Irish Council of Churches

2017 Annual Report ANNUAL REPORT 2017 CONTENTS

Core Reports

President Report 04 ...... Rt Rev John McDowell Honorary Treasurer 06 ...... Jonathan Wilson General Secretary 07 ...... Dr Nicola Brady Programme Officer 14 ...... Dr Damian Jackson IICM 16 ...... Dr Nicola Brady European Affairs 18 ...... Dr Kenneth Milne Women's Link 19 ...... Joyce Bond

Associated Organisations

Churches Together in Britain and Ireland 20 ...... Bob Fyfe Christian Aid 23 ...... Rosamond Bennett

01 ANNUAL REPORT 2017

ICC CONSTITUENT COMMUNIONS 2017

Year Joined ICC

Church of Ireland 1923 Methodist Church in Ireland 1923 Moravian Church, Irish District 1923 Presbyterian Church in Ireland 1923 Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church 1923 Religious Society of Friends 1923 Salvation Army (Ireland Division) 1965 Lutheran Church in Ireland 1972 Greek Orthodox Church in Britain & Ireland 1997 Cherubim & Seraphim Church 2001 Russian Orthodox Church in Ireland 2003 Romanian Orthodox Church 2004 Antiochian Orthodox Church 2005 Redeemed Christian Church of God 2014

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of people in Ireland who have lost out over the past ten years. Tere are perhaps an even greater number for whom the system (particularly the eco- nomic system) doesn't work and never will work because it is not based on a clear moral principle at any point. To a degree govern- ments and other institutions are as much prisoners of this system as any citizen. Do the Churches have a vocation to say together that there are other values and principles on which a society can be based and then to play our part in doing the difcult task of frst thinking about how the foundations of that society can be freshly dug? Is it possible to work towards an Ireland that we dreamed of rather than an Ireland we were landed with? I am not talking about a utopia, or as TS Eliot once said “dreaming of systems so perfect that no one needs to be good”. I am thinking of a society clearly adumbrated by the Hebrew prophets as a living possibility. And grace has its place. PRESIDENT “And there shall be no poor among On St. Patrick’s Day 1943 Eamon you”. (Deuteronomy 14:5) de Valera made what became —Report known as the “comely maidens” You will see from the General speech which has been much WRITER Secretary’s Report just how busy derided since. In it he outlined Rt Rev John McDowell life has been for ICC since our the Ireland that “we dreamed of last AGM. It has been a chal- would be the home of a people lenge and of course a privilege who valued material wealth to have been involved in much only as a basis for right living, of that activity on behalf of the of a people who were satisfed ICC. with frugal comfort and devoted In last year’s report I spoke their lives to the things of the about trying to discern the role spirit – a land whose country- of churches working together side would be bright with cosy in a pluralist society; to ask the homesteads and whose felds and question “Where is our vocation villages would be joyous within to work together in modern the sounds of industry, with the Ireland, North and South?”. romping of sturdy children, the contests of athletic youth and In some instances this is very the laughter of comely maidens, clear. Tere are a large number

Page 04 o the Churches have a vocation to say together that there are other values and principles on which a society can be based, and then to play our part in Ddoing the difcult task of frst thinking about how the foundations of that society can be freshly dug?

whose fresides would be forums for subtle and not so subtle. In those cians in particular to race on ahead the wisdom of serene old age.” circumstances we have a continuing of where we want to be. A divided vocation as Churches to say clearly society is a political problem but not However in 1998, at a conference that Christ is not divided, and at the necessarily a problem for politicians. looking at the possibility of a society very least to continue to work hard at It is your problem and my problem. based on diferent values from those a religious pluralism which is based which were currently fuelling the For that reason it may be that local not only on mutual respect but on Celtic Tiger, Professor Joe Lee noted inter-church activity can come into mutual love. that (the archaisms in language and its own again by working as one the overly rural emphasis apart) what Late last year Professor Marianne element in local communities as we Dev dreamed of was a well populated Elliott publish a book Hearthlands begin again to open up the hard con- country, with full employment, good about the history of the White City versations which have been avoided housing, healthy children, an interest Estate on the outskirts of North for so long. And that local involve- in playing sport, respect for the Belfast where she grew up in the ment would begin with humility and elderly, inter-generational solidarity; 1950s. Te White City and the continue with the constant repent- where giving was as important as Housing Trust which administered ance which is the mark of a mature taking and where rights were bal- it was an early and serious attempt at Christian life. anced with responsibilities. integrated housing, the brainchild of an independently minded Union- In my view the frst place to begin ist Minister for Local Government with that re-thinking is in the area of (Billy Grant). However the real homelessness. Not just the homeless- actors in the drama were the people ness of rough sleepers which is only who lived there and who knew they the blood on the wound. But the had their part to play in making an many thousands who have nowhere integrated society work at the local that they can guarantee to lay their level. heads down for the night; they or their children. To do that we will Te experiment was swept away need to face up to the possibility that by the deluge which we call the homelessness is not caused simply Troubles. But the waters have now by a broken housing market or by receded and we have our continu- troublesome people but by a broken ing part to play in ensuring that our economic system in which home steeples are not now seen as dreary ownership plays such a large part. landmarks but as signs of hope and not of division. We cannot go on In Northern Ireland sectarianism blaming other people for our lack of remains endemic in many forms – cohesion or at least expecting politi-

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Henderson to conduct a review of our pension provision for staf in 2017, and provide ongoing support in the form of a core governance report and re-certifcation annually so that trustees can be confdent we are meeting our legal requirements while achieving value for money. ICC staf have undergone data protection training in preparation for the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation in May 2018, and an audit of paper and elec- tronic records is underway. Te JMC regularly reviews detailed reports on income and expenditure as part of its oversight function. Where appropri- ate, risks are covered by insurance and insurance coverage was renewed with the current broker in 2017. HONORARY Te operation of the fnancial overview depicts a robust control Te level of reserves remains in TREASURER environment with regard to fnancial compliance with the reserves policy —Report Year 2016 control. In response to requests detailed in our Internal Financial from member churches we have Procedures document and is subject adjusted our timeline for prepara- to annual review to ensure sufcient tion of the annual budget in order reserves are available for future WRITER plans. Investments are also reviewed Jonathan Wilson to give an earlier indication of the annual subscription amounts for annually by the JMC, ensuring Te accounts for 2017 show that the coming year. Due to underlying that we achieve the best available both income and expenditure have savings achieved in 2017, and in spite rate while adhering to the criteria been delivered in line with budget. of unavoidable rising costs in some stipulated in the Internal Financial Te presentation of the accounts areas, we have been able to hold the Procedures, namely appropri- continues to follow the same format member subscriptions for 2018 at the ate risk management with regard as last year when changes were intro- 2017 level. to ethical investment principles. duced to comply with the require- Careful management has resulted in For the past three years money has ments of the Charity Commission increased investment returns in 2017 been set aside in the annual budget for Northern Ireland. As agreed, and a similar return is foreseen for for an upgrade to the ICC website the current format of the accounts 2018 given the prevailing economic which would make it compat- includes the full activities of both the environment. ible with smartphones and tablets, Irish Council of Churches and the and support the core aims of the At the end of 2017 Karen Kelly lef Irish Inter-Church Meeting, repre- organisation to support and facilitate her role as ICC Finance Assistant sented as unrestricted and restricted inter-church engagement at regional afer many years’ dedicated service funds as appropriate. Te accounts and local levels. I am delighted to to the Council. I would like to pay for 2016 were submitted to the report that this work was completed personal tribute to the quality of Charity Commission for Northern within budget in 2017 and would Karen’s work during her time with Ireland. We are awaiting feedback like to thank Alison Meagher for ICC and wish her every success for from the Charities Regulator (RoI) her work in bringing this project to the future. I would like to welcome in relation to our registration and the completion. Claire Monaghan, who has taken documents and reports submitted over this crucial role at a very busy last year. As part of our ongoing work on Risk time. I wish her every success and Management, the Joint Management look forward to working with her in Committee (JMC) engaged Kerr the coming year.

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GENERAL the invitations to attend the annual leader was Fr Gerard O’Hanlon, an conferences and assemblies of mem- Irish Jesuit who completed his doc- SECRETARY ber churches, as well as other special toral studies in theology at Queen’s —Report events. Tese gatherings provide an University Belfast under the direc- important opportunity to deepen torship of John Tompson of Union understanding of our diferent Teological College, while residing traditions and build relationships, as at the Presbyterian Chaplaincy from WRITER well as helping to identify common 1983-5. He was on the theology staf Dr Nicola Brady priorities and set the agenda for the of the Milltown Institute in Dublin coming year. for many years and has published extensively on issues around the role A wide range of events was organised It was a very busy year for the of Christianity in the Public Square. to mark the Reformation quin- national ecumenical instruments in As a former participant in the Bal- centary year, including symposia, 2017. Te ICC staf team has been lymascanlon Inter-Church talks, he seminars, lectures, exhibitions and greatly encouraged by the level has a strong sense of the mission and services. Ecumenical engagement of engagement from our member objectives of the ICC. churches. As we marked the 500th featured prominently in the planning anniversary of the Reformation we of these events which provided Te May Executive meeting was were reminded of the great progress opportunities for thought-provoking hosted by the Lutheran Church in that has been made in inter-church discussion and sharing. Dublin and included a dialogue relations and the important con- session with a visiting Lutheran del- tribution Christian churches can ICC Executive Meetings egation from Germany led by Pastor make when speaking together on Te ICC Executive met four times Karin Held, Provost of Starkenberg. those issues that are of concern to during 2017. We began with the Tere was a very interesting ex- the wider society, particularly in the annual overnight retreat in the change about the current context for defence of the most vulnerable and Drumalis conference centre, from ecumenical dialogue in both Ireland marginalised. 9th-10th February. Te purpose of and Germany, the signifcance of the the retreat is to spend time together Reformation quincentenary in both Church Conferences, Assemblies in prayer, away from the pressures countries and reactions to Brexit. and Events of our regular responsibilities, and Te September meeting was hosted As ever, in 2017, ICC staf and refect on the vision, values and fu- by the Jethro Centre in Lurgan and trustees were very appreciative of ture direction of the ICC. Te retreat included a discussion with repre-

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01 sentatives of local churches and inter-church groups about challenges and opportunities for inter-church work in a community that continues to experience division and segrega- tion. Te discussion highlighted the remaining obstacles to peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, particularly in those communities that experienced the worst of the vio- lence during the confict. Churches have an important role to play in creating the spaces where people can come together and begin to imagine and plan for a shared future. Te November meeting was hosted by the Salvation Army in Lefroy

02 House in Dublin. In this facility the Salvation Army provides emergency accommodation for children. Te Executive used this opportunity to learn more about homelessness and housing issues in Dublin with input from a range of faith-based charities providing diferent types of support to homeless individuals and families. It was particularly distressing to hear that these charities are not only facing increasing levels of need, but they are also seeing more people with serious mental health issues, including people who are feeling suicidal. It was encouraging to hear how the diferent organisations are working together across the faith sec-

03 tor, as well as the wider community and voluntary sector, to ensure the most efcient use of resources and maximise the opportunities to assist the vulnerable. Housing and home- lessness was also a major item on the agenda of the Irish Inter-Church Meeting later that month and will remain a priority area of focus for ICC and IICC during 2018.

94th Annual Meeting of the ICC Te 2017 AGM was held in the Methodist Church’s Belfast Central Mission on Tursday 30th March. In a keynote address titled ‘Do the Churches have a place in a Post–

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Catholic Ireland?’, Dr Gladys Ganiel, a risk of our social action becoming member churches, together with the Research Fellow at the Senator separated from the worship life of common core of Christian faith. Our George J Mitchell Institute for Global the congregation. member churches fully recognise Peace, Security and Justice, outlined that they have been part of the prob- the challenges and opportuni- Inter-Church Committee lem in the past and still have issues ties in secularisation to over 100 Te Inter-Church Committee met to address in making their contribu- delegates from Protestant, Orthodox, three times during 2017. In addition, tion to reconciliation in society. Te Reformed, Catholic, Independent a number of working groups were meeting with the FICT Commission and Migrant–led churches in Ireland. convened under the auspices of the is refective of that commitment to Dr Ganiel noted that the ICC could IICC to facilitate sharing on a wide continue working through these be seen as belonging to what she de- range of issues, including: commu- issues together and with the wider fned as ‘extra–institutional religion’, nications, family, the legacy of the society. IICC was invited to make a whereby ‘new religious spaces … are Northern Ireland confict, care of written submission to the Commis- being created (or discovered) within creation and climate justice, educa- sion, outlining in more detail the Ireland’s post–Catholic environment. tion and university chaplaincy. experience of the churches with case Tese are spaces where people use studies from specifc local contexts. various methods and strategies to Te expanded meeting of the Com- Tis submission was approved at the keep their faith alive, outside or in mittee in May was hosted by the Committee’s September meeting and addition to the institutional Catholic Catholic Bishops’ Conference in the forwarded to the FICT Commission. Church, or indeed, other ‘institu- Columba Centre, Maynooth, and Te Committee issued a statement tional’ churches’. Recognising that provided an opportunity to learn in support of Community Relations the ICC, as an organisation, has the about diferent aspects of the work of and Cultural Awareness Week, or- potential to greatly engage with and the Catholic Communications Ofce ganised by the Community Relations contribute to public life, she stated (CCO). Ms Brenda Drumm spoke Council NI. Tis year’s theme was that ‘from a sociological perspective, about how the CCO promotes the ‘Safe space, shared place’ and the sometimes the margins are the best Week of Prayer for Christian Unity IICC statement noted that, for too place to be. While you may lack con- and Mr Martin Long, CCO Direc- many people in Northern Ireland, ventional power or infuence, there tor, spoke about the role of his ofce the local community is still not a safe is an important sof power in your in the public debate on the future space, highlighting the contribution ability to critique and ofer alterna- of the 8th amendment to the Irish that churches can make to overcom- tive visions, and to move quickly to Constitution. ing the threats to peace and security respond to pressing needs.’ Te IICC was engaged in a number in our society. In a subsequent presentation to the of advocacy and awareness-raising Te IICC is keen to explore how it meeting, the ICC President noted initiatives during the course of might support inter-church work that participants had been challenged 2017. Building on the work done by at local level. Te ICC President in a critical but friendly way by Dr Dr Damian Jackson, Programme and I attended the December 2017 Ganiel’s presentation to think about Ofcer, in bringing together church conference of the Connect net- ‘the God Space’ that organisations representatives working on issues work of local inter-church groups, like the ICC might begin to explore. relating to migration and asylum, the supported by the Irish School of We must think of ways of encourag- IICC Co-Chairs wrote to Minister Ecumenics. Bishop John was invited ing our member churches to refect for Justice Charles Flanaghan in sup- by the conference organiser, Ms on what our role and contribution port of the right to work of people Eileen Gallagher, to give an address should be in an increasingly pluralist seeking asylum. outlining priority areas of work for society, and – as ICC – whether there An IICC delegation met with the the national ecumenical instruments. is a specifc ecumenical dimension to Commission on Flags, Identity, It was a valuable opportunity to that question. Culture and Tradition (FICT) on 5 explore how the diferent levels of We also took the opportunity to July in Castle Buildings, Stormont. work - national and local - can sup- learn more about the history and Te delegation took the opportunity port and compliment each other. present work of Belfast Central Mis- to explain how the inter-church sion, leading to a discussion about structures are seeking to model plu- mission and social outreach in our ralism by simultaneously recognising churches today and whether there is the unique identity of each of the

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Church Leaders Group November) and meeting of Modera- engagement and how this operates in Te ICC President and General tors and General Secretaries on 26th Wales. Tere were strong similarities Secretary attend the meetings of the September. in terms of the items on the agenda: Church Leaders group. Tis year, the supporting refugees, Brexit, and In August, Vice-President Rev Brian June meeting was hosted by ICC at chaplaincy, for example. We were Anderson represented ICC on a the Inter-Church Centre. Following invited to attend a meeting of Cytûn’s CTBI delegation to visit the Church that meeting, Church Leaders de- European Afairs Committee with in China. Tis was an important cided to issue a statement appealing the First Minister of Wales, Carwyn and moving experience. Rev Brian to political leaders “to go the extra Jones, to discuss the Welsh Execu- was encouraged and inspired by the mile” in the negotiations to restore tive’s approach to the Brexit negotia- missional attitude of the Church the political institutions. Bishop John tions. Te programme also included in China. In December, the Vice- gave follow-up interviews to media. a visit to an NGO which provides President, the Programme Ofcer He also led the media engagement English language training to refugees and Executive Member Ms Gillian for a Church Leaders’ statement on with professional qualifcations to Kingston, were delighted to be UN Universal Children’s Day, 20 enable them to access employment in able to welcome a visiting delega- November, in support of a cross- their areas of expertise in the UK. tion from the Christian Council of community initiative calling for Shanghai to Dublin, continuing that Alison Meagher was a delegate at a an end to paramilitary attacks in engagement. conference for church and ecumeni- Northern Ireland, with a particular cal communicators hosted by CEC focus on the impact of such attacks at the Maison du Protestantisme in on children and young people. Conference of European Churches Paris. Te theme of this conference Te European General Secretaries’ was titled 'Turn it up! Amplifying Churches Together in Britain the Christian voice in a secular and Ireland meeting this year was hosted by the national ecumenical instrument of Europe' and it explored the journal- Te Churches Together in Britain Wales, Cytûn (which translates as istic, theological, and sociological and Ireland (CTBI) network is an ‘together’). Te timing coincided aspects of Christian communica- important forum for discussing with their AGM which we were tion in an increasingly secular and issues that are of shared concern invited to attend. Tis provided multicultural Europe. Participants across the four nations. Tis year valuable insights into the Churches had the opportunity to network with we had two meetings of the General Together model for ecumenical colleagues from across the churches Secretaries group (in February and

Page 10 ANNUAL REPORT 2017 and ecumenical instruments in our member churches have been which drew together many of Europe, to engage with a range of concerned by the potential damage the key themes, emphasising the speakers from church, academic and to relationships arising from Brexit. responsibility of Christians in the media backgrounds, and to visit the We have been seeking to explore context of the European project: “To ofces of La Vie, the main Catholic how the churches could help keep a speak of a Christian contribution to newspaper in France. focus on the common good and the the future of the continent means, protection of the most vulnerable in before all else, to consider our task, During a visit to Rome in October, this debate. as Christians today, in these lands the ICC President and I made a which have been so richly shaped by visit to the ofces of the Federation I took part in two plenary sessions of the faith down the centuries. What of Evangelical Churches in Italy to the All-island Dialogue on Brexit, or- is our responsibility at a time when meet with the President and General ganised by the Irish Government, on the face of Europe is increasingly dis- Secretary and learn more about their 17 February and 28 September. Tese tinguished by a plurality of cultures work, particularly the important events begin with a presentation of and religions, while for many people work they have undertaken with the Irish Government’s priorities Christianity is regarded as a thing of refugees through the humanitar- in the negotiation, before hearing the past, both alien and irrelevant?” ian corridors initiative. We also from other political parties from discussed how they were preparing both jurisdictions on the island, as A delegation from the Irish Council to mark the Reformation quincen- well as other stakeholders including of Churches made a study visit to tenary. the business community, academic the EU institutions from 28-30 institutions and the community and November 2017. Te visit included Christian Aid voluntary sector. meetings with ofcials from the Eu- ropean Commission, Members of the I currently represent ICC on the Te ICC President and I attended European Parliament, the Northern Board of Christian Aid. We began the “(Re)thinking Europe” confer- Ireland Executive Ofce, representa- the year with a residential meet- ence organised by COMECE (the tives of the Task Force on Article 50 ing at Corrymeela from 6th-7th Commission of Catholic Bishops’ negotiations with the UK, and the February for the Board and senior Conferences from EU member Irish Permanent Representation. Te leadership team. A major focus states) which took place in the visit was organised and facilitated was Christian Aid’s new strategic Vatican from 27-29 October 2017. by the EU Commission ofce in priority, From Violence to Peace, a It was organised in collaboration Belfast. Speaking at the conclusion of global programme to address the with the Vatican Secretariat of State the visit the ICC President said: “We root causes of violence and con- because, in the words of Cardinal were acutely conscious that our visit fict, encouraging exchange across Pietro Parolin: “Te outcome of the was taking place during a critical continents about learning on confict British referendum last year, and the phase in the Article 50 negotiation resolution, peace and reconciliation. tendency to fragmentation sweep- process. We were encouraged by the Christian Aid sought to harness the ing the continent, have led the Holy level of interest in, and awareness of, experience of the Irish Churches Father to consider the urgent need the particular needs and circum- in this feld through a churches to promote a more wide-ranging stances of Northern Ireland. Tose consultation event in October, with and focused refection on Europe as involved in the negotiations from a particular focus on the theological a whole and on its future direction, the diferent EU institutions have foundations for the work. We are even beyond the confnes of the clearly devoted considerable time currently exploring how ICC might European Union”. Te group of over to the study of these questions, and assist Christian Aid in maintaining a three hundred delegates, from across that concern was greatly appreciated regular dialogue with the churches as the EU, included clergy, politicians, by our delegation. What we heard this project develops. diplomatics, academics, directors underlined the considerable invest- of faith-based social services and ment made by the EU in the Peace Brexit ecumenical guests. Tere was a Process. Not only has there been similar profle of speakers, provid- Brexit has been a major item on the a signifcant fnancial investment ing input from across the member agenda of the national ecumenical through the creation of a unique states and diferent areas of experi- instruments. As all-island institu- peace funding model for Northern ence. Te conference concluded tions with a strong commitment to Ireland, but great attention has been with an address from Pope Francis working for peace and reconciliation, devoted to creating the context in

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which new relationships can develop, In December I took part in a study Health initiatives throughout 2017, bringing communities together. We visit organised by the Maximilian as well as helping to promote the cannot allow these achievements Kolbe Foundation to the Linden- Flourish! suicide prevention initia- to be undermined by the current strasse memorial site, Potsdam. Tis tive. Mental health and suicide are political challenges, notwithstanding site was used a prison by the Nazi priority concerns across our member the complexity of the issues currently regime, then the Soviet forces, before churches, recognising the need being negotiated. Our local church becoming a detention centre for the to build on the churches’ pastoral communities have experienced Stasi from 1952-1989. In this place experience to help identify the frst hand the efort that has been that had seen so much terror and gaps in service provision that leave required build new relationships of torture, shaped by ideologies that people vulnerable to mental health trust in a post-confict society. Con- appear so vastly diferent from each problems, as well as ensuring that siderable care must be taken to avoid other, we were challenged to think those in pastoral leadership have the language that threatens to weaken about the factors that leave socie- training they need to help them deal social cohesion and exacerbate ties vulnerable to totalitarianism with the range of situations they may divisions. Regardless of our political and threats to democracy past and encounter. allegiances and national identity, present. we can all agree that the protection Staffing of peace and stability in Northern Other Social and Community In December we said farewell to Ireland is in the best interests of Issues Karen Kelly and Alison Meagher the UK, Ireland and the rest of the Te ICC continues to participate in afer many years’ dedicated service to European Union.” the Community Faiths’ Forum. Tis ICC. Both are moving on to exciting is a space for dialogue facilitated new phases in their careers having International Peace and by the Northern Ireland Council made an outstanding contribution Reconciliation Work for Voluntary Action and funded to the work of the national ecumeni- I took part in an International Work- by the Department for Communi- cal instruments in Ireland. Tis was shop on the theme of ‘Dealing with ties NI. Forum meetings cover a acknowledged by the Co-Chairs of a past burdened by violence’, hosted wide range of social issues and give the Irish Inter-Church Meeting who by the Catholic Bishops’ Confer- faith-based charities an opportunity took the opportunity of the IICM to ence of Colombia from 18th-25th to shape government policy in areas pay tribute to their work and express March. Tere have been a signifcant that directly impact their work. In our appreciation. Tey will be greatly number of exchanges between addition, through the Forum our missed. We are delighted to welcome Colombia and Northern Ireland as member churches are able to access Claire Monaghan to the ICC team the Colombian peace process has training in a range of areas includ- as Finance and Admin Assistant. gathered momentum. Participants ing data protection, fundraising and Claire brings to the role a wealth in this workshop - from over 25 governance. of experience in the community diferent countries - gained a unique and voluntary sector, and will be a I am one of the faith sector repre- insight into the work of the Catholic wonderful addition to the ICC staf. sentatives on the Department of Church in Colombia in support of A new Communications and Admin Justice Human Trafcking Engage- the peace process, in solidarity with Assistant is soon to be recruited. ment Group. Tis network brings to- victims, in outreach to prisoners and gether senior Department of Justice As a staf team we have felt very ex-combatants, and in the care of ofcials, PSNI and community and supported by our Committee those who have been displaced by voluntary sector representatives. Te members and would like to thank the confict. PSNI continue to discover new cases all those who have shared their time Alison Meagher took part in the of human trafcking for both forced and expertise with us over the past annual Auschwitz workshop of the labour and sexual slavery across year. Particular thanks are due to the Maximilian Kolbe Foundation in Au- Northern Ireland. Churches can ICC President and the members of gust. Tis initiative brings together play an important role in awareness- the Joint Management Committee people of diferent European nation- raising and signposting of supports who help us keep things running alities to explore the learning from for potential victims. smoothly and are always available to the Holocaust and the implications give advice and guidance. Karen Kelly has been representing for the challenges currently facing ICC at several important Mental European society.

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08 CAPTIONS 01 ICC Executive Committee members at Annual Retreat in Drumalis. 02 Irish Inter-Church Committee meeting in the Columba Centre, Maynooth in May. 03 Delegates at the ICC AGM in Belfast City Mission in March last year. 04 Most Rev Dr Anthony Farquhar and Rev Trevor Gribben at the IICC in May. 05 Mrs Joyce Bond and Lady Evangelist Shade Abinmbola and the ICC AGM last year. 06 Professor Gladys Ganiel giving the keynote address at the last ICC AGM 07 The Church Leaders Group: Rt Rev John McDowell, Most Rev 09 Dr Richard Clarke, Most Rev Dr Eamon Martin, Rt Rev Dr Noble McNeely and Rev Dr Laurence Graham. 08 Dr Nicola Brady and Rt Rev John McDowell meeting Pope Francis. 09 Rev Brian Anderson, Mrs Gillian Kingston and Dr Damian Jackson with a delegation from the Shanghai Christian Council and the East China Theological Seminary 10 Rt Rev John McDowell, Dr Damian Jackson, Dr Alison Meagher, Mrs Karen Kelly, Dr Nicola Brady and Bishop Brendan Leahy at the 2017 IICM.

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PROGRAMME Tey then collaboratively agreed We have discussed possible ways principles to underlie future col- that ecumenical engagement could OFFICER laborative church engagement which be mutually benefcial and whether —Report I developed into proposed joint membership would be appropriate afrmations on climate change and for them. Other models of ongoing WRITER care of creation. involvement are being considered which might be more appropriate Dr Damian Jackson In local inter-church activity, I for smaller churches and church learned much from visiting Wa- networks. I also attended the annual terford and learning about several meetings of the Religious Society of It has been a privilege to work with initiatives begun by churches but Friends, Church of Ireland, Presby- the churches this past year as ICC also involving non-faith organisa- terian Church in Ireland, Cherubim Programme Ofcer. My work broad- tions, for example the Waterford and Seraphim and the Redeemed ly falls under three areas: building City of Sanctuary project. Despite Christian Church of God. capacity for inter-church initia- their (inter) church origins these tives and facilitating development initiatives were not recognised as My membership of the Dublin City of sustainable local inter-church ecumenical but nevertheless are a Interfaith Forum provides the oppor- connection, broadening connections testament to the fruitful relations tunity to inform them of the work of with churches within and outside the between churches in Waterford. ICC where there is mutual interest, formal inter-church structures, and which is particularly the case in the I have applied this learning in Mona- facilitating churches’ work on issues work we are doing on chaplaincy. ghan where I have been coordinating of migrant integration. Te other faith communities are very an inter-church clergy group. Tis supportive of ICC eforts to retain In the frst area a particular highlight group has been discussing models and protect the faith-centred nature has been organising a workshop for sustainably developing inter- of chaplaincy. DCIF is also under- of representatives from member church relations and serving the taking two projects that may be of churches to develop a common local community. A clergy prayer interest to ICC: a project funded by foundation for churches’ engage- group has begun in Carrickmacross the Irish Human Rights and equality ment on climate change and care and an information and social Commission to map faith communi- of creation. Afer presentations on evening around the theme of clergy ties in Dublin city, and another to theological approaches to the issue, support and supervision is planned. increase awareness and promote the and on the efects of climate change In the second area I have been use of the iReport.ie racist incident on vulnerable populations, partici- speaking to a range of churches reporting system. pants discussed possible responses newer to Ireland, primarily from for churches, local and institutional. Orthodox and Pentecostal traditions.

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In migration work, the international community refugee sponsorship It has been a privilege to be involved connections and learning I gained scheme amongst other concerns. with this work, which is demonstrat- on the CTBI trip to Lampedusa and ing that through mutual collabora- Tis scheme was announced in Palermo in Italy has been invaluable tion, and in engagement with other September by the Irish government. in developing the inter-church en- civil society actors, the churches can I have since been collaborating with gagement on migration issues here. and are making an impact for the other civil society organisations Te Mediterranean Hope project of most vulnerable in our society and including the Irish Refugee Council, the Italian Federation of Evangeli- for their own enrichment. I would the Red Cross, the Immigrant Coun- cal (Protestant) Churches and the be delighted to hear from member cil of Ireland, Amnesty International Sant’ Egidio community provides churches and congregations who and the Irish Refugees and Migrants alternative pathways to protection would like to hear more about this Coalition. Together we have been for vulnerable refugees from Syria work and explore ways of working researching other countries’ schemes and sub-Saharan Africa. So far Ital- together efectively in their area. and developing a model appropriate ian churches have joined together to for Ireland. Encouragingly, the De- provide protection for 1000 refugees, partment of Justice are open to utilis- 500 further have similarly been ing the sector’s expertise in this area, provided for in France, and recently so we are hopeful that the system Belgian churches have committed to introduced will be well-designed. sponsoring 150 more. Finally, the Supreme Court in May I have fed learning from this engage- ruled that the administrative ban ment back to member churches on asylum seekers working was through articles in denominations’ unconstitutional. We have been magazines and through the church advocating by correspondence that CAPTIONS migration representatives’ group the Department of Justice respond 01 Anniversary Celebrations at the that I have been coordinating. Tis by introducing a non-restrictive em- Cherubim and Seraphim Church meeting enables connection and in- 13th July. ployment scheme once the process of formation sharing between member opting into the European reception churches on migration developments conditions directive is complete, so in Ireland and on the churches’ work that asylum seekers’ dignity would with each other. It has provided be respected as the Supreme Court the capacity for the churches to judge demanded in his ruling. communicate their perspective in discussions with other NGOs and the government on the announced

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IICM Families are the heart of the life and children in a way that is long term, mission of the Church. Te World sustainable and improves the life —Report Meeting of Families, which will be chances of the next generation. hosted by the Catholic Church in Representatives of organisations Ireland in 2018, provides a signif- working to support vulnerable Preface cant opportunity for us, as Christian individuals and families, from both The 28th Irish Inter–Church churches in Ireland, to refect togeth- faith–based organisations and the Meeting (IICM) took place from er about how best to respond to the wider community and voluntary the 23rd–24th November at many and varied needs of families sector, highlighted some of the most Dromantine Conference and across the island of Ireland today. urgent challenges for families in both Retreat Centre, Newry. The IICM Tis year’s Irish Inter–Church Meet- jurisdictions in Ireland today. Del- is the formal meeting between the ing combined many diferent layers egates heard about the importance Irish Episcopal Conference and of refection, drawing inspiration of emotional wellbeing and a secure the Irish Council of Churches. It from diferent academic disciplines family home. Practitioners identifed gathers senior church leaders and and diferent areas of work. It was a areas where churches could build lay representatives from across 15 dialogue, not just between churches, on successful initiatives to provide denominations in Ireland, bringing but between churches and the wider further support through pastoral together the broad spectrum society. We are deeply indebted to care, service provision and advocacy of Roman Catholic, Reformed, all who gave the time to share their to Government. Migrant–led, Independent and expertise and experience. Orthodox traditions. The theme Tere was a strong focus throughout In our pastoral care of the family we chosen for the 2017 meeting was the meeting on our communications, are also caring for society. Tis was Proclaiming Christ to Families both internal and external. We were underlined in the keynote address by Today. encouraged by successive speakers Gordon Harold, Professor of Child to think about the ways in which WRITER and Adolescent Mental Health, who families experiencing difculties are Dr Nicola Brady presented evidence from diferent prevented from getting the help they international contexts showing how need because of stigma and shame. the inter–parental relationship afects As Christians who believe in a God youth mental health. Professor of compassion, we are well placed Harold went on to outline how these to provide a safe space for those fndings can be translated into efec- who are struggling. We should not tive public policy aimed at improving underestimate the value of simple outcomes for vulnerable parents and

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he family is the hope for the world and the wellbeing of families is critical for the future of Church and society. Tgestures of compassion, kindness strong church communities. Exam- can also be a signifcant obstacle and acceptance. ining this theme with input from to families spending quality time theologians of diferent denomina- together, listening to each other and At the same time, it is important to tions it is clear that there is much developing strong relationships. remember that for some people the more that unites us than divides us. family is not a safe place. We heard Delegates came away from this Delegates refected on the fndings from those working on the front- meeting feeling both challenged from a research report from Care line about the impact of physical, and inspired. Te family is the hope in the Family, Faith in our Families, emotional and sexual abuse in the for the world and the wellbeing of which highlighted challenges and family and its devastating conse- families is critical for the future of opportunities for faith formation in quences. Churches can contribute to Church and society. Churches and the families. reducing this harm by communicat- faith–based organisations are having ing a strong message that the family In the family we learn the values a positive impact on the lives of needs to respect the human dignity that shape and inform our approach families, but much more needs to be of every individual member, and to living in society. It is where we done to reduce the factors that leave protect them from harm. People at develop our sense of solidarity families marginalised and at risk risk need to know that the church and interconnectedness with the of harm. Tis requires us to work community is there to support them. wellbeing of others. Where families efectively together as churches, and are under pressure, parents struggle in partnership with other sectors For our churches, as for society, the to fnd the time to invest in their of society, to ensure that a positive family is much more than a recipient children’s education and faith forma- vision for the family shapes and of pastoral care and social outreach. tion. New technology and social informs public policy. Families are the building blocks of media, while bringing many benefts,

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EUROPEAN situations. Te British and Irish gov- the Commission Cooordinator for ernments and the other EU member the Rights of the Child, the Irish AFFAIRS states have acknowledged that Permanent Representation, the COMMITTEE Brexit has huge implications for both Northern Ireland Task Force, the political jurisdictions on the island Northern Ireland Executive Ofce in —Report of Ireland, not only economically, Brussels, and the Intergroup on Free- but also in light of the provisions of dom of Religion and Belief. We are WRITER the Belfast Agreement relating to particularly grateful to the Head of Dr Kenneth Milne citizenship. Unit of the Task Force on Article 50 Negotiations and her colleagues for When the European Afairs Com- Te committee was advised by MEPs meeting us when their work was at a mittee was established in 2013 there that a visit to Brussels would be the critical point, not least where matters was no anticipation of Brexit, and most efective way in which to gain relating to Ireland were concerned. the committee’s terms of reference a better understanding of the Euro- were drawn up on the assumption pean Union and its procedures and In fulflment of our terms of refer- that both the United Kingdom and we are grateful to Ms Colette Fitzger- ence we maintain liaison with the the Republic of Ireland would retain ald and her team in the Belfast Ofce Roman Catholic Church and the their membership of the European of the Commission for arranging an agencies of the European Union in Union. While the Churches of ICC ‘Information visit’ that took place on Dublin and Belfast. We continue to will continue to minister both inside November 28-30. Our programme beneft from the publications and and outside the EU, Brexit means included a visit to the European proceedings of the Institute of In- that from March 2019 a majority of Parliament, hosted by Vice President ternational and European Afairs in their congregations will no longer Mairead McGuinness, as well as Dublin. Both the Queen’s University reside in a member state, though meetings with representatives of the of Belfast and Dublin City University a minority will continue to do so. Directorate-General for Research have established Institutes for the Tis being so, the Committee will and Innovation, the Directorate for study of issues relating to Brexit and continue to follow its original remit Communication, the Policy Advisor we are making contact with both while at the same time identifying its of the Parliament’s Delegation for Institutes. role in the pre-Brexit and post-Brexit relations with the Arab Peninsula ,

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WOMEN'S LINK Ireland have one member). Teir Jesus' as her theme. In November Millennium Development Goals Elizabeth and other MWI committee —Report are similar to the Mothers’ Union representatives went to Myanmar targets. Tere were 600 events, 6 to provide leadership training for WRITER MU members went to NGO’s. Tere women, to lead worship and to visit Joyce Bond were empty chairs at every meeting Church projects. Te Methodist and because of new visa regulations in Uniting Church Women will hold the USA. Very few faith bodies were their European Area Seminar in Women's Link welcomed new represented at the conference. Some Belfast in 2018. representatives to our committee: of the issues explored were: Women's In September, Dr Nicola Brady Catherine Loney (Quakers) and difculty with labour, modern day facilitated a workshop for Women's Elaine Barnett (WWDay of Prayer slavery, ID at birth issued to prevent Christian organisations to share N.I.) children disappearing, domestic ideas, discover how each organisa- violence, and sex education for all tion desires to create a community Our spring meeting in Dublin was children. Tere is still no age limit that shares God and faith as well as cancelled as our Hon Secretary Eilis on marriage in the USA. We need to seeing diferent perspectives and O'Malley sustained an injury on the lobby politicians on women’s issues helping others. Nine organisations morning of the meeting. Sadly her and women need to ‘Move from were represented and there was husband became seriously ill and Refection to Action’. MU held Vigils much conversation and exchange died a few weeks later. focussing on 16 Days of Activism in of ideas and perspectives, with every diocese in Ireland October/ June Butler (Down & Dromore Dio- agreement that better links could be November highlighting domestic cese) represented Mothers' Union developed between organisations. violence, abuse and FGM. at the 61st session of the United Decreasing membership remains a Nations' Conference on the Status of Elizabeth McWatters, MWI commit- concern prompting questions such Women in New York which focussed tee member, was installed as Presi- as: What is women's ministry today? on Economic Empowerment of dent of Methodist Women Ireland in What is needed for today and what is work, one of the subsets of the UN September and chose 'Journey with its place in the broader church? (United Kingdom and Northern

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CHURCHES TO- A Middle East consultation was held Leeds and Glasgow, and plan further in December 2017 in partnership events around the four nations. GETHER IN BRITAIN with Christian Aid and St. George’s Continuing on the Inter religious House, Windsor. It was a theological AND IRELAND theme, there are new Inter Faith Te- consultation on language pertaining ological Advisory Group resources. —Update to the Holy Land and the Israel-Pal- IFTAG has completed a study guide estine confict. Tere were six main WRITER on the document “Christian Witness contributors, including Dr Munther Bob Fyfe in a Multi-Religious World” from Isaac, a young Palestinian theologian the World Council of Churches, the from Bethlehem, and a total of 30 Pontifcal Council for Inter-Religious participants in all with a diverse Dialogue and the World Evangelical ecumenical spread from across the Alliance. Tis is now available as a four nations. Following the consulta- download from the CTBI website. tion, a study guide is being prepared by CTBI which will include the text Te resources for the Week of Prayer of the papers given as well as study for Christian Unity 2018 were made material and additional resources. available in all the usual formats, including English-Welsh bilingual Working on the theme of reconcilia- booklet, English only booklet (both tion, Invest in Peace is a partnership available in hard copy and as a with the Board of Deputies of British download), with downloadable Irish Jews, which engages local churches translations and ROOTS material. and synagogues that focus on sup- Te materials take up a theme from porting reconciliation projects be- the Caribbean Churches and refect tween Palestinians and Israelis. Tis upon the inheritance of transatlantic has so far featured “Parents Circle” slavery and contemporary challenges which works with parents bereaved in ecumenism. Te theme for 2019 as a result of the confict. We have has been developed by the churches held events in London, Manchester, in Indonesia and will explore the call

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to be one amidst a world of injustice. At the same time we are sharing in Programme for Palestine and Israel Te character of this is infuenced by the WCC Network on Korea, where programme. Te wider concerns of the context of Christian ecumenism CTBI staf continue to be involved the region continue to be monitored in a majority Muslim situation. Te in the WCC Network on Korean and a new programme of ethical four nations CTBI Writers Group Reconciliation on behalf of the CTBI pilgrimage is being worked on. have already commenced work constituency. Te main outcome In partnership with the National on these materials. Again resourc- desired by the Korean Churches is Council of Churches in Sri Lanka, ing local churches through Lent, for a peace treaty to be established. support is being given to reconcili- the resources for 2018 have been Tere is also the clear need at this ation work especially through staf prepared by HOPE on the theme “50 time to express solidarity with the capacity in Colombo. Te partner- Stories of Hope” featuring stories of Korean Churches in their work for ship will include work on Teology transformation in the lives of people reconciliation. of Land, Gender and Environment. serving prison sentences. Te Lent Te Churches Refugee Network now Links will be made with the Sri course is available as a book or as a has oversight of all aspects of shared Lankan community in the UK and downloadable resource. BBC Radio 4 work being undertaken. Recent CTBI Ireland to continue the necessary are also sharing the themes through sponsored visits by a group of young work of reconciliation. their Sunday morning worship. men to Lampedusa, and a women CTBI Trustees are looking to increase Tere was a very successful Church leader’s visit to refugee camps in work around Racial Justice and as- leaders visit to China in the summer southern Greece were very success- sociated justice issues in the coming of 2017. Further theological work ful, with signifcant engagement year. Tis work may well include is being discussed with particular across social media. Reports are aspects of hate crime. Te new interest in the development of con- available on the CTBI website. Centre for Teology and Justice has textual theology and possible links to CTBI continues to engage with now been established and the work theological colleges in China. Tere partners across the Middle East, is moving ahead. Various projects is a clear opportunity to link this especially the Middle East Coun- are in process including exploring work with theological colleges here cil of Churches. Staf continue to theology through the arts. Poverty in Britain and Ireland. share in the management group of issues, spirituality and justice, and the Ecumenical Accompaniment

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work around embodied theology are all possibilities. Signifcant efort went into preparing a potential bid document and process to host the 2021 General Assembly. Te eventual outcome of a consultation with the Churches in early 2017 meant that the proposal was not taken forward, however we were grateful for the efort and assistance of the City of Glasgow. Web and Social Media resourcing and outreach continue to be central to the way CTBI works. Some eleven websites and associated groups now come under the CTBI banner. Many resources and free downloads are available at www. ctbi.org.uk.

CAPTIONS (P16-17) CAPTIONS (P18-19) CAPTIONS (P20-21) 01 IICM Co-Chairs, Rt Rev John 01 European Affairs Committee: 01 CTBI Group including Damian McDowell and Bishop Brendan Rev Dr Livingstone Thompson, Jackson on a visit to Lampedusa Leahy. Rev Dr Donald Watts, Mr Gavin to see the work of the Italian 02 Fr Tim Bartlett speaking about Norris, Rev Brian Anderson, churches' Mediterranean Hope the upcoming World Meeting of Dr Nicola Brady, Mr Robert project speak with a staff Families. Cochran, Dr Markus Grim- member and hear a refugee's 03 Noeline Blackwell, CEO of the meisen, Ms Colette Fitzgerald, story of her horrific journey Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and Margrit Grey, Dr Kenneth Milne, across the Sahara and the Fr Peter McVerry SJ participat- Ms Maxine Judge, Dr Alison Mediterranean. ing in a panel discussion. Meagher, Rt Rev John McDowell, 02 The CTBI group visit the pier in Canon Adrian Empey, Dr Fergus Lampedusa where thousands of 04 Prof Gordon Harold delivering O'Ferrall. the 2017 IICM keynote address. refugees have arrived in Europe. 02 Women's Link: Mediterranean Hope offer a 05 IICM delegates in discussion Front L-R: Dr. Nicola Brady welcoming face and support during a panel session. (ICC), Karen Kelly (ICC), before they are transferred to Elizabeth McWatters (Method- the island's "hotspot" holding ist Women Ireland), Lorna centre. McKee (Women of Faith), Kathy Kitson (Women's Link). Back L-R: Joyce Bond (Women's Link), Phyllis Grothier (Mothers' Union), Elizabeth Moore (Women's League Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church), Eunice Hoey (Mora- vian Women's Assoc.), Elaine Barnett (Women's World Day of Prayer), Isobel Patterson (Women in Faith), Rosemary Castagner (Quakers), Louise Wilson (WFM & Uniting Church Women).

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A woman called Reisa (pictured) 01 tells me that she’s worried about her 18-month-old baby because he is malnourished. While her older child has resigned himself to hunger, her baby can’t understand his stomach pangs. If he doesn’t get the food he desperately needs, he could be stunted or worse. Next, I speak to a blind lady. She’s a widow and mother of six, but two of her daughters have died. Her ten-year-old daughter, who helps to run the household, is now sick and because they have no food, she can’t get better as her immune system is depleted. Teir only way of getting food is to gather frewood and sell it, but the young girl is too ill. Tey’re in such desperate need that their neighbours, even though they have nothing themselves, are trying to do their best for this family. I don’t know how people cope in this situation. South Sudan, the world’s newest nation, has been gripped by confict since December 2013. Famine, declared in two counties in Febru- ary 2017, contributed alongside the war, to an exodus of over 1.8 million people. Aweil is the capital of Northern Bahr CHRISTIAN AID It’s early in the morning in Aweil, El Ghazal state. Despite brutal fght- South Sudan. Te sun has risen, as ing and tension in the country, Aweil —Update I sit with a group of women, many has remained relatively calm, yet holding small, crying babies; chil- the knock on efects of the war are Preface dren who have not eaten yet today everywhere. Te area is cut of, food In spite of relative calm in the and mothers, who will have just one prices have sky-rocketed, there is no area, Rosamond Bennett, CEO small meal of sorghum. work beyond the drought-ravaged of Christian Aid Ireland, reflects land. on the suffering of the people of I am looking at the faces of looming Aweil, South Sudan, because of famine. And the gender dynamics of At Christmas, Christian Aid the ongoing war in the country. this are obvious. Nursing and lone launched our ‘Enough for Everyone’ Christian Aid Ireland's "Enough for mothers, elderly women and the sick. appeal to highlight the gross injustice Everyone" appeal highlights the that in our world of plenty, people Te women, despite being weak with injustice of hunger when others are sufering from hunger. hunger, are keen to talk. With rains have such wealth. failed and harvests destroyed, they For every pound given to our Christ- WRITER know that they need help from other mas Appeal in Great Britain and Rosamond Bennett people. Northern Ireland, the UK Govern-

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ment will also give a pound towards tional focus to bring their country Christian churches across the island our work in South Sudan. away from war. Trough our From have long campaigned with us Violence to Peace programme, we against the structures that keep the Our work there includes providing are working with churches to help most vulnerable people in poverty families with vouchers to buy food them to have a voice in the peace and have given generously to enable and essentials, distributing seeds and process and bringing people together life-changing aid. In South Sudan, I tools, so people can prepare for the to build peaceful solutions from the described to the mothers what our next growing season and supplying ground up. People need to feel safe. supporters were doing to help raise fshing gear. We have also repaired Teir children deserve a childhood. awareness and funds. Tey were water points and handed out sanita- amazed that people they had never tion supplies. At the heart of Christian Aid met would do this to help them. Ireland’s work is our striving towards It was difcult to leave Aweil, justice and a fair distribution of the We are blessed to have such wonder- knowing the sufering people are world’s resources. In South Sudan ful church partners and we look enduring. But it redoubled my eforts people are on the brink of starvation, forward to our Christian community to inspire people to support this while there is so much wealth in the continuing to work as one to bring fedgling country, where the food world. Meanwhile, rich multination- about an end to poverty and justice crisis is crippling people. als are exploiting loopholes to avoid for all. Knowing that our church partners paying their fair share of taxes that To fnd out more about Christian are with us as we endeavour to reach could fund vital social services in Aid Ireland visit christianaid.ie people with aid is tremendously poor countries. heartening and I want to thank each In November, we re-examined the CAPTIONS and every person, minister, congre- Irish Government’s own assessment 01 Reisa from Aweil in South Sudan, gation and parish for supporting our of the impact of its corporate tax ar- whose family and community are Christmas appeal. As I write, we are rangements on developing countries living through a severe food crisis. on track to meet our targets, which and concluded that it is likely to be Christian Aid is supporting com- will make an enormous diference to munities through this crisis with more signifcant than found in their our work in South Sudan. emergency aid such as vouchers to study. Our report was the front-page buy food and seeds and tools. Enough food will be crucial to story in the Irish Times and was 02 Rosamond Bennett with strengthen the ordinary people of covered extensively in media across representatives from All Saints South Sudan. But what is needed the country. It was also discussed in Cathedral, The Episcopal Church above all is peace and an interna- the Dáil and Seanad. of South Sudan, Aweil.

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the Protestant-Catholic divide. He was the frst lay person to hold this position in the ICC, and this perhaps suggested to him the role of a background enabler, with a keen and informed eye on a range of develop- ments, providing opportunities for others to give more public leader- ship. Despite his political pedigree, I don’t remember David for big public speeches or symbolic gestures, and yet his time at the Council, coinciding with all the political and ecclesiastical developments of the 1980s, was one of opportunity and change. Under David’s leadership the Churches' Peace Education Pro- gramme developed and became an important focus in the life of the ICC. No doubt this was in part due to David’s own experience as a teacher and also a refection of the fact that his wife, Winnie, was also a teacher. Te Peace Education Resources Centre – based in and around the top-foor ofce – was launched in 1984 and attracted many people to the Inter-Church Centre. IN MEMORIAM Although he was best known for his David suggested and approved the f- political service and other public nancial support for converting these David Bleakely involvements, I had the opportunity under-used spaces and the range of resources available to schools and January 11th 1925 – June 25th 2017 for eight years to get to know David Bleakley as an ecumenical Christian other educational institutions was Former General Secretary of the ICC leader, a colleague and an encour- much expanded. (1980-1992), Mr David Bleakley, died ager. David continued to give his full on 25th June 2017. A former MP and David’s time as General Secretary of support to the joint ICC/ICJP Minister of Community Relations, he the Irish Council of Churches coin- programme at a time when the was a person of deep faith and brought cided with the involvement of some Department of Education was a wealth of knowledge and experience of the really signifcant ecumenical taking signifcant initiatives in to the work of ICC. The members of Protestant clergy who were exercis- community relations education. Te the ICC and the Irish Inter-Church ing a difcult prophetic role during ICC became a signifcant player in Meeting wish to acknowledge his the worst days of the Troubles – not these developments, and its work was acknowledged and acclaimed inspirational leadership in the work of least Jack Weir, Eric Gallagher, John publicly. David’s enabling back- peace and reconciliation. Barkley and others. My sense of how David saw his role was that of an ground role was undoubtedly highly Dr Norman Richardson, a contribu- enabler, encouraging the ICC to be signifcant in this, and I know that tor to the Churches Peace Education engaged with and in the interactions I owe him much appreciation for his confdence and continuous Project, shares some personal memories between the Churches, providing encouragement. of Mr Bleakley’s leadership and con- opportunities for new encounters and improved relationships across tribution during his time with the ICC.

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ICC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2017

President Lutheran Church in Ireland Romanian Orthodox Church in Rt Rev John McDowell Pastor Stephan Arras Ireland Rev Fr Godfrey O’Donnell Vice-President Methodist Church in Ireland Rev Brian Anderson Rev Dr John Stephens Salvation Army (Ireland Ms Gillian Kingston Division) Immediate Past President Major Elwyn Harries Rev Dr Donald Watts Moravian Church Irish District Mr Mark Kernohan Hon Treasurer OBSERVERS Mr Jonathan Wilson Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church Cherubim and Seraphim Church General Secretary Rt Rev Chris Wilson Most Senior Apostle Olusola Dr Nicola Brady Obube Presbyterian Church in Ireland Antiochian Orthodox Church Rev John Brackenridge Russian Orthodox Church in Mr William Hunter Rt Rev Dr Ivan Patterson Ireland Church of Ireland Rev Trevor Gribben Vacant Dr Kenneth Milne Redeemed Christian Church of Rev Canon Dr Daniel Nuzum God Rt Rev Patrick Rooke Pastor Tunde Adebayo-Oke Greek Orthodox Church in Religious Society of Friends Britain & Ireland Rachel Bewley-Bateman Fr Thomas Carroll

OFFICERS 2016-2018

President Rt Rev John McDowell Vice-President Rev Brian Anderson Immediate Past President Rev Dr Donald Watts

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IRISH INTER-CHURCH COMMITTEE 2017

Co-Chairs Roman Catholic SMALLER CHURCH Most Rev Dr Brendan Leahy Most Rev Dr Eamon Martin REPRESENTATIVES Rt Rev John McDowell Most Rev Dr Diarmuid Martin Lutheran Church in Ireland Most Rev Dr Anthony Farquhar General Secretary Pastor Martin Sauter Rev Niall Coll Dr Nicola Brady Rev Andrew McMahon Redeemed Christian Church of Joint Secretary Mr Tommy Burns God Very Rev Kieran McDermott Dr Joan Back Pastor Tunde Adebayo-Oke ICC Past President Church of Ireland Romanian Orthodox Church in Rev Dr Donald Watts Rev Canon Ian Ellis Ireland Rev Canon Niall Sloane Rev Fr Godfrey O'Donnell ICC Vice-President Rev Brian Anderson Presbyterian Church EX-OFFICIO Rev Trevor Gribben Rev Dr Laurence Graham (MCI) Rev John Brackenridge Rt Rev Dr Noble McNeely (PCI) Most Rev Dr Richard Clarke (CoI) Methodist Church Rev Dr John Stephens

JOINT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

ICC President ICC Hon Treasurer Co-opted Rt Rev John McDowell Mr Jonathan Wilson Rev Trevor Gribben Rev Dr John Stephens ICC Vice-President General Secretary Rev Brian Anderson Dr Nicola Brady Joint Secretary IICC Very Rev Kieran McDermott

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ADMINISTRATION

NI Charity Number Auditors General Secretary NIC102643 McCleary & Company Ltd. Dr Nicola Brady incorporating J.R. McKee & Co. ROI Employer Number Programme Officer Quaker Buildings 9582744F Dr Damian Jackson Ratheane House Address High Street Administration Inter Church Centre Lurgan Claire Monaghan 48 Elmwood Avenue Co. Armagh Belfast BT66 8BB BT9 6AZ Solicitors 028 (048) 9066 3145 Cleaver Fulton Rankin Solicitors [email protected] 50 Bedford Street www.irishchurches.org Belfast BT1 2QH

Credits Annual Report 2017

Design, Layout and Editing by Damian Jackson Printed by Print Library

All material © Irish Council of Churches 2018 All photos ©Damian Jackson/ICC

except photos: 07 p10 ©Paul Harron 08 p13, ©Osservatore Romano p18 ©European Commission p19 Nicola Brady p23,24 ©Christian Aid p25 The Bleakley Family

Page 28 Submitted to the 95th Annual Meeting of the Council March 2018