and subsequently provided on an extra mural basis for practising teachers. Such a course would also be of great assistance to those teachers in schools under Church of Ireland patronage whose training was not in the Church of Ireland College of Education. Redeployment Panel for the Staff of Closed Schools (Post-Primary) The Board of Education has not been directly involved in the legal challenge to the cross- sectoral redeployment panel for second-level schools. It has however been very concerned about the potential impact on the employment policies and the culture and tradition of the second-level schools under Protestant patronage posed by the current scheme and the proposed scheme to redeploy over quota teachers. The Board has always supported redeployment but within a sectoral system which works effectively and efficiently at primary level. Financial Support for Education The Board has expressed concern regarding the withdrawal of the Summer Works Grant and the redirection of capital payments for extensions and new buildings to the construction of totally new schools. These changes mean that schools which were undergoing a planned maintenance programme over a number of years will find that they will no longer be able to upgrade and improve facilities as they had been doing in the last three years. Schools have also found that they must pay either an additional or increased levy for water and refuse charges together with increases in other areas of expenditure. All these demands upon the finances of schools have not been balanced by a small increase in capitation. The apparent retrenchment by the current Government will damage the delivery of education particularly at a time when schools are expected to cater for a wider range of pupils including those with significant special education needs and those for whom English is an additional language. Pressure on finances will also impact on the improvement of IT and PE in schools.

271 Board of Education – Report 2008

Staffing The Board has welcomed the appointment of Ms Vicki Hastie to provide additional support to the work of the Board of Education and in particular to assist Mrs Jennifer Byrne whose role has greatly increased in recent years. Ms Hastie is now handling transport matters as part of her role. Secondary Education Committee The Secondary Education Committee is composed of representatives of four Churches including eight members nominated by the Board of Education to represent the Church of Ireland. The report of the Secondary Education Committee is appended as Appendix B. Follow Me The Primary Religious Education Programme The module for fifth class was published in May 2007 and in-service for teachers of fifth and sixth class was provided in a number of venues throughout the country. The module for sixth class will be published in May 2008. The format for these two senior texts has lead to a demand for a revised version of Follow Me in more junior classes. This will be looked at in terms of a review by the Board before a decision is made in regard to the future direction of the programme. Transport Scheme D (Primary Schools) The number of qualifying families now stands at 354 and grants totalling €168.950.53 for the school year 2006/2007 were received from the Department of Education and Science (DE&S) and paid out prior to 31 December 2006. Workloads and staff changes in the DE&S are still causing delays in payments, but we continue to liaise with them in an effort to resolve these problems. Schools have been reminded through Education Newsbrief that the DE&S will not pay out retrospective grants. Applications must be made as soon as possible after enrolment. Unfortunately, some families are still losing out on grants because the forms are not completed on time. Since last year a few auxiliary grants were paid out, in exceptional circumstances, to families experiencing transport difficulties. If other families are experiencing short-term transport difficulties, they should contact the Board. Grants The Board provided a grant to support the publication of Search a Church of Ireland Journal. The Journal is published three times a year and often includes articles on education. The Board also grant aided the Past Students Association of the Church of Ireland College of Education to assist in the running of its annual conference. This conference is a valuable training resource for teachers as well as providing the opportunity to partake of some relaxation and fellowship. The Board nominates a teacher to avail of an Arion Study Scholarship for one week and in 2007 Ms Sadie Honner was awarded the scholarship.

272 Board of Education – Report 2008 APPENDIX A

The following are the members of the Board and its committees as on 31 March 2008.

THE GENERAL SYNOD BOARD OF EDUCATION

THE ARCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS

THE HONORARY SECRETARIES OF THE GENERAL SYNOD Rev Canon Dr IM Ellis Mr SR Harper Ven REB White Lady Sheil

Elected members Armagh Rev Canon JW McKegney Mr RF Palmer Clogher Rev Canon RT Gillian Mr SB Morrow Derry Rev Stanley Johnson Mr D West Down Rev Canon JR Howard Mr I Davidson Connor Ven SB Forde Dr KF Dunn Kilmore Very Rev R Ferguson Mrs J Johnston Tuam Rev Canon DTS Clements Professor P Johnston Dublin Ven EJ Swann Dr K Milne Meath Rev Canon JDM Clarke Mr A Oughton Cashel and Ossory Rev Canon PA Harvey Mrs A Forrest Cork Rev AM Wilkinson Mr WT Perrott Limerick and Killaloe Rev Canon R Warren Mr TS Hardy

273 Board of Education – Report 2008 Co-opted members Rev Canon RJEFB Black Ms R Maxwell-Eager Professor K Bell Ms H McBain Mr I Bolton Mrs H McClenaghan Mr JE Bunting Mr RM McKinney Mr TW Flannagan Mrs A McNee Mrs R Forde Dr TW Mulryne Ms S Honner Rev BJG O’Rourke Mr M Hall Mrs MP Wallace Ms S Hall Mr T Wheatley Ms E Jackson Mr T Young Mr B Levis Secretary Rev Canon JE McCullagh, Church of Ireland House, Church Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2008)

The Archbishop of Armagh, Most Rev AET Harper (Chairman) The Archbishop of Dublin, Most Rev JRW Neill Lady Sheil Mr RF Palmer Ven REB White Mr JE Bunting Ms Eileen Jackson Rev Canon RT Gillian Rev BJG O’Rourke Ven EJ Swann BOARD OF EDUCATION (NORTHERN IRELAND)

Ex-officio members Archbishop of Armagh,Most Rev AET Harper Bishop of Clogher, Rt Rev MGStA Jackson Bishop of Down and Dromore, Rt Rev HC Miller Bishop of Kilmore, Rt Rev KH Clarke The Bishop of Connor, Rt Rev AF Abernethy Rev Canon Dr IM Ellis The Bishop of Derry, Rt Rev KR Good Lady Sheil

Elected members Armagh Rev Canon JW McKegney Mr RF Palmer Clogher Rev Canon RT Gillian Mr SB Morrow Derry Diocese to appoint NI Representative, vacancy Mr V Carson Down Rev Canon Robert Howard Mr I Davidson Connor Ven SB Forde Dr KF Dunn

274 Board of Education – Report 2008 Co-opted members Professor K Bell Mr RM McKinney Mr JE Bunting Mrs A McNee Mr TW Flannagan Dr TW Mulryne Mrs R Forde Mrs MP Wallace Mrs H McClenaghan Mr W Young Observers Rev P McDowell Mrs F Brunt Dr R Marsh Honorary Secretary, Board of Education (Northern Ireland) Mr JE Bunting Honorary Treasurer, Board of Education (Northern Ireland) Mr RM McKinney Secretary, Board of Education (Northern Ireland) Rev IW Ellis, Church of Ireland House, 61-67 Donegall Street, Belfast BT1 2QH

BOARD OF EDUCATION (REPUBLIC OF IRELAND)

The Archbishop of Dublin, Most Rev JRW Neill (Chairman)

Bishop of Kilmore, Rt Rev KH Clarke Ms E Jackson Bishop of Cork, Rt Rev WP Colton Professor P Johnston Rev Canon RJEFB Black Ms R Maxwell-Eager Mr M Hall Dr K Milne Mr S Harper Rev BJG O’Rourke Mr A Oughton Ven EJ Swann (Vice-Chairman) Ms S Honner Dr S Brook (Observer from the Methodist Board) Secretary, Board of Education (Republic of Ireland) Rev Canon JE McCullagh, Church of Ireland House, Church Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6.

275 Board of Education – Report 2008 APPENDIX B SECONDARY EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT 2008 Membership

Church of Ireland The Rt Rev WP Colton, Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross (Chairman) The Rev Canon RJEFB Black Mrs JM Bruton Rev Canon DTS Clements Very Rev NN Lynas Mrs P O’Malley Rev BJG O’Rourke Ms EE Oldham

The Presbyterian Church Mr B Duffy Rev CM Hunter

The Methodist Church Rev N Mackey Dr JW Harris (Deputy Chairman)

The Religious Society of Friends Mr RH Johnson Mr D Grubb

Secretary to the Committee and to the Company Canon John E McCullagh

Administrator (Grants Scheme) Mr D Wynne Secondary Education Committee The Secondary Education Committee (SEC) is a body comprising representatives from the Church of Ireland, the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the Religious Society of Friends. The Committee derives its authority from a resolution passed by the sponsoring Churches in 1965. The functions of the SEC are twofold. The distribution of a Block Grant provided by the Department of Education and Science (DE&S) to families, where at least one parent is a member of a reformed church, needing assistance to send their children to Protestant 276 Board of Education – Report 2008 secondary schools and the representation of the interests of the member churches in the post-primary education system. The Committee operates as a limited company thus allowing both the corporate body and the liability of individual members to be appropriately insured. Personalia The Rev Noel Fallows, a representative of the Methodist Church retired from membership of the Committee during the year under review. His interest in education and his concern for pupils were marks of his valuable involvement in the work of the SEC. The Committee has welcomed the Rev Nigel Mackey as the replacement representative for the Methodist Church. Mr Mackey is the Chaplain for Wesley College and brings his particular skills and talents in the field of education to the work of the Committee. Committee Meetings The Committee and its Finance Sub-Committee met four times during the year under review. The meetings included the annual general meeting of the Company. Block Grant Scheme Enrolments (2007/08) in the twenty-one fee charging schools totalled 9,784 (9,653 in previous year). This figure does not include the five comprehensive schools. In the school year 2006/07 the audited accounts showed the total amount, received from the DE&S, was €5,844,235 (€5,571,568), the grant in aid of fees totalled €5,482,067 (€5,032,711) and capitation adjustment grant €362,168 (€355,607). The net cost of administering the SEC scheme was €48,764 (€78,847). There is a small grant to assist the running of the office but it is necessary to utilise interest from the grant received to provide a further subvention for these costs. The following numbers of grants were awarded in respect of the 2007/08 school year: 1,544 day grants (1,1433), 981 boarding grants (1,006), 2,525 in total (2,499). The Committee agreed to increase grants for the school year 2008/09 on a scale from boarding €1,140 - €5,775, (€1,140 - €5,250) day €480 - €2,160 (€480 - €1,998). An increase in certain allowances was also agreed in relation to the reckoning of assessments. This resulted in improved access to grants for a number of families. The Administrator, Mr Wynne, again attended a number of open days at the request of schools and took the opportunity to discuss issues with individual parents. He also made contact with each school to discuss the functioning of the grant scheme. This ensures that schools have every opportunity to draw attention to the difficulties of any individual family. Participation in the Council of Schools Charities has also been ongoing, providing a yardstick for other charitable bodies. Redeployment The Department of Education & Science, through the Teachers Conciliation Council and in line with the social partnership agreement Towards 2016 has introduced a cross- sectoral redeployment scheme for closed schools. The purpose of the scheme is to ensure 277 Board of Education – Report 2008 that teachers in schools which are closing are redeployed to other schools. The number of schools closing at anytime are relatively small but the Department of Education & Science has made it clear that the scheme would be a pilot scheme for a further redeployment procedure where teachers are in excess of quota in their existing school. The schools under Protestant management had stated that they were not a party to the redeployment scheme and also that they believed furthermore that the scheme infringes constitutional rights in relation to issues of ethos and employment rights. Four schools were refused the right to appoint new teaching staff to State paid posts as they had not taken part in the redeployment scheme. Regrettably, with the support of all voluntary secondary schools under Protestant management, the four schools have had to issue legal proceedings against the Department of Education & Science in this matter. Grant Structure In the report for 2006 there was reference to a review of denominational membership in relation to eligibility for grants in support of school fees. This review is ongoing and already the Committee has made certain decisions to clarify eligibility of applicant families. The Committee appreciates the work of the Administrator, Mr David Wynne, and his Assistant Ms B McCauley who give friendly and effective assistance both to applicant parents and to the schools. Mr Wynne arranged a well attended bursars’ conference in the spring which considered some of the issues in relation to developments in the assessment of grants, the way in which school accounts would be furnished to the Financial Services Support Unit of the JMB and property management matters.

278 Board of Education – Report 2008 APPENDIX C

SUNDAY SCHOOL SOCIETY REPORT - 2008

The Society in 2004, having consulted with the Archbishop of Dublin, undertook to fund the post of a Children’s Ministry Officer (CMO) as a pilot project for three years and the Rev Anne Taylor was appointed to fill the role on a part-time basis. Over this period the range of work undertaken by the CMO has grown and expanded in range. The Rev Anne Taylor is now a household name in many Parishes as she provides training and information on worship, liturgy and resources for all who request them. Anne also continued to organize training events including Music for the Unmusical led by Ian Packham and Ministry with the under 5s with Yvonne Scott. A lunchtime clergy lunch was organized with Bob Hartman, Building Blocks Keynote speaker to talk to the clergy on All Age Services. Each year Anne has also spoken to the Church of Ireland Theological College students on Children’s Ministry and is our representative on the Consultative Group on Ministry among Children (CTBI). Anne’s role as CMO will complete in August 2008 having undertaken such important and groundbreaking work.

The Society believes that the success of the pilot project has indeed justified the decision of the Society to put such a scheme in place but clearly it is now time for the central Church to consider creating such a post, on a permanent basis, to build on the experience of this pilot project as the ongoing costs are beyond the Society’s resources.

The Society learned with sadness of the death of Mrs Norah Bedlow who was not only a faithful and effective employee but also a great supporter of Sunday School work. In other ways the period under review has been a year of important decisions and changes in the Sunday School Society. Mrs Olive Rhodes, Administrator of the Resource Centre retired in June. She has given six years of continued, conscientious and loyal support to the Resource Centre and developed its services in a significant manner. We were very fortunate in our quest for a successor and Gillian Kohlmann who took up her duties in the autumn has continued to develop and improve the range of resources available to parishes, clergy and the general public. Book tokens were distributed once again to the first year students of both CITC and CICE to assist them in their work with children.

Our annual Fun Quiz, Brainarama took place in March and was a great success. It has become a favourite event on the calendar. We are indebted again to St. Andrew’s College, Booterstown for the use of their premises, facilities and the help of staff on the day.

On 1st December Building Blocks the annual ecumenical Children’s Ministry Conference, took place in St. Patrick’s Training College, Drumcondra. Over 300 attended with many Church of Ireland people travelling from all over the country. Our keynote speaker was Bob Hartman, a well known writer of children’s Bible stories. He is also an amazing storyteller and kept all ages enthralled. Building Blocks Conference 2008 will take place on Saturday 29th November in St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra.

279 Board of Education – Report 2008

280 Church of Ireland Youth Department – Report 2008 CHURCH OF IRELAND YOUTH DEPARTMENT REPORT 2008 MEMBERSHIP Executive President Rt Rev Dr RCA Henderson, Bishop of Tuam, Killala and Achonry (Chairman of Central Board) Vice Chair Rev RS Miller (Chairman of Executive Committee) Treasurer Mr E Hardy Secretary Dr Q Heaney

Rev PL Storey Mr A Brannigan Mr David Brown (Youth Ministry Co-ordinator) ex-officio

Central Board – Executive (above) and: Mr TS Hardy Rev LEA Peilow Mr N Jackson Mr A Brannigan Rev PG McGlinchey Mrs M Alexander Mr S Brickenden Miss S Ferguson Mrs J Peters Rev MT Kingston

Co-opted Members Ms C Bruton Rev RS Miller Youth Ministry Co-ordinator Mr D Brown

Full-time Youth Ministry Development Worker Northern Ireland Mrs S Hamill

Full-time Youth Ministry Development Worker Republic of Ireland Mr S Tucker Full-time Year Out Co-ordinator(Jump Programme)

Secretary in Holywood Road, Belfast Mrs B Swann

281 Church of Ireland Youth Department – Report 2008 Executive Summary It is with a deep sense of thankfulness to God that the Church of Ireland Youth Department (CIYD) presents this General Synod report. The Youth Department continues to witness Christ’s work among youth leaders, parishes, dioceses and young people. In summary, the Youth Department would wish to draw to the General Synod’s attention the activity of not only CIYD itself but also the range of youth ministry programmes in operation across our dioceses. Summary of Ministry 2007 The Youth Ministry Development (YMD) Worker for the Republic of Ireland has continued to develop and equip locally based youth work across the Church of Ireland. This work has seen the Development Worker, Mr Shane Tucker active at a parish, diocesan and a provincial level. Alongside support and consultancy, Shane has been active in a range of youth networks, youth events and in the design of a new youth leadership course (foundation level) entitled Mobilise! This is proving to be a well received training programme designed to meet grass roots training needs regarding youth ministry. Shane’s role has also seen further development in terms of resource design and implementation, overseeing the annual Anois youth camp and in representing CIYD on a number of Irish youth networks. The YMD Worker for Northern Ireland, Mrs Sharon Hamill, has seen significant growth in the numbers of parishes employing full or part time youth work staff across the province. Providing training and retreat opportunities for these workers has proven to be a very well received and important focus to Sharon’s work. The March 2007 youth worker residential saw 50 leaders from all over the island focus on adolescent mental health concerns including suicide awareness. September’s two day residential Celebrate Sex, saw 25 youth leaders participate addressing issues around young people and sexuality. Finally the Connect programme for 2007 ended with a joint CIYD residential in partnership with the Methodist Youth Department which hosted 50 full and part-time youth ministers from both denominations. This was an outworking of the Church of Ireland/Methodist Church in Ireland Covenant Council. Point of Information As a denomination, the Church of Ireland now employs around 70 individual youth work staff. Whilst this is seeing a great push in terms of youth mission, evangelism and discipleship, it would be the Youth Department’s view that more work needs done on how the Church:

• employs these individuals; • trains them professionally and spiritually; • avoids a vacuum arising where management structures are not adequately put in place for the individual and indeed the parish.

282 Church of Ireland Youth Department – Report 2008 The Youth Officer’s role, throughout 2007, has further developed due to staff consolidation over the past year. This role has seen the ministry develop from doing programme work to now supporting and managing CIYD’s ministry. An increasing emphasis of this work has been in focusing on diocesan strategic initiatives. Across 2007, the Youth Officer visited Tuam, Dublin, Clogher, Cork, and Limerick Dioceses with various project work now being established as direct outcomes of these visits. Similarly, involvement with the National Youth Council for Ireland, Youth Link N.I, the Centre for Youth Ministry (Ireland) and Youth Net, alongside representation on various Church committees including the Hard Gospel has proved to be busy and fruitful. CIYD is pleased to announce that as of September 2007, Ms Catherine Little, was appointed to be CIYD’s Year Out Co-ordinator establishing and managing the Jump programme. The Jump programme is an initiative within CIYD seeking to place up to 10 young adults (aged between 18 to 30 years old) in parish youth work positions for a year. CIYD is very grateful that funding for this post has already been secured from the Church of Ireland Representative Church Body and the Priorities Fund Committee. An application for further funding rests with the Department of Education and Science, Youth Affairs Section. A small CIYD working group has been established to support Catherine in her new ministry and the programme was officially launched in January 2008. For further information on the Jump programme, please contact Catherine at CIYD or visit our website www.ciyd.org/jump. Mrs Barbara Swann continues to oversee the Belfast office, CIYD’s finances and to support the field staff and Youth Officer regarding programme development across Ireland. Her role also includes supervision of the Child Protection Police checks for Northern Ireland which are ably co-ordinated by Mrs Claire Geoghegan.

Summary of activities January – December 2007: CIYD Programme and other developments Launch of Strategic Plan The Youth Department officially launched its 2007 – 2010 Strategic Plan on the 17th of April 2007. Programme Development It has been encouraging to note that our programme events across Ireland continue to draw together youth workers, youth leaders and young people themselves. The Reflect residentials, focusing on young adults, saw 70 participate in leadership development. The Connect training days and Connect residentials have seen an increased participation from youth workers across the island. With a focus on retreat, youth work skills and a deeper 283 Church of Ireland Youth Department – Report 2008 understanding of youth work practice these days have become a central feature of the Youth Department’s work. Summer Madness saw approximately 500 young people and up to 300 adult volunteers participate in the Youth Department’s programmes during the event. Notably, this work focussed on cross community and all Ireland issues. The CIYD staff deserve special mention for the hard work put into this event. CIYD is very grateful to Youth Link: NI for its support to CIYD with our Summer Madness venues. The Journey Programme CIYD received very positive feedback from the young adults who with Sharon and Shane attended Greenbelt, Europe’s largest Christian arts festival. In total 17 attended. The Journey Programme is designed to offer young adults an opportunity to engage with the Lord through a pilgrimage experience. In August, the Youth Officer had the privilege of attending a peace camp with Kilmore Diocese based in Finland. The Church was exceptionally well represented by these young adults and their Youth Officer, Mike Edwards. CIYD was instrumental in establishing this link and furthers work that began between the Finnish Lutherans and the Church of Ireland in September 2006 under the Porvoo Agreement. Alongside these programmes, CIYD have participated in running or supporting the Youth Ministry Summer School, an annual conference for Diocesan Youth Officers and a number of Diocesan Youth Residentials. CIYD also completed a week with the Year Three Ordinands at the Church of Ireland Theological College. Many thanks to the Rev Tom Gordon for his support in facilitating this excellent week.

CIYD Partnerships and Networks The Youth Department continues to represent the Church of Ireland on a number of important youth work networks across Ireland and further afield. • Youth Link: NI CIYD Represented by the Youth Officer, Mr A Brannigan, Mrs S Hamill and Mr P Hamill. • Youth Net Youth Officer sits on the Faith-based Interest Group along with Mr P Hamill. • National Youth Council of Ireland Youth Officer on NYCI Council. Mr M Dunwoody represents CIYD on the NYCI International panel. • Centre for Youth Ministry Ireland. • Youth Council for Northern Ireland. • International Anglican Youth Network. • Porvoo Youth Network.

284 Church of Ireland Youth Department – Report 2008

Diocesan Reports Armagh This year the Armagh Diocesan Youth Council (ADYC) held four special youth worship events focusing on topical issues and entitled; Belonging in God's Church, Being of Sound Mind, Believing in One God and Building a Better Environment. As usual, the ADYC also held its annual Easter Dawn Service at the Argory, where the Archbishop of Armagh celebrated Holy Communion. The ADYC also embarked on a new venture this year by holding a Diocesan Youth Weekend at the Kilbroney Centre, Rostrevor. We are very encouraged by, and thankful that all of our events were well supported by young people and their youth leaders from our diocese. Cashel & Ossory Youth activities in the Diocese of Cashel & Ossory were certainly not curtailed during 2007 and this was due in no small part to the network and legend left by the departure of the Rev P Heak, our former Youth Officer. Along with the already established regional Youth Councils, many other local groups were established in 2007 and are working in conjunction with clergy and trained volunteer workers to help young people become involved and to establish their Christian values. Several fully subsidised summer clubs/camps took place throughout the diocese where youth took part as junior leaders. There has been an emphasis on encouraging and resourcing all- age worship. An annual and novel autumn competition for Sunday Schools Brainarama has been established. During the vacancy of the position of youth officer, the diocese has not frozen its youth budget, but has been in a position to provide equipment grants for a great variety of local groups and to encourage their programmes through the provision of subsidies. There is an increased sense of local vibrancy but the need now is for renewed central coordination and clarifying of vision. The better news for 2008 for this diocese is that it is hoped to appoint a Youth Officer soon and the remaining monies from 2007 will be available for seed capital for the integration and establishment of our new youth officer.

Clogher In Clogher Diocese, the diocesan expression of youth work in the northern end of the diocese continues under the banner of J1. Our aim is to encourage each young person to place Jesus first in their life. In 2007, we continued to benefit from the diocesan youth visit to Chile during 2006. Several young people spoke by invitation to churches across the diocese and the youth committee also benefited by their membership. The highlight of the year was the sixth J1 weekend, held at 285 Church of Ireland Youth Department – Report 2008 the Share centre in Lisnaskea. Mr Johnny Beare, who works in Hillsborough Parish as Youth Worker, was the main speaker. Tearfund, and Love for Life continue to give significant support to this event, which is attended by between 130-150 young people and leaders. Links with another part of the Anglican Church are being considered in prayer and the youth council look forward to another successful year.

Connor Connor Youth has gone through a process of change. The youth council has undertaken a process of review and is looking at the purpose and make-up of a youth council and how it can best represent young people in the diocese. No central diocesan youth activities have taken place but in 2008 a Celebration of Youth is planned for September led by our new Bishop. We have also engaged with the employed youth workers in the diocese and they now number more than 20 in a range of full and part time roles. We have worked closely with CIYD in supporting these workers and helping to develop their training. In 2007 we offered a range of accredited youth training programmes through Youth Link: NI, equipping potential leaders and experienced leaders alike.

Cork 2007 has again seen significant growth in youth work in the Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross. This has been substantially affected by the hard work and commitment of the youth council. There are now 10 parish youth groups. The youth council, in addition to assisting in the setting up of these groups, organised approximately 20 diocesan events, including a snowboarding trip, an Irish camp, several overnight events and several day events. In September, four full time youth workers were commissioned by the Bishop, in addition to the full time youth officer and the council hopes to continue to offer places to those seeking to take a year out to offer time to youth ministry. There has also been growth in schools work which the council is seeking to develop further.

Derry & Raphoe The main thrust of Derry and Raphoe Youth (DRY) is their Sitting Ducks Project, which is organised and managed by the Diocesan Youth Project Officer, Shaun McCormick. Sitting Ducks are clusters of youth groups around the united diocese and these groups have grown in number from ten groups in 2006 to fourteen groups in 2007. Sitting Ducks have their own entity and brand and they run central events throughout the year eg; Carols by Ducklight, United Live, a residential Sitting Ducks weekend, paintballing and some training events. As well as these Sitting Ducks events, we are running a pilot weekend for Confirmation in May for 150 young people who are being confirmed this year. We have also trained 12 Sitting Ducks leaders in the Youth Link OCN course, which is a basic youth qualification. DRY continues to flourish and grow in the united diocese and we are very grateful to Shaun who heads it up.

286 Church of Ireland Youth Department – Report 2008 Down & Dromore Down and Dromore diocesan youth ministry in 2007 was concentrated in the following areas: • Supporting, advising and resourcing the 50 parishes in the diocese that run youth programmes. This included support for various volunteers and the 22 paid youth staff involved. • Running events for young people across the diocese such as a Confirmation weekend and summer teams. • Providing recognised training courses for leaders -24 leaders were trained over 3 courses. • Developing resources – a games book was launched and Confirmation handbook undertaken.

Dublin & Glendalough 3Rock Youth, the Diocesan initiative of Dublin & Glendalough, continue to pursue what it is to relate, translate and embody living life the Jesus way. Leadership training, Emerge and Year Out Internships, resource development, a crucial DVD series on confirmation, innovative services, Essential at Christ Church Cathedral, interactive student days and events, Substance School Teams, Youth Camps, Xposure, and ecumenical city wide missions, Urban Soul are the defining initiatives run in partnership with varied churches, youth organisations, schools and governmental agencies nationally. More information is always available at www.3rock.net

Kilmore, Elphin & Ardagh In 2007, we have continued to develop influence with young people through the schools and assisted the formation of new youth groups in some parishes. We have expanded the Youth Council to embrace both dioceses which will hopefully develop more activity across the whole of the region. We held our annual Confirmation Weekend in association with Down & Dromore and took a large group to Summer Madness, some of whom stayed for StreetReach.WWW, a new initiative for over-18’s, has been meeting monthly with great success and in the summer we organised a team of young people to travel to Finland for a youth exchange with churches from 5 other countries (Finland, Lithuania, Denmark, Hungary and Romania). We explored the theme of Building Peace and look forward to a reciprocal meeting in the future.

Limerick, Killaloe & Ardfert In August 2007, the United Diocese appointed a full-time Diocesan Youth Ministry and Diocesan Resources Development Officer, Mrs Vicki Lynch. Vicki's primary focus, since commencing employment, has been in working with local parishes in the development of youth ministry strategies. The United Diocesan Youth Council continues to provide a 287 Church of Ireland Youth Department – Report 2008 comprehensive programme of activities. In 2007, this included International Exchange Trip to Germany hosted by a group from the Lutheran Church in Germany and joined by a group from the Roman Catholic Church in France and the Anglican Church in Poland. Other highlights also included a week long Junior Summer Camp in Kinsale, a Senior Camp in Roscrea, a number of music, art, drama and dance workshop days, Easter Vigil and Dawn Celebration event, Confirmation Weekend and Youth Leadership courses.

Meath & Kildare Meath and Kildare Diocese is currently setting up a Diocesan Youth Council. It is hoped that this council will direct at least two diocesan occasions for young people across the diocese to meet annually. Many youth groups exist on a parochial level and currently during the Easter holidays a fun day is run for all these youth groups; consisting of a sports day followed by a barbeque and then a disco. In April, the clergy are looking forward to a visit from Shane Tucker. All our groups are hugely appreciative of our youth grants which make the organising of events so much easier.

Tuam We have been working together to help our young people along in their journey in this world. There are two youth groups up and running in our diocese. Through these groups at parish level we hope to bring an understanding of the hope in Christ and linking in with other diocese’s and national events like Anois and Summer Madness, we hope to make a place for our young people to play, walk and talk so this may enable them to find that quiet place in all our hearts.

288 Church of Ireland Youth Department – Report 2008 CIYD Draft 2009 Ministry programme

DATE PROGRAMME TARGET GROUPS

January Reflect Youth Leaders residential For voluntary parish youth leaders 19th -21st (All Ireland?) February CIYD Central Board residential Board and CIYD staff 2nd -3rd March Connect Youth Ministry retreat - TBA For all in full/part-time Youth Ministry Source (NI) 9th For voluntary parish youth leaders April Source (R of I) TBA subject to Easter For voluntary parish youth leaders

May Youth Officers Residential - TBA For Church of Ireland Diocesan Youth General Synod officers June Preparation for CIYD Summer Madness programme July Connect Venue @ Summer Madness 28th For all youth leaders, youth workers and June - 2nd July clergy August The Journey (Taize) 10th - 18th Full-time youth workers, voluntary Youth Ministry Summer School - TBA youth leaders, clergy & young adults 18+ September CIYD Central Board Board members Youth Ministry Training @ C of I Year 3 ordinands Theological College, Dublin TBA

October Anois Youth Camp 13-17 year olds / youth leaders, from 26th -28th October Diocesan Youth Councils in R of I

November Preparation for 2010 programme

December Youth Ministers Retreat TBA For all in full/part-time Youth Ministry

Please note: Dates for the Connect youth leaders training days and the Jump programme still to be fixed.

289 Church of Ireland Youth Department – Report 2008 CIYD Objectives for 2008

DATE Programme / Events / Deadlines

Youth Service Grant application Launch of Jump Youth work audit January Review of Youth ‘Priorities’ applications

Jump presentation to Youth Affairs Section Central Board residential CIYD accounts audited General Synod report completed February Policy review for CIYD initiated Draft 2009 events programme tabled

CIYD accounts to Youth Affairs Section Youth Ministers Connect retreat March Meeting with Honorary Secretaries Draft Best Foot Forward guidelines re-written

Jump team interviews Completion of Hard Gospel Where would Jesus be? youth resource April Taize worship service

Youth Officers residential General Synod

Launch of parish pack Inspire

Youth work audit completed May Republic of Ireland insurance arranged

June Summer Madness preparation

Summer Madness Mid year report to Youth Affairs Section July 2009 CIYD Calendar launched Staff holidays The Journey pilgrimage August Youth Ministry summer school

290 Church of Ireland Youth Department – Report 2008 Staff annual appraisals Youth Ministry Training @ Church of Ireland Theological College September Jump team induction Opening of Centre for Youth Ministry? Draft 09 Allocations Committee application Anois youth camp October Meeting with Honorary Secretaries CIYD annual insurance organised Draft 09 Youth Affairs Grant application National Youth Council of Ireland November CIYD Presentation to Standing Committee

Youth Ministers Connect Retreat December Youth Affairs submission for 2010 Grant Aid

Conclusion

CIYD is serving an ever-wider range of people throughout the island of Ireland and has a major input in a number of government and other organisations with a focus on work with young people. A great number of local personnel and projects are facilitated by our growing central expertise. This is demanding work for our staff, Executive and new Central Board and as always your comments, prayers and support will be greatly appreciated by us all.

+Richard Tuam President

291 Church of Ireland Youth Department – Report 2008

EXTRACT FROM THE AUDITED ACCOUNTS OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND YOUTH DEPARTMENT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2006

THE CHURCH OF IRELAND YOUTH DEPARTMENT’S RESPONSIBILITIES The Central Board is required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Church of Ireland Youth Department (CIYD) and of the surplus or deficit for that year. In preparing those financial statements, the Council must therefore: • Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

• Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

• Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that CIYD will continue in business.

The Central Board is also expected to keep proper accounting records, which disclose, with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the Department and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the appropriate accounting standards. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of CIYD and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. On behalf of the Council:

†Richard Tuam Council Member Dated: 19 October 2007

292 Church of Ireland Youth Department – Report 2008 EXTRACT FROM THE AUDITED ACCOUNTS OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND YOUTH DEPARTMENT INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2006 2006 2005 € € INCOME Department of Education (Republic of Ireland) 235,654 216,151 Representative Church Body 241,251 189,679 Donations 15,913 21,901 Priorities Fund - 9,485 Grants and trusts - 15,000 Interest 108 1,198 Programme 24,722 15,849 TOTAL INCOME 517,648 469,263

EXPENDITURE Staff and Volunteer Costs

Staff salaries and expenses 225,933 175,887 Central Board and Executive 16,511 14,455

Training, Programme and Grant Allocations

Training events 24,673 2,551 Programme events 52,163 36,214 Devolved funding grants 111,876 156,523 Summer Madness 14,892 30,434 Conference Expenses 647 15,360

Office and Administration

Insurance 8,797 9,841 Auditors’ fees 3,500 3,803 Professional fees 149 589 Rent 11,716 11,719 Stationery and printing - 4,182 Telephone, postage and internet 3,582 6,286 Office expenses 20,310 13,228 New Office - 16,679 Heat and light 1,848 2,056 Depreciation 18,324 8,327 Resources 1,549 1,246 Carried forward 516,470 509,380

293 Church of Ireland Youth Department – Report 2008 EXTRACT FROM THE AUDITED ACCOUNTS OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND YOUTH DEPARTMENT INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT – CONTINUED YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2006 2006 2005

€ €

Brought forward 516,470 509,380 Fees and Membership

General membership fees 2,244 335 Youth Link Northern Ireland 12,271 11,674 POCVA 4,808 1,614 ______TOTAL EXPENDITURE 535,793 523,003 ______

EXCESS OF EXPENDITURE OVER INCOME (18,145) (53,740) Foreign exchange difference 1001 1,754

NET (DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR (17,144) (51,986)

Note: The Rate of exchange used for translating Sterling to Euro was Stg 1.0 = 1.4892 Euro (2005 – 1.4592 Euro)

294 Church of Ireland Youth Department – Report 2008 EXTRACT FROM THE AUDITED ACCOUNTS OF THE CHURCH OF IRELAND YOUTH DEPARTMENT BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2006 2006 2005 €€ € €

TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS 40,757 19,192 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors and prepayments 7,100 23,629

CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND Cash 6,307 17,028 13,407 40,657

CURRENT LIABILITIES Creditors – amounts falling due within one year (14,669) (18,210)

NET CURRENT ASSETS (1,262) 22,447

NET ASSETS 39,495 41,639

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

Opening balance 41,639 93,625 Write off provision 15,000 - (Deficit) for the year (17,144) (51,986)

39,495 41,639

Note: The Rate of exchange used for translating Sterling to Euro was Stg 1.0 = 1.4892 Euro (2005 – 1.4592 Euro)

The financial statements were approved by the Council on 19 October 2007 and are signed on its behalf by: † Richard Tuam: Council Member 295 Church of Ireland Youth Department – Report 2008

296 The Covenant Council – Report 2008 THE COVENANT COUNCIL

The Church of Ireland and the Methodist Church in Ireland

REPORT OF THE COVENANT COUNCIL TO THE CHURCHES 2008 MEMBERSHIP Church of Ireland Rt Rev Harold Miller (co-Chair) Rev Canon Adrian Empey Mr David Brown Rev Canon Virginia Kennerley Ms Elva Byrne Mr Cyril McElhinney Very Rev Nigel Dunne (Secretary) Dr Andrew Pierce Rev Dr Maurice Elliott Rev Peter Thompson Methodist Church Rev David Kerr (co-Chair) Rev Brian Griffin The Secretary of Conference Ms Gillian Kingston Mrs Sandra Dickson Mr Philip Robinson Rev Andrew Dougherty Rev David Rock Rev Geraldine Gracie Rev Janet Unsworth The Covenant Council met in two one-day sessions and one residential session during the year and its new Executive Committee met twice during the same period. It has continued to encourage the churches’ engagement with the Interim Statement on Episcope and Interchangeability presented at the General Synod and Conference last year. The Council also continues to encourage further engagement between the churches both in responding to issues raised and in providing guidance on matters which surface at joint events in local situations. The Council continues to develop reflective and liturgical material which may be of use for the planning of such events. Our work in the last year has also taken on an international dimension with the Council having played a major role in the re-awakening of Anglican/Methodist dialogue. This report will demonstrate how the Council has continued to work out the aims and objectives of the Covenant at theological, pastoral and practical levels. Interim Statement on Episcope and Interchangeability Representatives of the Faith and Order and General Committees of the Methodist Church are engaging with the Statement whilst a group nominated by the Standing Committee of the Church of Ireland has been asked to formulate a response. The Council emphasises the importance of local engagement with the Interim Statement and reminds the churches that such consultation/reflection ought to be completed by 2009.

297 The Covenant Council – Report 2008 Visit of Primate and President We were delighted to welcome the Primate and President to our January meeting and thank them for their guidance, particularly with regard to the reception of the Interim Statement and the need for joint local projects and contacts to be encouraged in a proactive way. The Council will devote much of its energy to this latter task in the coming year. Joint Mission Events A joint Mission Event centred on Fresh Expressions, organised by representatives of the mission committees of both churches, was held last November in Dublin. Despite a smaller attendance than anticipated, there was very positive feedback from those who attended and many valuable contacts were made. By the time this report is received by the churches, the joint committee will have organised a second and larger event for 26 April 2008 in Lurgan. The Rev Steve Croft will again be the key speaker at his event. The Council is grateful to Mrs Sandra Dickson and Mr Cyril McIlhinney for their input to this important area of engagement between our churches. We believe that cooperation in mission is one of the key ways in which the Covenant will be worked out in the future. Restructuring of the Council The Council spent some time, in the last year, assessing its own work and has now restructured itself with a view to achieving more between meetings and enabling more of its energy to be used in encouraging a working out of the Covenant at a local level. The Council now has an Executive Committee (2 Co-Chairs, Honorary Secretary and the ex-Honorary Secretary) and five Sub-Groups as follows: Communications, Facilitation, Administration and Finance, Theological Reflection, and Mission. Each sub-group has its own convenor and is free to co-opt additional members according to its needs. Resources and Publications The second booklet in our series, Working Out the Covenant, entitled Guidelines for the Journey addresses issues of best practice, particularly at joint events. The Council recommends that at least one copy be kept in every parish/congregation in order to ensure that issues of sensitivity in each tradition do not become points of friction or embarrassment when planning joint events. Celebrating Wesleyan Heritage Material on the Wesleyan hymns in the hymn books of both churches, kindly written by the Rev Dr Dudley A Levistone Cooney, and some resource material for sermons and reflections, written by Ms Gillian Kingston, are now on our website www.covenantcouncil.com We are most grateful to both for their contributions. Ecumenical Canons The Council continues to seek a way forward in clarifying and/or amending Church of Ireland canon law to allow for the provisions of the Council’s Guidelines for Local Ecumenical Partnerships to be fully implemented. A preliminary response from the Bishop of Cork to the 298 The Covenant Council – Report 2008 draft canons, drawn up by the Council last year, was considered. Following the Bishop’s comments on the need for such proposals to be placed within a wider framework of canon law governing all ecumenical work in the Church of Ireland, it was decided to contact the Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue of the Church of Ireland outlining the need for such a framework and the history of the Council’s interaction with this issue. It is now felt that the Council’s proposal comes at an opportune time in the light of the Church of Ireland’s current process of reviewing its Constitution. It is important that the Church of Ireland refers to the Methodist Manual of Laws when undertaking this review. With this in mind, the Council suggests that one Methodist and one Anglican be co-opted from the Council to the relevant Church of Ireland committee. (See motion below) Chaplaincies The Council greatly welcomes the possibility of further collaboration in ministry in hospital, prison and university chaplaincies, something both our churches have agreed to explore in article 6. B of the Covenant. We are of the opinion that the churches urgently need to establish a joint system and/or committee to oversee the nomination of lead chaplains in the new Northern Ireland Prison Service structures. We are greatly encouraged by ongoing discussions on student chaplaincy at Queens University, Belfast. International Dialogue Following the raising of concern about the current impasse in International Anglican/Methodist dialogue at the World Methodist Council meeting in Seoul, Korea in 2006 and some significant input from some Council members, a meeting of international representatives from both churches was held in London in November 2006. This meeting resulted in a new framework and agenda being agreed which, hopefully, will lead to the successful establishment of the proposed Anglican-Methodist International Commission for Unity in Mission. The Council takes considerable pride in the fact that it was the Irish churches that took the initiative in this process and that the meeting was attended by Ms Gillian Kingston and co-chaired by the Rt Rev Harold Miller. A report on this meeting is published as Appendix A to this report. We ask the General Synod and Conference to strongly welcome this development with enthusiasm (see motion below).

299 The Covenant Council – Report 2008

Resolutions for Consideration by the General Synod 2008

1 That the Report of the Covenant Council be received. 2 That the General Synod recommends that there be co-opted one Methodist member and one Church of Ireland member from the Covenant Council to the relevant committee concerned with the establishment of ecumenical canons for the Church of Ireland. 3 That the General Synod continue to encourage Church of Ireland congregations to celebrate the Covenant relationship with neighbouring Methodist congregations on or around September 26th each year.

4 That the following be appointed as the Church of Ireland members of the Covenant Council: Rt. Rev Harold Miller, Bishop of Down and Dromore (co-Chair) Mr David Brown Ms Elva Byrne Very Rev Nigel Dunne (Secretary) Rev. Dr Maurice Elliott Rev. Canon Adrian Empey Rev. Canon Virginia Kennerley Mr Cyril McElhinney Dr Andrew Pierce Rev Peter Thompson.

300 The Covenant Council – Report 2008 APPENDIX A Anglican – Methodist International Relations Report on the Anglican – Methodist Consultation held on 30 October and 1 November 2007

An Anglican – Methodist International Consultation took place at Wesley’s Chapel, London, between 30th October and 1st November, 2007, in order to discuss the next stages of ecumenical engagement between the Churches of the Anglican Communion and of the World Methodist Council. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Rev Professor Robert Gribben, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Ecumenics and Dialogue, on behalf of the World Methodist Council and Bishop Harold Miller, nominated by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Secretary General, on behalf of the Anglican Communion. The meeting was held at Wesley’s Chapel by the kind invitation of its ministers (The Rev the Lord Griffiths, Superintendent, and the Rev Jennifer Potter). Both Christian world communions maintain their commitment to the search for the full visible unity of the Church of Christ. In the eleven years since the publication of the Report of the Anglican – Methodist International Commission, Sharing in Apostolic Communion, which was received by the Seventeenth World Methodist Conference in 1996 and the Lambeth Conference in 1998, the context of Anglican – Methodist relations has developed considerably, including the signing of major covenants between the Church of England and the Methodist Church in Great Britain and between the Church of Ireland and the Methodist Church in Ireland and of an agreement for Interim Eucharistic Sharing between The Episcopal Church and the United Methodist Church. The Consultation submits the following recommendations to the Standing Committee on Ecumenics and Dialogue of the World Methodist Council and to the Joint Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council: that an Anglican – Methodist International Commission for Unity in Mission be established with the following mandate. Building on our common confession of the apostolic faith and our participation in God’s mission, the purpose of the Commission is to advance the visible unity of Anglicans and Methodists at every level as a contribution to the full visible unity of the Church of Christ. We envisage the principal work of the Commission will be To monitor dialogues and relationships between Anglican and Methodist Churches worldwide, • Listening to the challenges and opportunities offered in the variety of contexts;1

1 Sharing in the Apostolic Communion stated the context in 1996 this way: “The concern that Christian believers be seen as one in Christ is urgent at this particular time. We are faced by growing secularism and the loss of social cohesion in the older Christian world. At the same 301 The Covenant Council – Report 2008 • Gathering information and insights; • Reviewing and evaluating agreements and theological statements; and • Sharing the best practices learned; To resource developing Anglican – Methodist relationships around the world, in particular by: • engaging in theological reflection on the nature of the unity we seek; and, • clarifying questions to be addressed;2 and To propose ways toward the full visible unity of Anglicans and Methodists, by • suggesting guidelines and protocols; and • offering models for the reconciliation of churches and ministries.3 Work Programme Sharing in the Apostolic Communion made specific proposals for further work including the provision of guidelines.4 There have been subsequent developments around the world that need to be taken into account. In carrying out its tasks of monitoring developments, resourcing theological reflection, and proposing further steps, the Commission should give attention to, among others, the following five areas:

time other religious faiths are everywhere challenging Christianity with alternative visions of the human condition and destiny. Thus the present Anglican – Methodist Dialogue is more than Christians talking to themselves about internal ecclesiastical arrangements. The integrity of Christian witness is at stake.” It needs to be noted that the context in 2008 has developed significantly. 2 An overview of the areas of doctrinal exploration and agreement to which attention has been given can be found in Part II of the Sharing in the Apostolic Communion Report, paragraphs 14 –30. 3 Cf. Sharing in the Apostolic Communion, paragraph 5: “Confessing this oneness together, to the highest achievable degree, is crucial for our evangelization, and may mitigate our disunity which now detracts from the presentation of the Gospel of reconciliation. We seek to be obedient to the will of Christ both in our confession of God’s saving Word and in our witness to the One Lord of the Church and Saviour of the world.” 4 Sharing in the Apostolic Communion, paragraph 95 indicated four areas for the development of guidelines: *The Mutual Recognition of Members, *Eucharistic Communion going beyond mutual hospitality, *Mutual recognition and the inter-changeability of ministries and rites, and *Structures of common decision-making. While these topics have informed the discussion of the Consultation, the areas have been reformulated by the Commission in a way which seems most appropriate to the present context. 302 The Covenant Council – Report 2008 Towards a single community of Christian disciples Our goal is to take steps towards a common understanding and practice of Christian initiation, and its implications. • We ask the Commission to note and explore the various concepts of membership within and between the Methodist and Anglican traditions. Is the concept of membership a valuable and theologically sound one? • One presenting issue is the transferability of ‘members’ between our churches. Is the practice of insisting on further requirements when a ‘member’ of one church transfers to another justified? • The Commission should clarify the different ways in which Baptism, Confirmation and admission to communicant life are understood and related to one another within and between the Methodist and Anglican traditions. Eucharistic Sharing We recommend that the Commission pursue the implications of the following three statements. Definition • By eucharistic sharing is understood mutual participation in the celebration of the Eucharist which goes beyond mutual eucharistic hospitality though falling short of that common Eucharist which will be achieved through full interchangeability of ordained ministers. Rationale • Eucharistic sharing reflects the presence of the two churches expressing their unity in a common faith, a common baptism, and a common mission. Thus they seek to demonstrate together that they are seeking that unity which is God’s will for the Church, and to strengthen and encourage each other on the way to that goal5. Practice • Such eucharistic fellowship will involve ministers of both churches jointly leading the worship of the people in Word and Sacrament, and standing together at the holy table but with one minister presiding.6

5 On the way to that God-given unity, there are other sacramental issues which will need to be addressed in the work of the Commission, e.g. the elements of Holy Communion, and the method of their reverent disposal, non-presbyteral presidency and the issue of “Open Communion”. 6 Cf. paragraph 17B (vi) of the Meissen Agreement between the Church of England, the Federation of the Evangelical Churches in the German Democratic Republic and the 303 The Covenant Council – Report 2008 Common Rites Recent decades have been marked by an ecumenical liturgical movement which has resulted in widespread agreement on the ‘shape’ and theological purpose of the rites of Sacraments and other forms of worship. In this context, we recommend that the Commission: • monitor the development of common liturgical rites in our churches • find ways of encouraging the development of common liturgical structures, texts and actions for the celebration of Baptism, Holy Communion and Ordination, which express in a variety of languages, music and other cultural forms our shared faith. • note the different ways in which the persons leading liturgy, and the liturgies being used are authorised and promote understanding of these. Steps towards a Common Ministry In “Sharing in the Apostolic Communion”, the report concluded that “We believe the recognition of each other’s apostolicity as churches should include the recognition of the apostolicity of each other’s ministry and allow us to work towards the establishment of that ministry in its traditional threefold form, including, in ways which still need to be worked out, the historic episcopate.” (Paragraph 69) This is a task which we commend to the new Commission. We recommend that particular attention be paid to the steps or stages that are required to establish a common ministry. Various terms have been used in discussing these issues. These include ‘acknowledging’, ‘affirming’, ‘recognising’ and ‘reconciling’. The Commission will need to recommend appropriate terms to describe the different stages of the overall process. The first stage results in a mutual attesting to the authenticity of our Churches, ministries and sacraments. The second stage requires a more formal process leading to an interchangeable ordained ministry. The Commission will need to propose ways in which such interchangeability could be celebrated. In this task, it will be important to recognise the variety of patterns of ministry across both the Churches of the World Methodist Council and of the Anglican Communion, which may lead to different solutions in different contexts, although such solutions must be coherent with one another. Mutual consultation and common decision making We recommend that the Commission • explore structures of consultation and decision-making in both traditions • examine the limits of diversity in the areas of faith, order, ethics and mission, and to what extent temporary anomalies may be borne

Evangelical Church in Germany, which established a number of protocols in this area for the purposes of that agreement. 304 The Covenant Council – Report 2008 • advocate appropriate processes that will enable listening, discernment and reception on common issues, including the sharing of best practice and addressing issues that cause pain7 • offer models that enable the development of trust and collegiality, leading to common decision making, among those exercising episcope and ministry both before and after interchangeability of ministries has been achieved. For the sake of our growing unity and our common mission, each of these tasks needs to be considered at every level in both traditions. The Consultation recommends the appointment of the Anglican – Methodist International Commission for Unity in Mission with a membership of six Anglicans and six Methodists, who would be nominated by their appropriate sponsoring bodies, and which would include a Co-Chair to be nominated on each side; with the addition of a Co-Secretary from each of the sponsoring bodies, and two ecumenical consultants, nominations for which would be invited from the Lutheran World Federation and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. The Commission would need to have balance across the twelve nominated members of age, geographical and theological background, gender, theological and pastoral expertise, and lay and ordained membership. The members of the Consultation held in London were: World Methodist Council The Rev Professor Robert Gribben, Uniting Church in Australia, Co-Chair Bishop Heinrich Bolleter, United Methodist Church Ms Gillian Kingston, Methodist Church in Ireland The Rev Dr Douglas Mills, United Methodist Church The Rev Peter Sulston, Methodist Church in Great Britain The Rev Dr George Freeman, World Methodist Council, Co-Secretary Anglican Communion The Rt Rev Harold Miller, Church of Ireland, Anglican Co-Chair The Rev Prebendary Paul Avis, Church of England The Rt Rev Franklin Brookhart, The Episcopal Church The Rev Lloyd Jones, Church in Wales (unable to be present) The Rev Canon Gregory K Cameron, Anglican Communion Office, Co-Secretary Consultant The Rt Rev Rupert Hoare, Church of England Administrative Support The Rev Terrie Robinson, Anglican Communion Office

7 These might include issues in human sexuality and the impact of racism in the life of the Church. 305 The Covenant Council – Report 2008

306 Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue – Report 2008 COMMISSION FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY AND DIALOGUE REPORT 2008 MEMBERSHIP The Archbishops and Bishops Revd P Comerford Mr WT Morrow Revd Canon DWT Crooks Revd DR Nuzum Revd Canon Dr IM Ellis Mr N Richardson Mr SR Harper Very Revd PW Rooke Revd IJE Knox Ms CS Turner Revd Canon WA Lewis Revd OC Ulogwara Revd DM McCallig Revd GV Wharton Mrs R McKelvey Revd Canon TR Williams Dr K Milne Mrs AJ Wills

In 2007, the General Synod changed by resolution the name of the former ‘Committee for Christian Unity’ to ‘Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue’. The terms of reference of the Commission are as follows: (a) To promote within the Church of Ireland the vision of Christian Unity; (b) To promote and support movements in Ireland towards co-operation among the various Christian bodies; (c) To maintain Church of Ireland membership of, and participation in, national and international ecumenical bodies; (d) To address developments within the Anglican Communion in consultation with the Standing Committee of the General Synod; (e) To encourage and engage in inter-faith encounter and dialogue; (f) To report annually to the General Synod. The Commission elected the Bishop of Meath and Kildare, the Most Revd RL Clarke, as Chairman, and Dr Kenneth Milne as Honorary Secretary. The members wish to pay tribute to the work of the former Chairman, the Bishop of Clogher, the Rt Revd Michael Jackson, and the former Honorary Secretary, the Revd Daniel Nuzum. We are convinced of the need to convey to the parishes an understanding of the Church’s responsibilities in the field of ecumenism, and it is our view that communication with the dioceses and parishes where ecumenism is concerned needs to be greatly improved. We firmly believe that our Commission’s participation in ecumenical and inter-faith activities on behalf of the Church of Ireland is only part of our duty, and that it is equally urgent to bring to the attention of the dioceses and parishes those issues that are on the ecumenical agenda both nationally and internationally. 307 Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue – Report 2008

In order to discharge our terms of reference as effectively as possible, we have established, as proposed in the report to General Synod last year, the following three working-groups: Ecumenical Affairs The Bishop of Meath and Kildare (Convenor) Dr Kenneth Milne (Honorary Secretary) The Bishop of Tuam Revd Canon DWT Crooks Revd D Nuzum, Mrs R McKelvey Mr WT Morrow One Church of Ireland representative from the Covenant Council One Methodist representative from the Covenant Council Anglicanism The Bishop of Cashel and Ossory (Convenor) Ms Kate Turner (Honorary Secretary) The Bishop of Down and Dromore Revd Canon IM Ellis The Church of Ireland representative on the Porvoo Contact Group (Very Revd Desmond Harman, d. 18 December 2007) The Church of Ireland representatives on the Anglican Consultative Council (Dr Maurice Elliott and Ms Kate Turner) Mr I Smith Mrs P Wallace The group concerned with Anglican affairs and also with the relationships via the Porvoo Agreement is at an early stage of its work. Seven members of the main Commission have joined this group. Like so many in the Church of Ireland we were stunned by the untimely death of Dean Desmond Harman and were particularly conscious of his contribution in recent years as the Church of Ireland’s Porvoo contact person. As recently as our November meeting, he was speaking of this task with typical insight, enthusiasm and humour. As part of its initial agenda the group had undertaken a textual review of the Porvoo Agreement and process, seeking from this to draw lessons in relation to possible emerging covenantal relationships within Anglicanism itself. The unhappy loss of Dean Harman obliged us in addition to consider, in effect, a likely job specification for the next holder of the position of Porvoo contact person. Within the specifically Anglican world, we have been analysing, in this Lambeth year, the significance and impact of some of the less publicised but nevertheless highly significant Resolutions of Lambeth 1998.

308 Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue – Report 2008 At the time of writing it is quite impossible to predict what will be the mood and direction of Anglicanism post-Lambeth. However, it is very likely that continuing discussion of the scope of a possible Anglican Covenant will remain centre – stage. Our group is one of a number of bodies within the Church of Ireland – including, of course, the Standing Committee itself and the bishops – which would expect to maintain a creative and demanding involvement in this process. Conscious too that the next meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council will not be long after Lambeth, it is good that we can provide a forum in which Ireland’s two ACC members, Dr Maurice Elliott and Ms Kate Turner will be able to consult locally concerning the ACC themes. In wishing Dr Elliott well in his new role at the Theological Institute, we are aware too that a common approach to Theological Education and its content is now, rightly, a pressing issue at the heart of the inter-Anglican agenda. Inter-faith The Bishop of Clogher (Convenor) Revd Canon Patrick Comerford (Honorary Secretary) Very Revd PW Rooke Revd O Ulogwara Revd D McCallig Mr S Harper Ms Susan Hood Interfaith events and dialogue The 31-page booklet, Guidelines for Interfaith Events & Dialogue, prepared by the Committee for Christian Unity and the bishops of the Church of Ireland, and published by Church of Ireland Publishing, was launched at the Hard Gospel conference, ‘A Pilgrim People,’ in Swords, Co Dublin, on 19 January, by the Minister for Integration, Mr Conor Lenihan, and the Bishop of Clogher. The Lambeth Conferences in 1988 and 1998 called for greater work to be done locally and internationally to facilitate the dialogue of life and the dialogue of ideas across world faiths, yet this booklet is the first of its kind in the Provinces of the Anglican Communion. People of different world faiths are present in Ireland as immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, economic migrants, international students and because of family ties. It is of the utmost importance to challenge fear and ignorance, while being true to our own faith, living it confidently and compassionately. The working group hopes to receive feedback and responses to the guidelines from the different faith groups in Ireland, and initial contacts have been made with the Islamic, Jewish and Sikh communities in Dublin. In a positive response to the booklet, RTÉ has recorded five two-minute radio contributions by the Revd Canon Patrick Comerford to A Living Word, looking at five monotheistic faith communities: Christians, Muslims, Jews, Sikhs and Bahais.

309 Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue – Report 2008

Working group membership The working group has been joined by Dr Susan Hood, who has extensive experience in Israeli-Palestinian and Jewish-Christian-Muslim dialogue. Chinese community in Ireland Meanwhile, a major study of the diverse faith and religious practices of the Chinese community, one of the largest minority ethnic groups in Ireland, has been published by the Dublin University Far Eastern Mission and the China Educational and Cultural Liaison Committee. This study estimates that there are at least 60,000 Chinese people in the Republic of Ireland, of whom 25.4 per cent say they believe in religion; of that 25.4 per cent, 56.3 per cent believe in Buddhism and 39 per cent in Christianity (23.4 per cent “Protestantism” and 15.6 per cent “Catholicism”). The study, by Dr Richard O’Leary of Queen’s University Belfast and Dr Lan Li of University College Dublin, illustrates how little we know in Ireland about the religious beliefs and practices of the new communities in Ireland, and offers an example of how similar work needs to be carried out among other ethnic and religious communities. Training programmes The group is exploring ways sending target groups from the Church of Ireland to take part in the multifaith programmes organised by the Saint Philip’s Centre, Leicester, which provides training and enables Christians and churches to be a confident presence in a multifaith world, prepared to share their own faith and learn from others. The centre director is the Revd Dr Andrew Wingate. The Centre has been developed by the Church of England Diocese of Leicester, and is supported by the Methodist, United Reformed, Roman Catholic and Baptist Churches. Ecumenical Affairs The Chairman and Honorary Secretary have held informal meetings with Roman Catholic and Presbyterian personnel and have made personal contact with the ecumenical organisations to which the Church of Ireland belongs, in order (a) to give assurances of the Church’s continued commitment to ecumenism and (b) to provide for the members of the Commission some indication of the current state of ecumenical affairs in Ireland and beyond. As part of this exercise the Chairman and Honorary Secretary were part of the Church of Ireland representation at the Third European Ecumenical Assembly in Sibiu, Romania, in September; the other members of the delegation being the Bishop of Tuam, the Revd Canon David Crooks and Ms Andrea Wills. The Commission has reported on the Sibiu Assembly to the Standing Committee, with recommendations.

310 Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue – Report 2008

Irish Council of Churches (ICC) and Irish Inter Church Meeting (IICM) We welcome the appointment of our Chairman to be Vice-president of the Irish Council of Churches. He has regularly attended meetings of the ICC Executive Committee and of the Irish Inter-Church Meeting. We are glad to report that there was a good attendance of the Church of Ireland representatives at the ICC Annual General Meeting in recent years. Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) The Chairman has been appointed one of the ICC trustees of CTBI, and Mr Trevor Morrow has attended a meeting of one of its forums. Four National Ecumenical Officers The Honorary Secretary attended a meeting in London of the ecumenical officers of the Church of England, the Church of Ireland, the Church in Wales and the Scottish Episcopal Church. Week of Prayer for Christian Unity The leaflets for use in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity were this year, for the first time, downloaded and formatted by the General Synod Office for distribution in the Church of Ireland. Meissen Conversations The Church of England has a relationship with the German Lutheran Churches through the ‘Meissen Conversations’ held alternately in England and Germany. The other Anglican Churches in these island take it in turn to provide jointly one observer on behalf of the Church of Ireland, the Church in Wales and the Scottish Episcopal Church at these conversations, and as it is now falling to the Church of Ireland to assume this responsibility, Canon Ian Ellis has been appointed. Future work It is hoped that our Commission’s future activities, operating through our working groups, will include: • Initiating an ecumenical response to the recommendations of the Sibiu Assembly; • Carrying out a textual review of the Porvoo Agreement in the hope of identifying lessons in relation to possible emerging covenantal relationships within Anglicanism itself; • Identifying church members in each diocese, lay and clerical, who can act as ‘resource persons’ for advice on interfaith issues; • Exploring the possibilities of participating in inter-faith programmes, both at home and elsewhere, having in mind in particular the needs of school and hospital chaplains. 311 Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue – Report 2008

312 Liturgical Advisory Committee – Report 2008 LITURGICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT 2008 MEMBERSHIP ELECTED IN 2007 Rt Revd HC Miller (Chairman) Revd PK McDowell Rt Revd MAJ Burrows (Vice-Chairman) Revd AJ Rufli Revd GG Field (Hon Secretary) Dr R Marsh Revd Canon MC Kennedy Mrs A Cadden Revd Canon RB Rountree Ms J Martin Revd E Hanna Mrs J Wilkinson Revd MP Jansson

Co-opted members Consultants

Revd A Dorrian Revd Canon JAB Mayne Revd SA Pragnell Revd Canon RE Turner Revd P Thompson Dr D Davison Lady Sheil

Church of Ireland Theological College Observer Mr R Ferris

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY As noted in last year’s report, the emphasis of the work now undertaken by the Liturgical Advisory Committee (LAC) on behalf of the Church of Ireland “has shifted from producing forms of worship to encouragement of their proper use”. During the past year much of that work has continued within the four sub-committees focusing on Liturgical Education and Formation, Music Art and Liturgical Space, Liturgical Resources and Electronic Liturgy. The change in the Marriage Regulations in both jurisdictions has raised issues which the LAC has sought to address. Amendments to the Marriage Service in The Book of Common Prayer will be necessary and proposals will be brought before General Synod in 2008 and 2009. The Table of Kindred and Affinity, as it applies to these new regulations, has also been given consideration. The response to those considerations is given as an Appendix A. The role of the Diocesan Liturgical Officer (DLO) remains vital to the dissemination of information to the dioceses and parishes. An outline of their role and the support required by them from their dioceses was also given consideration. Similarly the role of the Electronic Liturgy Officer was discussed especially with regard to the work required to develop and maintain the Worship section of the Church of Ireland website.

313 Liturgical Advisory Committee – Report 2008

LITURGICAL EDUCATION AND FORMATION Significant work has been undertaken under this heading. CELEBRATING COMMUNION Maria Jansson, as convenor of the sub-group, has been working on a parish-based programme of adult religious education reflecting on the Holy Communion Two service of The Book of Common Prayer. This programme is to be published by Columba Press this spring. The programme runs for five weeks and can be used at any time of the year. It will foster not just an understanding of the elements of the service but also an understanding of where our worship connects with the life of the community. This is the first in a series of envisaged, parish-based liturgical education programmes, which will be published in a series called Prism. Now that The Book of Common Prayer (2004) is well established and recognising the valuable part the Diocesan Liturgical Officers (DLO) played in introducing it, the role of the DLOs was re-evaluated. The result of the process is available from the Honorary Secretary on request, or can be viewed on the LAC’s Committee News section of the Church of Ireland Website.

MUSIC ART AND USE OF LITURGICAL SPACE (MAULS) During the past year, this LAC sub-committee saw a further division of labour to allow work to progress in the three areas, and as such, three separate working groups replace the one ‘MAULS’ group. • Art is being considered under three headings: building, liturgy and publicity. The LAC will consider the material presented relating to these areas during the coming year. • Music has focused on the Psalms project, mentioned in last year’s report. Whilst the delay in producing the material within the time scale envisaged in that report is regrettable, a sampler of Simple Chants has been produced for the season of Easter Year A, and the LAC hopes to produce a full set in time for use with Year B. • With regard to Liturgical Space, in recent years, the LAC has been keenly aware that the bulk of its work has been concerned with the production of words in the form of new and revised services. However, one of the factors that brings words to life and gives focus to liturgy is the context in which the prescribed words are uttered. The Committee is aware that there is considerable interest among members of the Church of Ireland, in liturgical space and in how the ordering of that space can assist in the liturgical formation of the faith community. Therefore, we feel it would be of benefit to the church to facilitate a full discussion at the General Synod of 2009 concerning some of the theological, aesthetic and logistical principles that should surround the ordering of liturgical space. Having listened to the views of the General Synod we would then be minded, in 2010, to present to the Synod for approval some form of codification of what the church would agree to regard as good practice in this area. The code would be flexible rather than constricting, 314 Liturgical Advisory Committee – Report 2008 liberating rather than prohibitive, but it would aim to provide a theologically and liturgically rooted set of principles, which would be of use to parishes in their dealings with planning and conservation authorities. It would have significant status as an utterance of the General Synod. This project would involve co-operation with the Historic Churches Committee of the Representative Church Body and we feel it would address a major need in the Church as many remain understandably cautious about implementing change in this area on account of the lack of official Church guidelines and the (perhaps unfair) perception that little can actually be done on account of the weighty influence of planners and heritage experts. In fact, all involved would probably concur that the Church faces a potentially exciting challenge in wedding the reality of a rich built heritage to the fact that within those buildings there has to be the flexibility required by a living and evolving liturgical agenda. For this project we envisage three stages over three years: 2008 – raising the issue in our Report in a manner that will promote awareness and engagement. 2009 – a green paper on good practice regarding the ordering of liturgical space, perhaps accompanied by a visual presentation, leading to a thematic debate in General Synod and to a formal acknowledgement of the need for a code. 2010 – a Code of Good Practice concerning liturgical space will be laid before the synod in a form that, if passed, would ensure that the mind of the Church in these matters is articulated in a document with both theological inspiration and significant status.

LITURGICAL RESOURCES Whilst The Book of Common Prayer contains the resources for most of the liturgy of the Church of Ireland, there are occasions when only reference is made to where supplementary resources for feast days can be found. This sub-committee has been working towards providing these resources in one place and will continue to compile these resources for distribution at a later date. It is anticipated that once the work on updating the Worship Website is complete many of these resources will be available in electronic format for easier access. The LAC has also begun a dialogue with the Hard Gospel Committee to explore the needs of the international community in relation to worship material and helping to meet the spiritual needs of those members of our congregations.

ELECTRONIC LITURGY A change in staffing at Church House Publishing, London, has meant that it has not been possible to progress the work planned for Visual Liturgy, and the LAC is still awaiting communication from Church House Publishing as to when this work may be continued. In the meantime, those with copies of Visual Liturgy 4 have been advised to continue using it without the upgrade to Visual Liturgy Live.

315 Liturgical Advisory Committee – Report 2008 The LAC has also been working closely with the Communications Department of the General Synod with regard to the Worship section of the Church of Ireland Website. As a result of some copyright infringement issues certain material had to be removed from the website. Realising that this is a great inconvenience to many people, the LAC is working to resolve this issue as soon as possible. However, the amount of work involved is considerable, and the LAC asks for patience and understanding given the limited resources at its disposal. In this regard, the LAC acknowledges the work undertaken by Rev Alan Rufli and wishes to express it’s thanks to him and those now working with him on the Electronic Liturgy Group of the LAC.

FUTURE PLANS Our future plans include our intention to: • continue to work on the production of Psalm material for Year B; • look toward the development of future programmes in the Prism series; • further develop the Worship section of the ‘Church of Ireland Website’ • continue to represent the Church of Ireland in the wider national and international liturgical forums so that resources and ideas which might be of value in the celebration of our liturgy are available for our use from the wider Communion.

RESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS The LAC wishes to express its immense appreciation to Canon Ricky Rountree who, whilst remaining an elected member of the Committee, last year resigned his position as Honorary Secretary to the LAC. The Committee thanks Canon Rountree for the volume of work he undertook during his term as Secretary. Canon Rountree was particularly instrumental in guiding the LAC through its work on The Book of Common Prayer (2004) as it was revised and presented to the General Synod. The memory of his calm persuasiveness and outstanding grasp of detail at the rostrum of the General Synod over many years will long be treasured by the Church. Two new appointments were made during the past year. The Revd Gerald Field succeeds Canon Rountree as Honorary Secretary, and the Revd Elizabeth Hanna was appointed Chaplain to the LAC in succession to Revd Christopher Woods, who tendered his resignation following his appointment as chaplain of Christ's College Cambridge.

316 Liturgical Advisory Committee – Report 2008

APPENDIX A Table of Kindred and Affinity It is the duty of the Civil Registrar to know whether a couple applying for a Schedule (NI) or a Marriage Registration Form (RI) are free to marry in their jurisdiction. These are covered in “Who can marry” (RI) or the “Prohibited Degrees and Relationships” (NI). In this context the Church no longer publishes the out of date a Table of Kindred and Affinity contained within the 1926 Book of Common Prayer.

317 Liturgical Advisory Committee – Report 2008

318 Church of Ireland Council for Mission – Report 2008 THE CHURCH OF IRELAND COUNCIL FOR MISSION Report to the General Synod 2008 Membership (January 2008) The Rt Rev Harold C Miller House of Bishops The Very Rev Stephen Lowry Synod Rev Bobbie Moore Synod Mrs Felix Blennerhassett Synod Vacant Synod Rev Paul Hoey Synod Canon David Moynan Synod Mrs Paddy Wallace Mothers’ Union Mr Shane Tucker CIYD Mr Martin O'Connor Bishops Appeal Mr Thomas G Wilson Methodist Church Mr Colin Ferguson AMS Mr John Doherty AMS Mr Geoffrey Hamilton AMS Ms Linda Chambers AMS Captain Colin Taylor AMS Rev William Ritchie Cashel Vacant Cashel alternate The Rev Ian Jonas Cork Vacant Cork alternate Vacant Down Vacant Down alternate Rev Peter Galbraith Connor Miss Diane Rhodes Connor alternate Vacant Clogher Vacant Clogher alternate Rev Geoff Wilson Kilmore Vacant Kilmore alternate Vacant Meath Mrs Daphne Wright Meath alternate Very Rev Maurice Sirr Limerick Ven Wayne Carney Limerick alternate Vacant Tuam Vacant Tuam alternate Rev Derek Creighton Derry Rev Ken McLaughlin Derry alternate Canon Michael Barton Armagh 319 Church of Ireland Council for Mission – Report 2008 Mr Tom Stephenson Armagh alternate Rev Dublin Rev Cliff Jeffers Dublin alternate Miss Mavis Gibbons Co-opted Mr David Brown Co-opted

Alternates attend when the principal representative is unable to.

Membership During the course of the year Captain Colin Taylor (Church Army) and Colin Ferguson (Leprosy Mission) were appointed to represent the Association of Mission Societies (AMS). Canon Cecil Wilson, for many years Director of Mission of CMSI, retired in September 2007. We record our deep gratitude not only for his contribution to the Council but even more for the many ways that he helped shape positively the mission scene in the Church of Ireland and beyond. David Brown (CIYD) resigned in order to allow another member of the Youth Department take up membership. Sincere thanks go to him and to all those who have served the Council and the Church through their membership.

Committee Review In view of the ongoing review of the committee structure of the Church of Ireland the Council is undertaking an examination of its own workings with a view to more streamlined and effective communication. The chairmen of the Council, the Parish Development Working Group and the Commission on Ministry met to look at areas of common concern and are considering possible ways to work more closely together. Mission Networks Rev Bobbie Moore continued to act as the Council’s representative at the Partnership for World Mission Conference. The title of the 2007 conference, held in Swanwick in November, was Incomplete Without the Other, taking up the theme of Hospitality within the context of the forthcoming Lambeth Conference. Rev Paul Hoey attended the meetings of Global Mission Network both as the Church of Ireland Representative and on behalf of the Irish Council of Churches. The prime focus of these has been on a complete review of the working of the Network and its many forums and on planning a major conference to mark the centenary of the first ecumenical mission conference at Edinburgh in 2010.

320 Church of Ireland Council for Mission – Report 2008 Reports of the meetings and conferences attended by the delegates are available from the Secretary. The Council reviewed its membership of these two bodies and, while convinced of the value of continued participation, is conscious of the need for improved communication of the information and resources available through these networks to the local church level.

Joint Mission Conference The first stage of a process, originated by a request received from the Covenant Council that the two covenant churches organise a joint conference on mission, took place in November 2007 at Isaac’s Hotel, Dublin. Over fifty people, from many parts of the island, and with a wide range of perspectives attended. The purpose of this initial event was • to identify and support existing Fresh Expressions of Churches (FXC) in Ireland; • to create a network of such churches; • to enable those interested to find out more about how a FXC works; • and to share the wisdom of those who have some experience in the field. . A Fresh Expression of Church (FXC) has been defined as “a form of church for our changing culture established for the benefit for those not yet members.” Rev Steve Croft (Fresh Expressions – the official organ of the Church of England and the Methodist Church in England for the fostering of FXCs), is the facilitator for the various stages of the process. The Steering Group is planning the next event, due on 26 April, which will look at some examples of churches in Ireland that are doing things differently and will also explore some resources for training for leadership for new forms of church. A sub-group has been set-up with a view to planning the first part of the Mission Shaped Ministry Course to start, it is hoped, in September 2008. A further stage will seek to draw in more people from across the dioceses, willing to explore this area with a view to affirming a wide diversity of churches in their journey to becoming more mission-shaped. The Council is aware that while some churches are beginning to think in terms of Fresh Expressions not all will necessarily use the language of Fresh Expressions. There are areas where there is no sense of the need to do anything different. Moreover, we cannot expect the experience of Fresh Expressions in England to transfer automatically to Ireland. Ultimately, the aim is to help our churches work out what it means to engage in mission in the Ireland of today. This will likely involve the recognition that we cannot be an “either/or” church but a “both/and” church in a mixed economy. 321 Church of Ireland Council for Mission – Report 2008 The Council also recognises that exposure to this way of thinking about church should form part of theological training for ordained ministry and that this should become part of our ongoing focus and discussion with other groups. The Council expresses gratitude to the Priorities Fund for its sponsorship of this event. Mission Breakfast The Mission Breakfast held in the Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny, had a large attendance. The input was from Mr Shane Tucker, a field worker with the Church of Ireland Youth Department. He shared his vision for different and complementary forms of church in Ireland and his own experience of one particular expression of church in Dublin. An invited guest, a pastor in an American church, told stories of how various people, who had not previously been involved in any meaningful way in the life of the church, had encountered God through the worship and ministry of his church. Parish Mission Links The Council compiled the findings of its recent Mission Questionnaire to every parish in the Church of Ireland. The aim of the exercise was to get an overview of how many parishes support a mission link, how those links operate and to assess the value of such links. The Council is grateful to all who took time to fill in the questionnaire. • The response rate was approximately 30%, 181 parishes replied. Of these 99 had mission links using the mission agencies. 54 parishes had more than one link. • Overall the response rate compares with the sizes of the dioceses. The most prevalent links, by far, were African with Asian next in number. • In the past few years 46 parishes have made visits to their links. 61 parishes have received visits from their links. • Most links were based on a development principle. The main types of ministry supported were in the fields of education and children’s work. • Of those parishes which responded 75 approximately named a person, other than the rector, responsible for developing links with the mission agencies or with support mission partners. Some examples of questions raised by the findings include: ƒ Are there parishes with eastern European links? ƒ Are parishes which responded as having no link open to one? ƒ Is there division between urban and rural support? A summary of the findings was made available through The Church of Ireland Gazette whose help, as always, is appreciated. Some individuals and parishes expressed interest in developing their own mission links.

322 Church of Ireland Council for Mission – Report 2008 Mission Strategy and the Church of Ireland The Anglican Communion Office Questionnaire requested information, for the Lambeth Conference, about the Church of Ireland and it’s approach to mission. The difficulty in giving a clear answer to such questions as “What is the strategy of the Church of Ireland for mission over the next five years?” or “What different approaches do dioceses have?” highlighted the importance of the Council trying to help parishes work out what good mission support and involvement might look like in their own context. Work is ongoing on a series of guides to stimulating mission within the parish. The Council was disappointed that it is not currently possible to produce a new edition of the Irish Christian Handbook, since one major church in Ireland has made a decision not to make available to the compilers its census figures. In the meantime we are exploring how best to analyse the figures we already have to hand for the Church of Ireland. Some members met with Archdeacon Bob Jackson, a specialist in the area of statistics for mission, to seek advice for the task. Initially, the Council has asked each diocese to give an indication of how it uses its own figures for attendance at worship, pastoral offices etc. Mission Course Mr Colin Corbridge, Church Mission Society Ireland (CMSI) Mission Resource Co-ordinator introduced a new resource, Discover, that is aimed at grass roots change in the way parishes see mission, helping them to raise awareness of and grapple with issues. Discover arose out of the Mpower consultation, organized by CMS, which brought over 100 mission partners from around the world. One of the things this consultation revealed is that there is little grasp in many parishes of what mission looks like. People find it hard to differentiate between mission and charity. Holistic mission is not a familiar concept to them. This has led, in some cases, to apathy about mission. The new resource will be a non-branded, Alpha-style resource for small groups or whatever works locally. It will make good use of DVD with creative ideas for discussion and exploration. It is based on good research of what is already available in colleges, courses etc. The course is targeted primarily towards those in the post-student to early 50s age group. The course will have 18 sections divided into three parts: mission, connection and identity. Six modules are on thinking about mission and its theological and scriptural base; six on how this relates to the world today and another six on how this works out in the lives of ordinary church members. What’s distinctive is the way this ties all these things together.

323 Church of Ireland Council for Mission – Report 2008 It is in production by an established group of core contributors. After prototype trials, the course is scheduled for sale in 2009. Local trainers will be available for any church or group wishing to use all or part of the course. A series of regional launch events will be announced soon. The Council warmly commends the Discover course. Mission Agency Updates • Crosslinks has appointed two new staff members Mr Tim Silk and Mr Sam McGeown. • The internationally recognised Arrow Ireland Leadership Programme began in Ireland in autumn 2007. 20 full time church leaders from all parts of Ireland are taking part in a series of residentials, projects, peer group and mentor meetings, with a focus on leadership development and appropriate strategies for evangelism, over a period of two years. • CMSI welcomed a new Director of Mission, Mr Ian Smith. The Future - Mission Issues As the Council has been meeting for several years, members were invited to review the areas of mission that we had been focusing on thus far. It was felt that we should give some consideration to the area of links between the Church of Ireland and the different ethnic groupings in Ireland. How are we as a church listening to them? Conscious that the Hard Gospel project has been facilitating much good work in this area the Council nevertheless felt that it would be worth while to make it the focus of the 2008 Synod Mission Breakfast.

324 Church of Ireland Council for Mission – Report 2008 APPENDIX A

That the General Synod recognises the importance of the efforts of the Church of Ireland Council for Mission;

That the General Synod authorises the Church of Ireland Council for Mission to gather, compile in standardised form and analyse the already existing information in each parish and diocese concerning trends in worship and pastoral offices and endorses the planned trial in three contrasting dioceses.

325 Church of Ireland Council for Mission – Report 2008 APPENDIX B MISSIONARY SOCIETY CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE CHURCH OF IRELAND 2008

Where there are blanks no figure was returned

Society Donations £ Stg Donations Euro

Bible Society (NI) 15,262 Church Army 24,423 CMSI 1,737,440 Church’s Ministry among the Jewish 28,195 People Church Pastoral Aid Society 28,997 Crosslinks 188,220 Dublin University Far Eastern Mission 6,624 Dublin University Mission to Chota 2,454 Nagpur Feed the Minds, Ireland Intercontinental Church Society 3,583 Interserve Jerusalem and Middle East Church 2,264 Leprosy Mission Mission to Seafarers 13,537 Mothers’ Union National Bible Society 16,539 Society for the Promotion of Christian 13,365 5,568 Knowledge Tearfund SOMA 2,859 South American Missionary Society 80,867 13,360 United Society for the Propogation of 64,685 the Gospel

Total 468,711 1,779,527

326 Commission on Ministry – Report 2008

COMMISSION ON MINISTRY

REPORT 2008

1. MEMBERSHIP

House of Bishops Standing Committee Rt Rev KR Good, Bishop of Derry and Raphoe Mr HRJ Totten (Chairman) Rt Rev RCA Henderson, Bishop of Tuam

General Synod – clerical Pensions Board Ven GL Hastings Rev ECJ Woods Very Rev SM Patterson

General Synod – lay Representative Church Body Ms R Handy Ven DS McLean Mr AN McNeile Mrs CH Thomson

Principal of the Theological College Honorary Secretaries Rev Canon CA Empey Mr SR Harper

Consultant Director of Non-Stipendiary Co-opted Ministry Rev OMR Donohoe Rev TW Gordon Mr G Fromholz

Following his episcopal consecration as Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev AF Abernethy was no longer eligible to be an elected clerical member of the Commission. Mrs Andrea Wills resigned from the Commission in February 2008. The Commission records its appreciation of the contribution made by both Bishop Abernethy and Mrs Wills.

Mr Greg Fromholz was co-opted as a member of the Commission.

The Commission has benefited greatly from the administrative support of Mr Derek Phillips over many years and wishes to place on record its gratitude to him, as he will shortly be retiring from his position as Synod Officer. The Commission looks forward to working with his successor, Ms Jenny Polden, and welcomes her to her new post.

327 Commission on Ministry – Report 2008

2. TERMS OF REFERENCE The Commission on Ministry was established by the General Synod in 1996. In accordance with its terms of reference, the Commission makes recommendations concerning the Christian Ministry, both lay and ordained. This includes the deployment of stipendiary and non-stipendiary clergy appropriate to the requirements of the Church of Ireland in the future. Matters relating to ministry may be referred to the Commission by the House of Bishops, the Standing Committee and the Representative Church Body.

3. SUMMARY The following were the most significant issues addressed by the Commission: • Part-Time and Non-Stipendiary Ministry; • Younger Ordinands; • Retirement Planning for Clergy; • Lay Readers.

4. PURPOSE To reflect on and propose changes to ministry training, deployment and support as will assist the Church to achieve its mission and sustain and nurture the clergy already in the Church’s care throughout their lifetime.

5. AIMS FOR 2008 TO MAY 2009 In the light of the major work going on in introducing new patterns of training for ministry in the new Church of Ireland Theological Institute, the Commission intends to focus on areas outside that remit: • Assemble a joint small group with the Council for Mission to look at the kind of leadership and training requirements for new church developments including plant, pioneers and restarts; • Finalise the report on Lay Readers and plan the 2009 convention for the Centenary of Lay Readers; • Run a further series of the successful course for Retirement Planning for Clergy; • Produce a DVD that will contain information and encouragement for potential ordinands; • Finalise a report on Part-Time and Non-Stipendiary Ministry and bring the conclusions to the House of Bishops and to the General Synod of 2009.

6. THEOLOGICAL TRAINING The Commission is following, with interest, the developments in future patterns of training for ministry in the Church of Ireland and welcomes the prospect of a unified approach to the training of stipendiary and non stipendiary clergy. There is 328 Commission on Ministry – Report 2008

coherence in the overall training plans and yet flexibility in the residential component of the different modes of training available. The considerable amount of background and preparatory work, which has been done by a large number of people and committees, is an indication of the immensity and complexity of a project which will serve the Church well and will open up an exciting new era of training for both ordained and (in due course) lay ministry. As the Church moves to implement these new patterns of training, the Commission wishes to acknowledge the very important contribution to theological education made by the Theological College, by its current Principal, Canon Adrian Empey, by his predecessors and by the college staff, present and past.

7. PART-TIME AND NON-STIPENDIARY MINISTRY Arising from plans to bring together training for the stipendiary ministry and the non-stipendiary ministry, the House of Bishops requested the Commission to give detailed consideration to the future of part-time stipendiary ministry, as it relates to non-stipendiary ministry. The Commission noted that many non-stipendiary ministers (NSMs) are working more hours than was originally envisaged and that NSMs and part-time stipendiary Ministers are converging in terms of hours worked. An interim report was submitted to the Commission by a sub-committee consisting of three non-stipendiary ministers, two incumbents with NSMs, three diocesan secretaries and two staff from Church House. The Commission plans to carry out a survey of NSMs and prepare a final report to the Commission, which will be submitted to the House of Bishops. It is anticipated that a Bill will be submitted to the General Synod in 2009.

8. YOUNGER ORDINANDS As reported last year, a consultation was held in Dublin in May 2006 entitled Younger Ordinands and the Church, which was attended by Directors of Ordinands, national and diocesan youth officers and others responsible for helping young people in the area of vocation. The consultation highlighted the present rather high age profile of ordinands and the need to attract younger candidates. The Commission plans to produce a DVD that will contain information and encouragement for potential ordinands.

9. COLLABORATIVE MINISTRY The Commission considered papers entitled Developing Collaborative Ministry: A Consultation Paper (Parts I and II) by the Very Rev SM Patterson. These documents are available on request from the General Synod Office.

329 Commission on Ministry – Report 2008

Dean Patterson reported that an informal discussion on the papers took place at a meeting of representatives from the western dioceses, where creative ways were suggested for ministry patterns that would work effectively in rural areas.

10. RETIREMENT PLANNING FOR CLERGY

As reported last year, the Commission agreed to run pre-retirement courses for clergy. A two-day course was held in Dublin in March 2007 for clergy approaching retirement age and their spouses. The course covered all aspects of retirement.

The course was very well received and the RCB Stipends Committee secured funding for two further courses; one for clergy retiring from the Republic of Ireland and one for Northern Ireland. The first of these was held in Dublin on 30 March and 1 April 2008. The second course is planned for Northern Ireland on 28/29 April.

It is anticipated that demand for the courses will be higher during the first few years and then level out after that period. It was agreed that there should be no charge to the clergy for the courses and the RCB has borne the cost.

11. LAY READERS

2009 will be the Centenary of Readers in the Church of Ireland. The Wardens of Readers requested the Commission on Ministry to consider in depth, the biblical and theological understanding of the ministry of Reader in the Church of Ireland. The Wardens believe that the time has come for serious consideration to being given to the ministry of Diocesan Reader and that an in-depth study of this ministry should also include the ministry of Parish Reader.

The following questions are being considered by the Commission: 1. What is the foundation of this ministry? 2. What is the essential nature of this ministry? 3. How far does it relate to, and overlap with, diaconal ministry? 4. Is it in fact diaconal ministry, but with another name? 5. How relevant and necessary is such a ministry in the Church of Ireland of the 21st Century? The Commission is carrying out a survey of Diocesan Readers and plans to hold a convention on the Ministry of Lay Reading to mark the 2009 Centenary. The convention will, in part, be shaped and informed by the findings of the survey.

330 Church of Ireland Marriage Council – Report 2008 CHURCH OF IRELAND MARRIAGE COUNCIL REPORT 2008

Executive Summary The Marriage Council exists to provide a range of services in support of marriage throughout the Church of Ireland. It also considers developments relevant to marriage. Core Activities The Marriage Council has continued to provide one-to-one couple marriage preparation sessions and marriage counselling in the Republic of Ireland. This provision is generously subsidised by the Family Support Agency. The demand for preparation sessions remains constant but less so for counselling. Enquiries are made through Sandra Massey at + 353 (01) 4125626. The Marriage Matters enrichment programme continues to be offered. An initiative to promote this programme, in co-operation with the Mother’s Union, has begun.

The Marriage Council website continues to be a useful communications tool and enquiry resource, especially for overseas interest. The website address is www.marriagematters.anglican.org Additional Activities 2007-2008 A major survey of all Church of Ireland clergy and their spouses, relating to clerical family life, was undertaken. 1200 questionnaires were sent and over 800 returned. A presentation by the Council to the House of Bishops (respecting the confidentiality of the survey) on the response to the survey was made in January 2008. Other responses are being discussed and planned. An application has been made to the Priorities Fund to promote and run a Contemporary Couples programme aimed at parishes in Northern Ireland. A one-day marriage preparation course for those marrying for a second time was initiated in partnership with the Diocese of Down and Dromore. A response was made to proposed text for a forthcoming APCK information leaflet on marriage. Contracted professionals who provide marriage preparation/marriage counselling now meet regularly to discuss progress and promote programmes. Clergy /Clergy Spouse Questionnaire Without question the major activity in the year has been initiating, managing and processing the questionnaire sent to all serving clergy and separately to their spouses. The questionnaire

331 Church of Ireland Marriage Council – Report 2008 elicited a very significant response and although not scientific in nature, it provided a useful snapshot of the attitude of clergy and their spouses to marital joys/difficulties as experienced in early twenty-first century Ireland. The responses drew our attention to the substantial strains which modern clerical life places on families. They also suggested that the Church of Ireland has an uneven record of how it responds to these difficulties. Although the survey was anonymous, the responses were given in confidence and therefore it is not possible to go into a great deal of detail about them. Indeed confidentiality (or the lack of it) regarding personal matters in the Church of Ireland was a prominent theme in the responses. However some respondents expressed a lack of confidence in the traditional means of pastoral care of clergy. The response to the question “How do you rate the pastoral care/support offered to you and your spouse by the Church of Ireland?” was of interest. In quite similar responses from clergy and spouses, 40% rated pastoral care as falling within the very good bracket but, significantly, 55% rated pastoral care within the fair and poor category. This response, taken together with the replies to other questions and the many comments volunteered by respondents, suggests that structures to support clerical family life, within the Church of Ireland, are not adequate for modern ministry. Indeed some respondents went so far as to say that they felt that Christian family life and Christian ministerial life had become incompatible. This observation is not solely to do with the tied house system (although that is an important element in it), but with a wide range of unique difficulties experienced by clergy families. The survey response does not call into question the traditional role of the bishop as pastor pastorum but it undoubtedly high-lights a clearly articulated problem where the bishop has both a disciplinary and a pastoral role. It gives rise also to a number of questions about who could best give pastoral/personnel support to clergy families and ( given frequently expressed concerns about confidentiality) how this provision would relate to the current system. The Marriage Council would welcome a candid debate on these issues. The Council is in the process of considering how best it might respond in other practical ways to the data collected through the questionnaire. Provision of Core Activities The work of marriage preparation sessions and marriage guidance continues to be concentrated in the Republic of Ireland where government subsidy makes it feasible. The funding structure in Northern Ireland differs greatly and application would have to be made annually to individual Trusts for very small sums of money.

332 Church of Ireland Marriage Council – Report 2008 For this reason the Council has made application to the Priorities Fund to promote, organize and run a programme called Contemporary Couples. The programme has been designed and will be delivered by a professional marriage counsellor and will be aimed at providing stimulating and up-to-date information and expertise to clergy in the general area of relationships. Marriage Law Marriage Law in the Republic of Ireland changed in 2007 with major administrative shifts from the Church to Local government. A useful guide to new procedures for registering marriage in both civil and religious contexts has been published by the Office of the Registrar General in the Republic of Ireland and has been distributed to all clergy.

333 Church of Ireland Marriage Council – Report 2008

334 Commission on Church Buildings – Report 2008

COMMISSION ON CHURCH BUILDINGS REPORT 2008

COMMISSIONERS

Mr WF Baker (Chairman) Rev NJ Hughes Mr G Bradley Ven SR McBride Rev Canon JR Howard Very Rev JMG Sirr

1. TERMS OF REFERENCE The Commission on Church Buildings was established by statute of the General Synod Chapter I of 1986. Section 3 of the Statute states: (1) The diocesan council of any diocese may request the commissioners to schedule for enquiry in regard to the number of churches used for public worship the whole or any substantial area or areas of such diocese, and the commissioners after consideration shall determine whether to accede to such request, and shall notify the diocesan council and the Representative Body of its determination. (2) Where a diocese or part of it has been scheduled under subsection (1), the bishop, the diocesan council, the parochial authorities, and the Representative Body on the request of the commissioners shall furnish to the commissioners any information which may appear to the commissioners to be necessary to enable them to consider and determine any matter referred to them by this statute for their consideration and determination. (3) The commissioners shall not exercise any of their powers under this statute in any diocese except upon the request of the diocesan council. Section 6 sub-section 3 and 4 states: (3) The commissioners may recommend to the Representative Body, and the Representative Body may make, grants from the fund for the demolition of churches which have been closed, whether before or after the enactment of this statute and whether in accordance with the provisions of this statute or by other lawful means. (4) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (3) above, the commissioners may also recommend to the Representative Body, and the Representative Body may make, grants from the fund: (a) Towards the development of churches which remain open in a benefice following a final determination, provided artefacts used in such development come from a church which was closed subsequent to that final determination;

335 Commission on Church Buildings – Report 2008

(b) Towards making safe ruined or redundant church buildings which are either of historic or visual significance in a local landscape.

2. COMMISSIONERS

Mr J Ashenhurst and Mrs DM Burns have resigned as Commissioners and the Commission wishes to record its deep appreciation of their work and dedication over many years. The Commission noted with regret the death during the year of Very Rev TR Moore who gave long and faithful service as a Commissioner.

3. MEETINGS The Commission held one meeting.

4. GRANTS The following grants were approved:- (a) Ahamlish (Elphin) – grant of €15,000 towards the cost of the demolition of the Church to ground level and the removal of all debris from the site.

(b) Fuerty (Elphin) - grant of €5,000 towards the cost of re-pointing the tower, treating ivy growth, capping the walls and pinning of the outer tower of the Church.

A grant of €3,500 approved in 2006 was not taken up for Castlerickard (Meath) due to the overall cost of the proposed works to the walls of the Church being prohibitive.

5. GENERAL SYNOD ALLOCATION No General Synod allocation was made for the current year.

The amount to credit is €30,369.

6. RECOMMENDATION

In the light of questions raised at last year’s General Synod; the future of the Commission was considered at some length. Its terms of reference and method of operation are set out in Section 1 above. Since its establishment, however, a very different statutory context exists and the stringent provisions of heritage legislation would now have a large impact on any future decisions regarding church buildings. The days of removing roofs and capping walls of redundant churches are gone, making it much more difficult to dispose of such premises and potentially presenting parishes and dioceses with much greater problems in the event of closure. Should the Commission ever be asked to act again, those concerned might reasonably

336 Commission on Church Buildings – Report 2008

expect a more comprehensive service, including advice as to the future of redundant churches rather than a simple recommendation for closure.

The Commission is also aware that heritage funding is sometimes applied for and granted in respect of buildings which have very small or, in some cases, almost no congregations and which could reasonably be regarded as not being essential for public worship or for the witness of the Church. A mechanism for overall Church liaison with heritage and grant-giving bodies would seem to be desirable.

In view of the radically changed circumstances and the fact that the Commission has not been asked to exercise its powers to review the number of churches required for public worship in any diocese since 1988, the Commissioners are of the opinion that its usefulness to the Church must now be called into question. Its terms of reference are now outdated and it seems unlikely that it would be asked to act again in its original capacity. Therefore it is recommended that the Commission be disbanded and a resolution to this effect will be brought to this year’s General Synod. As a body established by Statute Chapter I of 1986, it will be necessary to bring a Bill to the Synod next year to wind it up and the Representative Church Body would be requested to take the necessary action in this regard. It is further recommended that the present grant-making powers of the Commission be carried out by the Representative Church Body, presumably through one of its committees, and that the unexpended allocation of €10,369 held by the Commission following the allocation of the above mentioned grants be transferred back to that body.

It is suggested that the matters referred to above relating to church buildings in general be considered by the Representative Church Body and that any action considered necessary in this regard be initiated.

7. RESOLUTION FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE GENERAL SYNOD

That the Report of the Commission on Church Buildings be received.

That the unexpended allocation held by the Commission be transferred back to the Representative Church Body and that the Representative Church Body be requested to present a Bill to the General Synod of 2009 to disband the Commission.

337 Commission on Church Buildings – Report 2008

338 Church’s Ministry of Healing – Report 2008 THE CHURCH’S MINISTRY OF HEALING IN IRELAND REPORT 2008 Patrons The Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of Ireland Deputy Director Rev Dr Patricia Mollan Training & Resources Advisor for the South Rev Susan Watterson Executive Committee The Rev Baden Stanley (Chairman) Mrs Avril Gillatt (Dublin & Glendalough) Mrs Valerie Swanwick BA (SC Mods) (Vice Chair) (Supplementalist) Rev Alan Parkhill (Armagh) Rev David Brown (Down & Dromore) Rev Canon Dermot Dunne (Cashel, Ossory) Mrs Iris Hunter (Down & Dromore) Rev Maurice Armstrong (Clogher) (Supplementalist) Mr John Irvine (Clogher) Mr Terry McNeilly (Down & Dromore) Rev Nigel Baylor (Connor) Rev Kathy Southerton (Tuam, Killala, Achonry) Rev George Beattie (Connor) Mr Richard Graves (Hon Treasurer) Rev Canon Paul Willougby (Cork) Miss Hilda Bleakley (Hon Secretary) Very Rev John Hay (Derry & Raphoe) Co-opted Rev Gordon Freeman Mrs Mary Good (Derry & Raphoe) Ven W John Scott (Down & Dromore) Mr George Clarke (Dublin & Glendalough) Rev Canon Liz McElhinney Rev Canon John Clarke (Dublin & Glendalough)

A Vision for the Future

Last year saw the Church's Ministry of Healing (CMH) take significant steps forward. Our vision is to encourage, nurture and support the work of the Ministry throughout the Church of Ireland. Using a model of servant leadership, we continue to place ministry as our top priority, with an emphasis on parish ministry, Healing Prayer Union (HPU) and diocesan initiatives. To facilitate this the current structures are being reviewed. Building on our past successes, learning from our failures and discerning the heart of God, we are looking to a bright future where pastoral and healing ministry meets. The Ministry of Healing of the Church of Ireland has a lot to offer and we are looking forward to expanding this ministry throughout Ireland.

Celebration: The 75th Anniversary Celebration was an important milestone in our journey as a Ministry of the Church. Across the Church of Ireland, parishes, HPUs and dioceses availed of the opportunity to give thanks, take stock and celebrate. In Christ Church Cathedral our preacher was Archbishop John Neill, who spoke on the Healing Ministry as humble service. Much of the service had been prepared by the late Very Rev Desmond Harmon who was, as ever, insightful, supportive and encouraging of the 339 Church’s Ministry of Healing – Report 2008 ministry. In St. Anne's Cathedral Belfast, Canon Brother David Jardine was our guest preacher and in St. Eunan’s Cathedral, Raphoe, Archbishop Robin Eames was our guest preacher. Our thanks are extended to all who supported, attended and celebrated with us, in particular our Patrons.

Rev Sue Watterson: October saw the appointment of Rev Sue Watterson as Priest-in- Charge of Killarney Parish. We greatly appreciate all Sue's work, commitment and support during her four years as Director of the Church’s Ministry of Healing. She has been a major part of our journey to a more diocesan-focused ministry and we are delighted that she continues to work with us in her new role as Training and Resources Advisor for the Republic of Ireland. Sue is producing resources and courses to support the local ministry and, after their launch at General Synod, we will be running training days across the Republic. Our move to St Anne’s, Dawson St, Dublin for our weekly Healing Services has seen steady growth and impact. This initiative, which is being run by the diocesan committee, is a further example of Sue’s vision and impact.

Rev Dr Pat Mollan: Pat continues her work with great commitment and energy. During the past year her work load has expanded dramatically. With the move to 33 Dargan Road, Belfast, the Mount Counselling Centre has grown, with 12 counsellors under her direction, providing services at no cost to those availing of them. The provision of Quiet Days, prayer courses, parish team development and preaching opportunities continues to grow significantly. Healing Services in Belfast Cathedral and in Down Cathedral continue to expand.

'Think-in': In July, the Executive Committee held a Think-in at the Church of Ireland Theological College, where under the experienced guidance of Ruth Handy, we were able to go back to our roots, take stock and begin to envisage a new way forward.

Pastoral Council: One of the most significant decisions from that Think-in was the setting up of a Pastoral Council which will oversee the ministry side of the work. Made up of diocesan representatives, ministry experts and Sue and Pat, this group will initially help us to re-evaluate our mission, clarify our vision, and produce a theological statement on healing which will ensure the pastoral ministry across the church is developed as the diocesan teams and committees take on a greater role in pastoral support and growth.

Administrative Committee: Side by side with the Pastoral Council, a smaller Administrative Committee has been formed to move us towards our goal of becoming a company limited by guarantee, under the chairmanship of Rev Gordon Freeman. This team will report back to Executive Committee and prepare the way for the transition to a Company Limited by Guarantee which will (DV) be in place by the end of 2008. At that point the Executive Committee will cede its authority to the newly formed Board.

The way ahead: The road ahead will be busy, exciting, challenging and edifying for the whole church. The growth of the Healing Ministry around the Church is due, in no small part, to the provision within The Book of Common Prayer (2004) of a Service of Celebration of Healing and Wholeness. In addition, there is also a considerable move of the Holy Spirit across the Church of Ireland which demonstrates a clear association

340 Church’s Ministry of Healing – Report 2008 between mission, evangelism, proclamation and healing. CMH exists to support and encourage this work of God. We are available to serve parishes, HPUs and dioceses in all aspects of the work. There are several areas of specialisation where we can provide insight, accountability and resources, not least in the areas of Safeguarding Trust, Training and Resourcing, Counselling Services, Specialised Ministry and much more. We greatly appreciate the support locally and centrally of our Patrons, of the parishes, HPUs and healing circles in the Church. Our greatest need is support in prayer as we continue to discern God's vision and purpose for CMH in an exciting, opportunity-filled time of the Church of Ireland's journey forward.

341 Church’s Ministry of Healing – Report 2008

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT – YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2007 2007 2006 € € Income Dividends and interest 31,767 20,769 Donations 20,256 21,917 Parochial contributions 43,097 43,081 Collections 7,721 6,642 Counselling 1,297 318 Courses and seminars 7,533 4,385 Books, magazines and tapes 3,263 2,783 Fund raising events 1,486 603 Grants 5,882 0 Miscellaneous income 53 859 122,355 101,357 Expenditure Salaries and pension contributions 72,053 82,465 Travelling expenses 16,258 13,386 Regional Training & Resources Advisor 5,000 0 Course fees 865 5,470 Property expenses 11,440 6,852 Office and Chapel expenses 14,134 13,095 Books, magazines and tapes 3,624 2,606 Miscellaneous payments 3,320 2,979 Office equipment 1,482 1,176 128,176 128,029 Loss for year -5,821 -26,672 Legacies received 79,527 46,121 Surplus on sale of 11 The Mount, Belfast 255,193 0 Foreign Currency translation adjustment -23,247 0 Increase in General Fund 305,652 19,449

342 Church’s Ministry of Healing – Report 2008

Balance Sheet 2007 2006

31 December 2007 € € Properties at cost “The Mount”, Belfast 0 15,872 Director’s house 303,153 303,153 Investments – at cost RCB Unit Trusts 394,033 314,506 market value at 31/12/06, €795,617 market value at 31/12/05, €786,642 Church of Ireland Trustees, Belfast 256,007 0 Furniture and Silver As valued for insurance 12,133 0 965,326 633,531

Current Assets Amounts receivable & payments 10,210 4,703 Bank balances 53,653 78,255 63,863 82,958 Less Current Liabilities Amounts payable -4,827 -9,912 Loan from Representative Church Body -10,000 -10,000 49,036 63,046 Total Assets 1,014,362 696,577

Represented by: General Fund

Opening balance 696,577 677,128 Furniture and Silver brought into the Balance Sheet 12,133 0 708,710 677,128 Loss for the year -5,821 -26,672 Legacy received during year 79,527 46,121 Surplus on sale of property 255,193 0 Foreign currency translation adjustment -23,247 0 Increase (decrease) in General Fund 305,652 19,449 General Fund at end of year 1,014,362 696,577

343 Church’s Ministry of Healing – Report 2008

344 Board for Social Responsibility (NI) – Report 2008 BOARD FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (NI)

REPORT 2008

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Board Membership One retirement and two appointments. Review of Organisation A name change has been proposed to that of “Board of Social Action”. The Board explains this as being progressive and proactive, indicating an improvement in effectiveness, clarity of purpose and raising the Board’s profile. Accommodation The Board has now moved to new office accommodation and positive feedback has been received to date from both service users and professionals. The quality and accessibility of the accommodation has been commented on favourably. Central Church support is welcomed. Funding A multiplicity of funders. There is a need to review sources of funding – Parishes/Dioceses and via Service Level Agreements. Adoption Routes The Adoption Society has recently changed its name to that of Adoption Routes and it is felt this is a progressive and beneficial move. Areas of activity for the Adoption Agency are outlined. Fertility Counselling Service (N.I.) (N.I.) has been added to the name of the Fertility Counselling Service and we hope to reap the benefits of this as well as pursue additional funding via Service Level Agreements. Financial Assistance to Families/Individuals in Need Details of expenditure plus benefits; Sources of funding; Christmas Toy Appeal.

345 Board for Social Responsibility (NI) – Report 2008

Services to the Deaf, Hearing Impaired and Disabled Support to the Revd Canon Will Murphy and membership and involvement in the Working Group on Disability.

Child Contact Centre Involvement in the Central Belfast Child Contact Centre. Targeting the Diocese of Clogher for a centre.

Problematic Drug and Alcohol Use Internal sub-committee – new Patron – the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe. Inter Church Addiction Project – purpose, plus, leaflet on the website.

Church of Ireland Board for Social Responsibility (RI) A developing link.

Report to General Synod

The membership of the Board for Social Responsibility (N.I.) is made up of laity and clergy from across the Northern dioceses of the Church of Ireland. Some members represent a constituency organization. Other members are co-opted on grounds of their professional expertise, having a specific skill base, or due to personal experience.

The Board aims to provide “A practical response to the Church’s Ministry to the community by providing a social work service, by raising awareness of social issues and by offering help to clergy and parishes as required in dealing with their community outreach.”

In addition to Board members who all give their time on a voluntary basis, the organisation employs social work and administrative personnel to carry out its role as a provider of a range of social work services. The Board’s Chief Executive and administrative personnel are involved in both the social work and social concern activities of the Board.

Membership of the Board The Revd Canon GF Anderson The Rt Revd AET Harper (Chairman) The Revd Dr JPO Barry Mrs H Livingston Mr David Brown Miss J McGaffin (Vice Chairman) Mrs J Bunting The Revd J Pickering (Resigned Sept 07) Mrs H Campbell The Very Revd P Rooke (Appointed Dec 07) 346 Board for Social Responsibility (NI) – Report 2008 Mr AD Canning Mr R Stinson (Hon Secretary) Dr J Evans The Very Revd RC Thompson The Revd MRK Ferry Capt Colin Taylor Mr G Glenn (Hon Treasurer) Dr J Turner Mr G Graham The Revd M Hagan (Appointed Sept 07)

In 2007, the Revd J Pickering left the Board following his retirement from Drumcree Parish Church. The Diocese of Armagh appointed two new representatives, The Revd Matthew Hagan and the Very Revd Patrick Rooke.

Staff

Mr I Slaine Chief Executive Mrs P Gilbert Senior Social Work Practitioner Mrs G McCluskey Senior Social Work Practitioner Mrs L Graham Senior Social Work Practitioner Mrs M Giff Social Worker Mrs M Walker Administrator Mrs B Lowndes Administrative Assistant

Mrs B Lowndes, Administrative Assistant, left the employment of the Board in October 2007.

Review of the Organisation

The Board has continued to review its structures, operations and functions in 2007 and into early 2008. As part of the desire to move the organisation forward, a motion is attached to this report proposing that its name be changed to Board for Social Action. This is deemed to be a more descriptive name for the progressive and proactive nature of an organisation promoting social issues and action within and outside of the Church of Ireland. The name change is a forerunner to moving the work of the organisation forward through other internal and operational changes. The planned changes will happen over the next year to eighteen months and it is intended, will lead to, amongst other developments: - A more effective operation; - Improved clarity of purpose; - A raised profile within the Church of Ireland; - A raised profile outside the Church of Ireland.

347 Board for Social Responsibility (NI) – Report 2008 The social work service provisions of the Board in two areas, Adoption and Fertility Counselling, changed their operating names in early 2008. This is detailed in the body of this report in the relevant sections. Accommodation In mid-January 2008, the Board moved from Church of Ireland House in Belfast to a new operational base at Ground Floor, 2 Pilot’s View, Heron Road, Belfast. This followed an internal re-organisation of office space in Church Of Ireland House, Belfast. Members of the Board and staff, as well as the service users, see the move as a further positive step in line with the name changes and restructuring and one which will strengthen our work. The new offices, although out of the city centre and away from Church of Ireland House, which we see as a loss for our agency, have excellent facilities. These include spacious office accommodation, training/meeting rooms, dedicated counselling rooms and free parking for service users. The Board greatly appreciates the financial support which central Church sources have given towards the accommodation. This has helped ease some of the initial concerns associated with a significant increase in Board expenses associated with a stand alone office base.

Funding The Board relies on a variety of funders in order to carry out social action/outreach and social work services. Funders include: - Central Church; - Dioceses; - Parishes; - The Department of Health, Social Services & Public Safety; - Belfast Health & Social Care Trust (for Fertility Counselling); - A range of other Trusts including Belfast Trust for adoption service provision. The core grant aid from the Department of Health, Social Services & Public Safety is of great value to the Board with regard to maintaining its core social work services. The Board recognises, due in part to additional outlay involved in an office move, that improved fund raising is required. This includes improving the level of support provided by dioceses and parishes. In addition the Board intends to increase the number of Service Level Agreements it has with Health and Social Services Trusts.

348 Board for Social Responsibility (NI) – Report 2008

SOCIAL WORK SERVICES Adoption Routes In January 2008, the Church of Ireland Adoption Society was re-branded as Adoption Routes. The name brings to the fore the word ‘adoption’. The purpose of the name change is to improve public awareness of the agency and the level of accessibility to our services. The Church of Ireland name, or indeed ethos, is by no means gone. In all our literature and publications we are clear on our link to the Church of Ireland Board for Social Responsibility (N.I.) or, potentially in the future, The Board for Social Action. For many, there is an assumption that adoption is a statutory service provision only. This is not the case. Voluntary agencies involved in adoption provide high quality and professional based services. They complement and, on occasion, act as an alternative to Statutory Social Services. In addition, voluntary adoption agencies often promote new and innovative services. Adoption Routes remains active in the following aspects of adoption: - Recruitment, training and assessment of prospective adopters; - Placement of children for adoption, with the consent of the birth parents, or at the request of Social Services and the courts; - Adoption placement support; - Post adoption services – these include access to birth records for adult adoptees; - Training for approved adopters (in conjunction with two other voluntary adoption agencies operating in Northern Ireland, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association and Family Care Society); - Independent adoption counselling; - Adoption assessments on behalf of Social Services Trusts; - Potential new service developments including Child Appreciation Days; - Independent membership of Statutory Adoption Panels. Fertility Counselling Service (N.I.) With regard to this service the name change is less obvious. We have added NI to the title. This is a means of showing our Northern Ireland wide credentials, plus, emphasising the agency being the lead provider in Fertility Counselling on a regional basis. The Service remains an ongoing challenge to our professionally trained counselling personnel. Counselling staff are dealing with people at a point of great emotional need and distress. The counsellors also deal with many ethical and moral issues in their day-to-day work. In 2007, the Service placed much emphasis on attempting to access additional funding as announced by the Minister of Health, Mr Paul Goggins MP, in September 2006. This ‘chase’ 349 Board for Social Responsibility (NI) – Report 2008 has proved a somewhat frustrating and fruitless task to date. The Service sees a need to improve the level of funding available through a Service Level Agreement. As with any negotiations the two organisations do not always see eye-to-eye on costs. This process remains ongoing.

SOCIAL CONCERNS Financial Assistance to Families/Individuals in Need Although deemed a small part of the Board’s work, this service does directly benefit those who receive the financial assistance. It is a way of showing the care of the Church to people in financial hardship. In the financial year 2007 a total of £4,938.30 was paid out in such disbursements. Of this amount £4,638.30 was paid to families with children. This service is dependent upon funding from BBC Children in Need, the Church of Ireland Orphan and Children’s Society for Counties Antrim and Down, as well as Parish/Diocesan ‘free fund’ contributions. A further practical expression of the Board’s support to families is the Christmas Toy Appeal. The 2007 appeal was the largest ever with one committee room stacked to the roof with high quality, new toys. Services to the Deaf, Hearing Impaired and Disabled The Board provides management support and supervision to the Revd Canon Will Murphy who carries out pastoral duties to the deaf and hearing impaired in the Church of Ireland. This service is funded through investments managed by the Church of Ireland Trustees on behalf of the former Church of Ireland Mission to the Adult Deaf. Canon Murphy provides pastoral support to a number of individuals affected by deafness. In addition Canon Murphy holds a service in the church situated at Wilton House, College Square North, Belfast. The Board has opened negotiations inside the Church and with other denominations on improving the level of provision of pastoral care across Northern Ireland and beyond to people who are deaf or have a hearing impairment. Canon Murphy, along with the Board’s Chief Executive and Vice-Chair, Judith McGaffin, is a member of the Working Group on Disability. This Working Group is attempting to raise awareness on disability issues within the Church, influence and educate the Church on disability issues and encourage improvement in levels of accessibility to church buildings.

350 Board for Social Responsibility (NI) – Report 2008

Child Contact Centres The Board’s Chief Executive is on the Management Committee of the Central Belfast Child Contact Centre. In addition, he provides professional social work support and supervision to the Co-ordinator at the Central Belfast Child Contact Centre. The Board continues to encourage development of Church of Ireland linked Centres and has targeted the Diocese of Clogher in this regard. Problematic Drug and Alcohol Use The Board has taken on this matter via an internal sub-committee and through membership of the Inter-Church Addiction Project (ICAP). The internal committee intends to build on a Strategy and Plan for Christian Action on Problematic Drug and Alcohol Use 2005-2008. This sub-committee of the Board has approached the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe to be the patron of the group and he has agreed to do so. It is anticipated the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe will assist in championing the work of the group and in raising awareness on the issues concerned. ICAP continues to investigate sources of funding for a residential and after-care service for young people affected by problematic drug and alcohol use. For more information on ICAP please look at the Church of Ireland BSR web site. Church of Ireland Board for Social Responsibility (RI) The Southern Board has met with staff and members of this Board. We have shared our expertise, models of practice and how we have developed. The Board for Social Responsibility (N.I.) has met with and shared experiences and good practice with the Board for Social Responsibility (RI). We look forward to developing a continuing relationship in the coming years. The common and effective link is Mr George Glenn who is a member of both Boards. Proposal To General Synod That the Church of Ireland Board for Social Responsibility (N.I.) be renamed “The Board for Social Action (N.I.)”.

351 Board for Social Responsibility (NI) – Report 2008 APPENDIX I

SUMMARY OF STATISTICAL INFORMATION

CHURCH OF IRELAND ADOPTION SOCIETY

2007 2006

Unplanned Pregnancy Referrals 05 Adoption Enquiries: 80 95

Post Adoption Enquiries: 60 70

Adoption Orders Granted: - -

Children in Placement and Provided with Social Work 11 Support

Independent Counselling Referrals 27 11

Fertility Counselling Service: 2007 2006

Referrals Received: 214 201

Financial Assistance to Families and Individuals in Need: 2007 2006 Family Cases: 21 22 Non-Family Cases: 2 5

352 Board for Social Responsibility (NI) – Report 2008 Appendix II Financial Section of BSR (NI) Report to General Synod May 2008 Revenue Statement for the Year Ended 31 March 2007 (being an extract from the latest audited accounts) 2007 2006 £ % £ % INCOME Donations & Subscriptions Dioceses Armagh 1,325 1,690 Clogher 950 2,600 Connor 3,310 4,485 Derry and Raphoe 2,640 2,310 Down and Dromore 4,615 4,220 12,840 15,305

Church of Ireland Priorities Fund 6,000 - ’s Christmas Sit Out 2,000 2,000 (Fertility Counselling Work &

Adoption Work) Other Includes anonymous 7,806 9,832 Celebrate Recovery - 2,420 28,646 13.1% 29,557 12.9%

For Services Provided

Social Work in Fertility Counselling and Adoption Work 80,244 76,129 Church of Ireland Mission to the Deaf 13,065 11,355 93,309 43.2% 87,48438.0%

Investments and Cash Deposit Funds 8,002 3.7% 10,802 4.7%

Grants From Department of Health, Social Services And Public Safety: 70,754 32.8% 83,474 36.3%

353 Board for Social Responsibility (NI) – Report 2008

2007 2006 £ % £ % INCOME continued

Charitable Disbursement BBC Children in Need 11,000 10,725 Protestant Orphan Society 4,000 8,000 (for Counties Antrim & Down) 15,000 7.0% 18,725 8.1%

Total Income £215,711 100% £230,042 100%

INCOME b/f 2007 2006 £ % £ %

215,711 100% 230,042 100%

Expenditure Operating Staff Emoluments 174,907 81.1% 164,065 71.3% Other Expenses 59,359 27.5% 39,034 17.0% Accommodation including services 13,742 6.4% 19,329 8.4% Miscellaneous 162 0.0% 2,117 1.0%

Total 248,170 115.0% 224,545 97.7%

Charitable Disbursements 6,702 3.1% 14,361 6.2% ______Total Expenditure £254,872 118.11% £238,906 103.9%

(DEFICIT) for year £(39,161) 18.1% £(8,864) .5% Copies of the statutory accounts along with supporting schedules are available on request at the Board’s office.

354 Board for Social Responsibility (RI) – Report 2008

BOARD FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (RI)

REPORT 2008

MEMBERSHIP Chairperson: Revd David Catterall Hon Secretary: Mrs Beryl Kinsela

Mrs Ann Craig Miss Vivienne Darling Canon Nancy Gillespie Cllr Leonard Hatrick Mr Walter Pringle Mrs Freda Stewart-Maunder Mrs Mary Thomson Mr George Glenn (BSR–NI)

SUMMARY The members of the Board have a vision for the future that envisages them developing practical social care initiatives on behalf of the Church of Ireland. The Board wish the General Synod to affirm that vision and ensure that they have the resources to develop their work.

REVISION Following the 2007 General Synod, the Board for Social Responsibility (BSR (RI)) moved forward in its efforts to modify its constitution and activities to meet the needs of society and the Church in the coming decades. Our meetings have been fewer in number and more focused. They have included a session with the Archbishop of Armagh and a day spent with members of the BSR (NI). The latter consisted not only of discussion but of observation of their work in action. At the time of composing this Report, we were in the early stages of launching a thorough inquiry into the various schemes and projects of social action which are currently being undertaken in conjunction with the parishes of the Church of Ireland in the Republic.

FINANCIAL The small amount of money that was in the Board’s account has been augmented this year by a payment of €805 from the parishes of the Diocese of Kilmore, which represented donations over a three–year period. We thank them warmly for this. All such contributions should be sent to Cllr Leonard Hatrick, our Honorary Treasurer.

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