The Church of

FRIDAY 18 JANUARYG 2008 awww.gazette.ireland.anglican.org z e t E st. 1856 t Price e 50p/75c Church buildings should be used more for community service - Bishop of Connor By Karen Bushby he Bishop of Connor, the Rt Revd , Trecently undertook a fact- finding tour of social projects around Belfast’s Shankill Road area, at the invitation of the Shankill Community Council. The Shankill, as it is com- monly called, is a well-known, staunchly Protestant area of Belfast which witnessed much violence during the height of and, in recent years, has seen inter-commu- nal and paramilitary violence, as well as much social, eco- nomic, education and com- munity change. The bishop was accompa- nied by the Ven. , Bishop Alan Abernethy (2nd left), Archdeacon Barry Dodds (3rd left) and the Revd John Archdeacon of Belfast and McClure (2nd right) are pictured outside the eco-friendly bungalows on the Springmartin rector of St Michael’s, Craven estate in the course of their visit to the Shankill area of Belfast. Looking on are Cllr Frank Street, Shankill Road, and the McCoubrey (extreme left) and Winston Irvine, Shankill community development worker Revd John McClure, of the Irish (extreme right). Church Missions. dened that so many were pad- The tour also took the visitors Speaking to the Gazette, The Shankill Community locked, adding: “The message to the top of the Shankill Road, Bishop Abernethy described Council provides resources of the incarnation is that Jesus to Black Mountain Primary the visit as “a very humbling and opportunities for local came and pitched his tent School which the principal, and encouraging experience”. people and seeks to regener- among us. We must find ways Billy MacAuley, described as The bishop continued: “There ate the area, while still retain- in local parish life of being the “a school for the entire com- are many signs of life and hope ing its traditions. Members of tent in our local communities. munity”. He added: “It is time in this community which has the Council told the bishop I would love to see more of our for churches and schools to re- been battered and bruised for that education, social housing buildings being used to serve establish themselves and take many years. There are those and increased employment the needs of the local com- their place in society. Their who have continued to believe opportunities were among the influence has for too long been munities”. in and work for this area and greatest needs in the Shankill The bishop visited Job Assist, diluted by the fear of paramili- they have done so with great area. They thanked the bishop a project which trains people for tarism.” energy and passion. for demonstrating a “passion work and so helps them to find At the nearby develop- “My hope and prayer is that for the area.” jobs, before moving on to the ment of social housing on the we will find ways as a Church At the Lower Shankill Forum for Action on Substance Springmartin estate, Bishop Community Centre, the bish- Abuse (FASA). Members of the Abernethy was invited to tour community at diocesan and op heard that a key problem Forum described the nature of one of the new eco-friendly parish level to engage with was one of property develop- their work to the bishop, tell- bungalows. Springmartin was these communities. I am grate- ers moving in because of the ing him that they worked with once home to 500 households, ful to those who have min- area’s close proximity to Belfast 5,000 people a year, and had but now only 170 families live istered in these communities city centre. their own professional teams there and many dwellings are and have borne the heat and Commenting on the number involved in suicide and self- bricked up. It is hoped that burden of the day. As a ‘Belfast of churches he saw in the harm, intervention, education, these new developments will boy’, I want to find ways of course of his visit, Bishop training and treatment pro- prevent it from becoming a engaging in mission and devel- Abernethy said he was sad- grammes. greenfield site. opment in the city.” editorial 2 • Home news 3 - 5 • World news 6 • Letters 8 & 9 2 - FRIDAY 18 JANUARY 2008 Gazette View GAZETTE

The Church of Ireland Ga z e t t e Editorial

Editorial, Advertising and Circulation 3, Wallace Avenue, Lisburn BT27 4AA Telephone: 028 9267 5743 THE Planned (from Republic 048 9267 5743) Fax: 028 9266 7580 e-mail:[email protected] BILL OF RIGHTS Debate www.gazette.ireland.anglican.org Hours: 9.00am - 1.00pm s last week’s issue of the Gazette starts off his letter by describing our edi- Editor: Canon Ian Ellis and today’s Letters (pages 8 and torial as presenting “a confusing mash of Assistant Editor: 9) make clear, considerable public attempted distinctions involving human The Revd Clifford Skillen A Freelance Journalist: debate on a possible Northern Ireland Bill rights, national rights and legal rights”. It Harry Allen Assistant Editor Online: of Rights followed our 4th January edito- is a pity that he chooses to address us in The Revd Craig McCauley Office Manager: rial on the subject. Indeed, the Gazette this way. Distinctions clearly can indeed Ella McLoughlin was not questioning the appropriate- Office Administrator: be made between universal human rights Leah Grant ness of any new rights that are deemed and legal rights in different nations. Classified Advertisements necessary being introduced in Northern We have received many messages wel- (which must be prepaid) £8 / €12 Ireland but was questioning the legislative (maximum 20 words); coming the fact that this public debate Semi Display and ‘vehicle’ for providing those rights, i.e. a Display advertisements £5 / €8 was opened up by our editorial and, per single column cm. specifically Northern Ireland Bill of Rights indeed, this is acknowledged in some (minimum 5cm); as opposed to more usual legislation or, if 17.5% V.A.T. payable on all of our correspondence this week. It is N.I. advertising. necessary, a UK Bill of Rights. This is not Advertisements should reach the especially gratifying for us that we have above address on the Friday prior to essentially a matter of party politics but received letters from across a wide spec- date of publication. rather one of deeper constitutional signif- trum of opinion, including from both The views expressed in the features, icance. Furthermore, while the prospect news reports, letters and book re- North and South, and further afield. views are not necessarily those of of a Bill of Rights was certainly flagged up the Editor. Editorial comment and in the 1998 Belfast Agreement, it was not In such a significant enterprise as con- other articles do not necessarily con- sidering a major legislative project with tain the official views of the Church of an actual requirement of that Agreement. Ireland. The Editor reserves the right long-term and quite fundamental impli- to decline any advertisement, letter In his letter to us (page 8), the Chair or other material without assigning of the Northern Ireland Bill of Rights cations, it is important that society should any reason. Publication of advertis- ments does not necessarily imply Forum, Prof. Chris Sidoti, writes that the not only be fully informed but should endorsement of products or services also have the opportunity of debating the advertised. Northern Ireland Assembly’s lawmaking power could be subject to a Bill of Rights. matter in a rigorous way. Every perspec- Registered as a newspaper So, despite any parallels to the Northern tive is important, every voice needs to be at the G.P.O. heard and every person must respect the Typesetting and Make-up by Ireland Act in this regard, it is clear that In-House Publications such a Bill of Rights would indeed be integrity of perspectives other than their Tel: 028 3835 5060 Printed by foundational and have some of the char- own; this is the essence of good debate in Spectator Newspapers, Bangor acter of a written constitution. Prof. Sidoti an open and free society.

Liturgical Notes Revised Common Lectionary 20th January 27th JANUARY The Second Sunday after The Epiphany The Third Sunday after The Epiphany Liturgical colour: White St Brigid: Friday 1st February. Presentation: Saturday Friday 25th January is the festival of the 2nd February. Liturgical Colour for all: White Conversion of St Paul; White Note: This is the last Sunday of the season of Epiphany this year.

The Old Testament reading from Isaiah 49: 1-7 describes the call- The Old Testament reading, Isaiah 9: 1-4, in which the prophet ing of God’s Servant to reveal the Lord as a light to the nations. announces in Galilee a great light of salvation, sets the context for Psalm 40: 1-12 reflects the calling of the Messiah in willing obedi- the Gospel reading, Matthew 4: 12-23, which describes the begin- ence. ning of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee of the Gentiles. This was hailed In the first of a series of second readings from 1 Corinthians by Matthew as the coming of the Light, as Jesus calls his first dis- 1 - beginning with 1-9 - Paul gives thanks for the calling of the ciples and proclaims his message of the coming kingdom. Corinthians to be Christians. Psalm 27: 1, 4-12 is a psalm in praise of God - “... my light and The Gospel reading, John 1: 29-42, is an account of the calling of my salvation.” the first disciples. In the second reading, 1 Corinthians 1: 10-18, Paul writes of the need for unity among Christ’s followers so that the proclamation ANGLICAN CYCLE OF PRAYER of the Gospel is not hindered. Pray for the Anglican Church of Kenya. Benjamin Nzimbi is Archbishop of Kenya and ANGLICAN CYCLE OF PRAYER Bishop of All Saints’ Cathedral Diocese. Pray for the Church of Bangladesh: The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is also listed for prayer. Michael S. Baroi is the moderator and bishop in Dhaka.

J.A.B.M. CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE Home News FRIDAY 18 JANUARY 2008 - 3 Bells ring out the changes Primary school boards of in historic Co. Down management representatives parish church meet in Dublin

he annual general meet- tal ball: future trends in pri- ing of the Church of mary school management in Pictured following the Watchnight Service in Hillsborough TIreland Primary School the ’. parish church are (left to right) Angela Ballentine, rector’s Management Association, Pictured (above) are some churchwarden; Elizabeth Bell, people’s churchwarden; Kenny which represents the boards of the members elected to the Dougherty, sexton; the Revd John Dinnen; Bishop Harold of management of the pri- Executive Committee for the Miller; and Phillip Elliott. (Photo: John Kelly) mary schools under the man- years 2007-11, which is the agement of the Protestant he Watchnight Service longed for better things; he term of office of the recent- Churches in the Republic of in the historic parish believed that if people invited ly-elected primary schools’ Ireland, was held recently in church of St Malachi, Jesus to live in their hearts, he boards of management (from T the Church of Ireland College Hillsborough, Diocese of would give them immeasur- of Education, Dublin. left) the Ven. Richard Dadswell Down, marked two notable able riches. (Hon. Treasurer), the Revd farewells in the history of the The guest speaker was Prior to the Hillsborough Canon John McCullagh, Dr Norman Gamble (Hon. parish. bellringers ringing in the new Secretary), the Revd Stanley The evening of the last day Secretary of the General year, Mr Dinnen said that the Johnson (Hon. Chairperson), of 2007 saw the retirement Synod Board of Education ringing of the bells marked Bill Perrott and the Revd Brian of the rector of Hillsborough, (Republic of Ireland), who good news and that the “good spoke on ‘Gazing into a crys- O’Rourke. the Revd John Dinnen, for- news is Jesus Christ - this is merly , after the great news I want to share an incumbency of 23 years, on this last day of 2007 and and the departure after near- for the new year of 2008”. ly eight years of the parish’s Referring to the bells, Mr organist, Phillip Elliott, who Dinnen added: “When you is moving to live near Gilford, Co. Armagh. hear the bells, be thrilled, be In an emotional farewell excited, bring all you have, all sermon based on Romans 8, you are and all you want to before a large congregation be, and he, who did not spare of parishioners and visitors his own son, will freely give - among them Lord Eames you all things - all you need and the and for tomorrow and tomorrow Dromore, the Rt Revd Harold and tomorrow. Nothing now Miller - Mr Dinnen spoke or in the future will ever sepa- of people’s expectations at rate us from the love of God the turn of the year, as they in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Over the years, the collections at the weekly healing services in Holywood parish church, Diocese of Down, coupled with the Tell us about it! support of faithful parishioners and the annual allocations f you have any news which you think would be of of the select vestry, have been great sources of financial sup- interest to the Church of Ireland at large, please port and encouragement for the Church’s Ministry of Healing Isend it to the Gazette, typewritten or by email. (CMH). The Revd Dr Pat Mollan, Deputy Director of the CMH Colour pictures only, prints or by email (high resolu- and a former parishioner of Holywood (above, left), receives tion). Contact details, see page 2. Thank you! a cheque for £1,100 towards the ministry’s work from Sadie Trainor (centre) and the Revd Roger Elks, vicar of Holywood. 4 - FRIDAY 18 JANUARY 2008 Home News CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE Tribute The Very Revd Robert Desmond Harman The following is an abridged was the Peata charity service. ing family ones. However, version of the address of the Indeed, some of the last photo- when others would have coast- Ven. Edgar Swann at the funer- graphs of him are hugging the ed slowly towards retirement, al Eucharist of the Very Revd dogs at this year’s service. Desmond unselfishly accepted Desmond Harman in Christ Desmond also had a lifelong the challenge, with the gen- Church Cathedral Dublin on love of music, becoming skilled erous support of Sue and the Friday 21st December 2007. on the piano as a boy, and then family, a support which he had the organ, which he studied throughout his ministry. feel very honoured today under the famous Dr Hewson. In an all-too-brief period of to be asked by the family to He loved his music, and had three and a half years years, Ispeak about Desmond. a very wide taste in it, but he he has done so much to turn I have known him for some liked it played well. around the finances, to contin- 43 years and it is so hard to From a young age, he adored ue the restoration of the fabric, encapsulate those years of the little Telford organ in his and to build up the commu- Desmond’s life and work, but I home church of St George, nity here, and it has all been about everything which affect- will do my best. Carrick-on-Shannon. He was done with that honesty and ed the Church of Ireland and its I first met him shortly after often seen disappearing into unwavering integrity and care contribution to Ireland, North meeting his sister, Gladys. I had the back of it to do some main- for people which he applied and South. Much of his time heard about Desmond and was tenance work or to retune it. to everything in his life and of service was through the dif- more than apprehensive as to I remember sitting pressing ficult days of the peace proc- ministry. whether I would pass the test ess, and they were often turbu- notes for hours, while he would We will miss the piercing as a boyfriend of his beloved lent times in the history of the give instructions from inside. questions; the perceptive com- sister. Indeed, I think Gladys Church and nation. Eventually, through his efforts, ment; the sense of humour; the was apprehensive also. I need Desmond, however, was not major restoration work was wisdom which he brought to not have worried; he obvious- only skilled in administration, carried out on the organ. our committees; the moments ly liked the look of me and he was a wonderful pastor. Judy and all the music team when we thought we had the warned her not to mess me He served as curate-assistant in this place, including our two perfect answer, but Desmond around. I could not have asked in Taney, where he met Sue. wonderful choirs - your music made us think again. I know for a better brother-in-law. They married, and Sue became brought him so much pleasure. that John and David and I will We both read Hebrew and a much-loved part of our lives. He would have been so proud of so miss our sharing with him at Oriental languages, Desmond He became rector of Santry and your Carol Service on the night our senior staff meetings. ahead by a year. Both of us Glasnevin, and then Sandford before he died. Your music here This Cathedral, these were involved in the Hebrew and Milltown, with the chap- today is, as always, so wonder- Dioceses, the whole Church of and Oriental Languages Society laincy of Alexandra College ful and is such a fitting tribute Ireland mourns the untimely in various positions. Even in which he did so well. to him. Thank you. The Psalm passing of someone of whom College, certain skills were obvi- I have met so many people chosen for today was chosen we can be rightly proud; some- ous in Desmond’s character. He who benefitted from his pasto- carefully. It speaks about “pray- one who epitomised the very became engrossed in the edi- ral care in the parishes where he ing for the peace of Jerusalem”. best in the life and ministry of torship of the Trinity News, a served. As someone said to me Desmond was so involved in our Church. We will best hon- task in which he showed great in the last few days: “Desmond things which involved bringing our his memory by carrying on talent. was a very human person.” people together, breaking down his work with the same integ- It was a talent which was That humanity never showed barriers and stretching across rity which was his hallmark. to come to the surface again more clearly than when he was international boundaries. Sue, Mark, Lynne and Karen when he became editor of with children. He responded to His work for Bishops’ Appeal - we thank you for sharing the diocesan Church Review, them, and they to him. He was was tireless over many years. him with us and for your per- holding this position for many wonderful as an uncle and a Here in Dublin, he worked to sonal sacrifices to enable him years, basically in an honorary great uncle. make the Citizenship Service to be such a shining light in capacity. He totally revised the For all the seemingly aus- more meaningful, and, for the the Church of Ireland. We all appearance and the content tere exterior at times, he could last few years, he has traversed mourn him today, but you and made it into a magazine be the life and soul of a fam- Northern Europe constant- mourn him most, because the Diocese could be proud of. ily party. He will be so missed ly in building and extending your love for him was greatest It was indicative of the com- when we sit down together in the Porvoo Agreement with and closest. Look around you mitment and dedication which the future. Indeed, there exists our sister-Churches from the and see this great congregation he gave to every task he under- a photograph of Desmond at a Lutheran tradition. I must be here to honour him and thank took. family wedding one New Year’s careful in my pronunciation God for his life and witness, Desmond was in his element Eve which we threatened to as, only recently, he gave me a and know that the thoughts in the field of organisation and publish in the Review if ever he lesson in pronouncing ‘Porvoo’ and the prayers of each person administration. He gave his all caused us any trouble. properly. are with you in your grief. to the work he undertook as a And what about the dogs? In 2004, Archbishop John May our beloved Desmond clerical secretary to the General They were so much a part of Neill asked him to become rest in the peace of the Christ Synod, being meticulous in his life and he loved them. One Dean of this place. He was hesi- he served so faithfully and rise keeping himself informed of his favourite services here tant for many reasons, includ- in the glory of his resurrection. CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE Home News FRIDAY 18 JANUARY 2008 - 5 Presbyterian crisis Don’t say it with flowers, over female preacher say it with trees and goats he Revd Christina having commented: “We are t is estimated that people ness skills training; training Bradley, minis- quite unequivocal as far as in the UK each year spend for marriage support group ter of Armagh Road women are eligible in the Ia staggering £2.4 billion facilitators; equipment for T on flowers and plants as gifts children’s play centres for Presbyterian Church in same terms as men and our for Mothering Sunday. families facing separation Portadown, has spoken stance on gender equality is Working in 78 countries or isolation; and emergency publicly of her “hurt” over a absolutely clear on that one, around the world to support relief kits for people around Church gender dispute. and nobody is allowed to frus- mothers and grandmothers the world affected by natural The row erupted after the trate the law of the Church, caring for young families, disaster or conflict. minister at the Presbyterian either an individual or a body. Mothers’ Union (MU) mem- In addition this year, Make Church’s First Portadown So that’s one side of it. bers see at first-hand the ine- a mother’s day is resourc- congregation, the Revd “The other side of the story quality of a world in which ing churches, schools, and Stafford Carson, refused to is that, as a Church, we allow allow Ms Bradley to preach so many mothers struggle to Sunday schools by providing those who have reservations feed, clothe and educate their a Mothering Sunday church from his pulpit on Christmas about the role of women in Day, thereby bringing to an families. Against that back- resource pack which includes ministry to exercise freedom ground, floral tributes, lovely specially written prayers and end an almost 60-year tradi- of conscience, so that nobody tion of a joint Christmas Day though they are, lose some of liturgy for Mothering Sunday is forced to act contrary to their glamour. services, as well as reflec- service. their own personal opin- Ms Bradley told Radio Determined to redress the tions and resource materials ions.” Ulster’s Sunday Sequence balance, the MU raised over for speakers. The pack aims Canon Edgar Turner, a last Sunday: “People say ‘well £120,000 last year, when it to celebrate the family and highly regarded Church it’s not meant personally’, launched its Make a moth- the nurturing love of God, as of Ireland constitutional but it hurts me right down. I er’s day campaign, through seen in the practical, hands- authority, commented for the can’t go for a sex change just which gifts were available to on faith of MU members, Gazette on the situation as because some people don’t enable purchasers to contrib- programmes and beneficiar- far as the Church of Ireland like it that the Lord called me ute towards vital programmes ies worldwide. as a minister. But it touches is concerned. He explained: which benefitted mothers (To order copies of the cata- my entire essence.” “Although in the Church of caring for their families in dif- logue, or to place an order for She said she had been Ireland a cleric from one ficult circumstances. gifts, contact parish MU rep- in contact with Mr Carson parish can only function in The 2008 catalogue, which resentatives; the MU office, in recent days. “We will be another incumbent’s (rec- is now available, contains tel. 020 7222 5533; email: meeting in the very near tor’s) parish with that incum- gifts ranging in price from marketing@themothers future - just the two of us - to bent’s permission, the sta- £6 to £150. Among the items union.org; or visit: www.the talk about the issues and take tus conveyed on both men are ethical gifts to help fami- mothersunion.org. Orders things forward. and women ordained since lies improve their standard must reach the MU by 18th We are new to each other 1988/90 must be ‘without any of living, including tree sap- February to ensure delivery and we have got to get to distinction or discrimination lings, goats and hens; literacy, before Mothering Sunday 2nd know each other as the peo- on grounds of sex’. While at health training and busi- March.) ple we are and understand the time there were a number, where we’re coming from,” both of clerics and laity, who she said. opposed the motion, only a The BBC reported that the very few left the Church of Presbyterian Moderator, the Ireland and those remaining Rt Revd Dr John Finlay, as accepted it.” Church Lads’ Brigade golden anniversary reunion ere you one of the parade from the Royal Albert A Short Catechism of Basic Church Teaching by the Very Revd over 100 mem- Hall to Hyde Park? Victor Griffin, former Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, Wbers of the Ulster If you, or anyone you with an appendix by the Revd Niall Sloane, former curate- Regiment of the Church know, took part, please get assistant of Agherton (Portstewart), Diocese of Connor, and Lads’ Brigade who attended in touch with Billy Aughey, now curate-assistant of Taney, Diocese of Dublin, has been or took part in the Royal tel. 3831 6687, or Tom Bruce, launched in Agherton parish hall. The book is an updated Review of 1958? Were you a tel. 9268 3429, who, along version of Dean Griffin’s original work published in 1963. member of the with others, are organising a Pictured (above) at the launch are (from left) the Revd Niall team? Were you part of the reunion dinner on Saturday Sloane; the Very Revd Victor Griffin; the Very Revd Houston club swinging team? Did 8th March. Full details avail- McKelvey, Cathedral; and the Revd Stephen you take part in the display able from the above. Fielding, rector of Agherton. 6 - FRIDAY 18 JANUARY 2008 World News CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE Queen honours top Plan to mark 2,000th anniversary Anglican ecumenist of St Paul’s birth urkey’s small Roman told Ecumenical News ary Tanner, one of Catholic communi- International. the eight presidents ty hopes to mark the “A government commission of the World Council T M 2,000th anniversary of the is now formally considering of Churches, is to receive one birth of St Paul by improv- our request. But senior offi- of the highest honours given ing the status of the country’s cials have agreed we should by the British monarch in the Christian minorities, as well be able to worship here. After Queen’s New Year’s honours as re-opening a church at the all, we’re not missionaries - list. apostle’s birthplace in Tarsus we are merely answering the Dr Tanner, an Anglican in the south of the Muslim- needs of Church members,” theologian and ecumenist, is majority country. he said. to be created a Dame of the “This anniversary is cer- The Italian-born bishop Order of the British Empire, tain to attract large numbers was speaking on 8th January, or DBE, for “services to the of pilgrims, who will obvi- during preparations for a worldwide Anglican Church”. ously need a church where pilgrimage to St Paul’s bur- The title will be formally they can feel at home and ial place in Rome to mark conferred by Queen Elizabeth pray,” Bishop Luigi Padovese, the anniversary year, which II or the Prince of Wales at a Mary Tanner pictured on a the Roman ’s formally begins on 28th Buckingham Palace investi- recent lecture visit to Dublin apostolic vicar of Anatolia, June. [ENI] ture later in the year. A damehood is the female Mary Tanner was the equivalent of a knighthood Indian Church bodies demand access theological secretary to the and its holders are addressed ’s Board for relief aid in troubled Kandhamal as ‘Dame’. This award is made for Mission and Unity, which ational Church bod- the city sometimes called the became the Council for to people for an outstand- ies in India have Temple City of India, on 7th Christian Unity, serving as its ing and long-term contribu- demanded access General Secretary from 1991 tion in a significant capacity. N January was jointly convened to the troubled Kandhamal until her retirement in 1998. [ENI] by the NCCI, a grouping of region of Orissa state to dis- 29 Orthodox and Protestant tribute relief and visit the Churches in India, along with Dr Kobia calls on Kenyan families affected by a recent the Roman Catholic Bishops’ outbreak of violence said to Conference of India. political leaders to keep moving be aimed at Christians. The Church leaders said “We are established and the authorities were prevent- towards dialogue credible national bodies and have every right to distribute ing their relief bodies from hile praising the Odinga, to refrain from taking distributing aid in the area country’s Churches decisions that might frustrate relief to the victims of vio- affected by the violence, for their role in the process towards dialogue lence,” said Church of North W which began on Christmas peacemaking, the World for a peaceful resolution of India Bishop Dinesh Kumar Eve at Bamunigam, in the Council of Churches (WCC) the conflict.” Sahu, General Secretary of the Kandhamal forests, more General Secretary, the Revd Violence, tainted with eth- National Council of Churches Dr Samuel Kobia, has called nic components, erupted in India (NCCI). than 200 kilometres from the on Kenyan political leaders across the country follow- The press conference, at capital. [ENI] to keep moving towards dia- ing a disputed presidential logue. election last month. Reports Muslim Council describes “While the situation con- estimate that about 600 peo- bishop’s statement as ‘alarming’ tinues to be critical, some ple have been killed, while signs of hope can be seen,” Dr some 200,000 have fled their statement made by the ethnic and faith communities Kobia said in a public state- homes. , living as separate communi- ment. He welcomed recent Dr Kobia praised the work Athe Rt Revd Michael ties. developments in the country of the Kenyan Churches, Nazir-Ali, that some parts Ibrahim Mogra, a spokes- and expressed hope that the which have been “strongly of the country have become person for the Muslim Council, “political stalemate” may be involved in resolving the situ- “no-go” areas for non-Mus- a group which condemns all broken. ation and calling for peace”, at lims, has been described as terrorism, described the bish- “We call on the political a time when their “ministry of “alarming’’ by the Muslim op’s comments as “alarming” leaders, especially President healing and reconciliation” is Council of Britain. and told Ecumenical News Kibaki and the Hon. Raila deeply needed. [WCC News] Bishop Nazir-Ali asserted International: “To suggest that “those of a different faith that a handful of people are or race may find it difficult to beginning to create such live or work (in such areas) areas where nobody else can because of hostility to them”. go unless they are Muslim Gazette email: The bishop also criticised needs evidence to back up what he described as official such claims. If there is no [email protected] policies based on “multicul- evidence he can put forward, turalism”, which had led to then it boils down to simple people belonging to different scaremongering.” [ENI] CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE Soap FRIDAY 18 JANUARY 2008 - 7

uby McKeever stood She had mastered texting at the checkout in – still putting in full words Rthe local super- and full stops and com- market, embarrassed, fro- mas – but whatever she zen, mortified. A queue was doing, it kept going stretched out behind her, on to predictive text and it as she tried to remember was doing her head in. She the PIN number of her just couldn’t cope with it. card to pay for her gro- As she was in the shop- ceries. ping centre that morn- Was it 4692 or 4269? She ing, she decided to go to entered the first combina- the phone shop to get it tion, but it was rejected. sorted out before she went Trying the other number, shopping. it was rejected again. She went up to the The girl at the checkout assistant. The young was looking at her with lad behind the counter that ‘God-give-me-some- couldn’t have been more patience’ look. She could than 18! Of course, you hear the young mother had to be young to get behind her shuffle and the hang of these mobile cough impatiently. phones! “Perhaps I can just “Hello, madam!”, he said sign the slip this time?”, pleasantly. she anxiously asked the “I wonder if you can help cashier. “I mean, before it me?”, said Ruby, hand- gobbles up my card. The ing him her phone. “It’s number has just gone just that I can’t cope with clean out of my head”. all this …”, and then she The girl at the checkout couldn’t recall the proper shrugged and threw her word, “it’s just that I can’t eyes up to heaven: “This cope with all this … pro- machine doesn’t gobble tected sex. Can you help up cards.” ‘Who lets these By Ted Woods me?” old ones out?’ was written And then, as the young all over her face. of her mind. Whereas up And she had begun to lad’s face went bright red, Ruby knew she had the to recently she had had mislay things. Throughout she realised what she had number written in her lit- immediate recall of num- her husband’s ministry, said! “Oh sorry, I meant tle black book. But she also bers, names, birthdays she had been the organ- predictive text”, and it was knew that it was coded into and anniversaries, in the ised one. Denis was always her turn to blush. a telephone number and it last little while her mind forgetting meetings and It was no wonder that, would take some time, after that, she couldn’t as well as some peace remember her PIN and quiet, to work out number. And she daren’t whether the four digits tell Denis. It would only of her PIN were at the ‘What before had been straightforward worry him. front, or at the back, But where was it all or even in the middle had now become complex. Now she had going to end? of the fictitious tel- to think before she did things ...’ What before had been ephone number. straightforward had With a red face and now become complex. very flustered, she Now she had to think gathered her shopping just seemed to go blank appointments. And she before she did things, and headed for the door. and she would have to had always kept him right. whereas before, she had Next problem: where search for the right word But now? Just as well he been the housewife and had she parked the car? or the name of the person had retired! clergy wife, par excellence. Friday mornings were to whom she was talking. Only the other day, And Denis had begun to always so busy in the Events which hap- Brenda Gordon had rung say: “But you’ve told me shopping centre and the pened years ago, even in to confirm the time she that already!” car park seemed vast and her childhood, she could was going to collect her The more she worried, every bay so similar. And recall with clarity and for the monthly ‘ladies’ the more she seemed to it had started to rain! accuracy. But what she did lunch’, and Ruby had for- forget. Lately, she had begun last week – or even yester- gotten all about it. And she was really con- to worry at the way things day – was another matter And the mobile phone! cerned that it might be the just seemed to pop out altogether. That was setting her mad. beginning of Alzheimer’s. 8 - FRIDAY 18 JANUARY 2008 Letters to the Editor FRIDAY 18 JANUARY 2008 - 9 Planned Northern Ireland Bill of Rights (See also Editorial, Page 2) The editorial in the Gazette of Bill of Rights if so provided by As a trade unionist and a mem- tom lines on our expectations While I congratulate you on a ence on Protocol No. 7 which I was glad to see the 4th January include not only both union- 4th January 2008 on a Bill of the Westminster Parliament, in ber of the Church of Ireland, I and our behaviour. Respect highly stimulating and well- renders the Charter effectively Gazette editorial focus on the ist parties but also my own Rights for Northern Ireland the same way as it is subject was surprised and saddened to for the rule of law is a part produced publication to which meaningless in the UK, gives discussions around the pro- Alliance Party and the Roman contained many misunder- to the Northern Ireland Act. see the editorial piece oppos- of the NI Executive’s ‘overarch- I look forward each week, cause for concern. posed Northern Ireland Bill of Catholic Church. Those argu- standings and errors. I would This is a significant issue being ing the Bill of Rights process. ing aim’. These provisions are I was profoundly shocked A reinforced Human Rights Rights. This is an important ing for a radical Bill of Rights like to set the record straight considered by the Bill of Rights The editorial was in stark con- not the details of every legal to read your editorial of 4th instrument for the entire UK debate, which had until then include the representatives of now on three of them. Forum. trast to the measured words of instrument; rather, they are the January, which maintains that a would be welcome, but this taken place with limited pub- the Protestant Churches. The editorial presents a The editorial’s next concern Dr Samuel Hutchinson on the background melody, the mood Northern Ireland Bill of Rights does not preclude a separate lic interest. I agree entirely I have no doubt that many confusing mash of attempted seems to be that the discussions front cover. and tone of a ‘peaceful, fair and is “wrong”. Surely any instru- Northern Ireland Bill of Rights. that there is a real danger in nationalist voters would be distinctions involving human on a Bill of Rights are part of The suggestion that an prosperous society‘. ment that enhances human Why not make a start with committees of experts produc- instinctively sceptical about rights, national rights and legal some bigger “political agenda”. equalization of rights across This is a truly unchained rights cannot be wrong. Northern Ireland, as the oppor- ing a document which fulfils the more radical proposals rights and a quite inaccurate I accept that some members of Ireland is the ultimate goal of melody, one that embraces and As the Revd Dr Hutchinson tunity now exists? the wish lists of well-meaning emerging from the Bill of Rights portrayal of what a Bill of Rights the Forum might have particu- the process ignores the man- enhances the great leaps of lib- stated in the same issue of the Your editorial states that the lobby groups, but is ultimately Forum, as will become clear as is and what it can do. At the lar political views and commit- Gazette, the proposed Bill of unacceptable to the Northern proposals gain more exposure. date given by the people in both erty taken by brave men and “real motivation behind the heart of the editorial’s concerns ments in addition to their com- Rights would provide rights Ireland public, and erodes dem- By casting the debate in such jurisdictions through both the women over the centuries, from proposed Northern Ireland Bill is the notion that a Bill of Rights mitment to human rights. That Referendum on Articles 2 and additional to the provisions in ocratic accountability. starkly – and inaccurately – the heroism of the Suffragettes of Rights is a political agenda”. must be a foundational docu- is hardly surprising. The Forum 3 and the Belfast Agreement the European Convention and The editorial rightly high- communal terms, the editorial to the principled stance of the Yet this view is clearly itself ment, a constitution, with a sta- counts many politicians among which, whilst recognizing that the UK Human Rights Act. lighted that Northern Ireland’s risked creating a public percep- Scottish Covenanters, from the politically motivated. Your edi- tus different from that of other its members and it goes with- Northern Ireland will remain One reason advanced by people are already protected by tion that a Bill of Rights would Putney debates to the Tolpuddle torial seems to take exception laws. out saying that the business of part of the UK as long as the your editorial for opposing both the European Convention be good for nationalists and bad Martyrs who were expelled for to the quote from a spokesper- That may be so in legal sys- politicians is politics. However, majority wishes, also recognizes the proposed Bill of Rights and the UK Human Rights Act. for unionists. son for the Northern Ireland tems based on a written con- I reject the editorial’s implica- the need for closer cross-border the right to free assembly. for Northern Ireland is that In that context, it was correct In reality, an expansive Bill of Human Rights Commission, stitution, but even in those tion that some Forum members co-operation. This is the global norm. Here it would not apply to the in asking what negatives might Rights would be bad for every- systems a Bill of Rights can be are devoting time and energy It is indeed noticeable that in Northern Ireland we need entire UK. Few would deny referring to collaboration with emerge from another layer of one in Northern Ireland. Bad, an ordinary Act of Parliament. to its work not because of the the significant support for the that harmony of the particular that enhanced human rights its equivalent in the Republic, human rights legislation; in my not because it would favour Sometimes a Bill of Rights commitment to human rights equalization of corporation tax and the universal to tell our- guarantees would be desir- that “our general aim in that view, any Bill of Rights must one section of the community, can first appear as an Act of but because of some nefarious across the island did not raise selves and the world that we able for the work is to ‘equalise upwards’ be targeted at areas where but because it would be a char- Parliament and then become “political agenda”. suggestions of a united Ireland are both distinct peoples and as a whole. The UK is regularly in the protection of human Northern Ireland has special, ter for profiteering lawyers. It incorporated into the constitu- Finally, the editorial says that by the back door. Is it a case distinctly part of the human criticised by reputable inter- rights”. What can be wrong with unmet, needs. would transfer power over even tion. Northern Ireland does not need once again of the interest of family, with similar aspirations, national organisations includ- such an aspiration? How can I was, however, as a mem- such matters as public spending The United Kingdom does a Bill of Rights. Ultimately that business being placed above hopes and ideals. ing Amnesty International “equalising upwards” be inap- ber of the Church of Ireland, from those who are, for all their not have a comprehensive writ- is for the people of Northern the interests of people? Peter Bunting and Human Rights Watch. The propriate? disappointed in the lack of the- faults, representatives of the ten constitution. Portraying Ireland to decide, not me. Bills of Rights are supposed Assistant General Secretary British Government’s reticence J.B.L. Rose ological weight to the article. people to judges and lawyers. a Northern Ireland Bill of However, even as an outsider, I to change the culture. They are Irish Congress of Trade Unions with regard to the Charter of 1 rue de Roodt-Syre As a politician, I also feel the This is not a unionist issue or a Rights as a written constitu- can readily see five good reasons a means for a society and a Donegall St Place Fundamental Rights of the L-6933 Mensdorf article contained a number of nationalist issue, but a demo- tion, therefore, makes no why Northern Ireland needs a people to set down some bot- Belfast BT1 2FN European Union, and its insist- Luxembourg errors of analysis, on which I cratic issue - a point that the sense and has no meaning. A Bill of Rights: to cement the feel more qualified to comment. editorial recognized. However, Northern Ireland Bill of Rights peace, to address the legacy of I congratulate the Church of much a tool of righteousness, Thank you for providing such Declaration of Human Rights The most serious of these was to paint it otherwise risks sti- would be an ordinary Act of the the conflict, to establish a com- Ireland Gazette on providing a but dangerous political inter- an excellent platform for the could be endorsed from a dis- that the editorial seemed to see fling before birth a cross-com- Westminster Parliament, with mon standard of achievement voice and leadership in rela- ference rejected by the majority debate about a Bill of Rights tinctive Christian perspective, this debate as a simple nation- munity consensus committed the same status as other UK for a shared future, to provide tion to the current dispute over of citizens. For those who worry for Northern Ireland. It is vital and I would suggest that this alist vs. unionist struggle. This to a more sensible Bill. Acts, including the Northern a simple basis of human rights preparations to introduce a Bill about the Church speaking out that the Churches engage in might be a much more con- is simply not the case. At the Gerry Lynch Ireland Act. It won’t undermine protection and to protect the of Rights for Northern Ireland. in political life, it should be the debate about human rights structive starting point. Are risk of oversimplifying, those Executive Director the Westminster constitutional rights of everyone equally. I George Thomas, speaker in remembered that in our society generally, and yet their voices these rights being fully respect- arguing for a more constrained The Alliance Party system because it can’t. have written more fully about the Commons and Methodist it was the Church that was fore- are often little heard. It is, there- ed in Northern Ireland and, if and proportionate Bill of Rights 39 Bristol Avenue, Belfast What is an open question, this elsewhere. lay preacher, once said that spir- most in social aid and educa- fore, all the more unfortunate not (and many believe they are however, is the effect a Bill of Chris Sidoti (Prof.) itual insight is essential to good tion before delivery by secular in my view that the editorial not), what can best be done At a time when victims of terror- privileged and detached few Rights should have on acts of Chair, Bill of Rights Forum political judgement. Although governments. chose to be so negative. about that? ism are trying to come to terms will seek to impose their com- the Northern Ireland Assembly. Interpoint Centre universal in witness like other At a time when the pro-Brit- Perhaps the Gazette would Maggie Beirne with the rapid but, at times, fortable views on the majority. The Assembly’s lawmaking 20-24 York Street Churches, Anglicans have to ish people in Northern Ireland host a variety of viewpoints on Director almost overwhelming progress We have been fortunate that power could be subject to a Belfast BT15 1AQ work in different nations with are deeply concerned about the pros and cons before taking Committee on the that has to be undertaken in a communal social justice has varying circumstances and their future, I commend the a fixed position? Administration of Justice order to put years of violence, survived the hateful years since I wish to congratulate the Process’ has been built upon making representations within Gazette for recognising their The editorial claimed that 45-47 Donegall Street hate and distrust behind them, the 1960s. That is the area where Gazette for its editorial on the compromising fundamental the context of particular gov- concerns. all 30 articles of the Universal Belfast BT1 2BR it is good to see the Church our endeavours should be con- Northern Ireland Bill of Rights. democratic principles, for the ernments and situations. David Barbour (Cllr) of Ireland Gazette bringing a centrated – better health serv- I believe that a Bill of Rights for sake of the appeasement of the I believe the Gazette rightly 44 Castlewood Avenue degree of compassion and real- ices, opportunities for those Northern Ireland, distinct from Republican movement. sees this latest Bill as not so Coleraine BT52 1JR ity to the equation. who are disabled, adequate the rest of the United Kingdom The people of Northern Terrorism, war, greedy oppor- child protection and measures and in line with a future similar Ireland have suffered much I write to congratulate you on from Section 75 of the NI Act Letters tunism, or emergent hypocri- to eradicate people traffick- exercise in the Republic, is a over the past 30 years from evil- your editorial on the question and, if the EU Reform Treaty Letters should be sent to the Editor at The Church of Ireland sy – however one remembers ing and the abuse of economic step closer to a United Ireland. doers who sought to use force of a ‘Bill of Rights’. It was one is ratified, in time we will be the past four decades – each migrants, for a start. Gazette, 3 Wallace Avenue, Lisburn, Co. Antrim BT27 4AA, It is clear that the motivation to destroy democracy in this of the most perceptive pieces subject to the EU Charter of has to be able to identify with Simply to seek to impose behind the Belfast Agreement part of the United Kingdom. I have read in a long time and Fundamental Freedoms. or by fax to 028-9266 7580 (prefix 048 from the Republic of what is now a fragile oppor- an exclusive Bill of Rights on was to move us away from Had those same persons shown trust it will have the impact it Patently, from a perspective of Ireland), or by email to [email protected]. All tunity. Hence, however flawed, Northern Ireland is the very the situation where Northern respect for the human rights deserves. need, there is no requirement correspondence should contain a postal address and tele- democratic processes must be antithesis of justice – especial- Ireland is wholly British, to one of their victims, as already In Northern Ireland we for a further ‘Bill of Rights’. phone number. The Editor reserves the right to edit letters the basis on which the people of ly when it is clearly intended where identities are centred enshrined in various legal doc- already have adherence to Thus, the Gazette is right to Northern Ireland will create and to negate a democratic reality. for clarity and/or brevity. Correspondents should indicate upon an individual’s percep- uments, the Troubles would the European Convention on detect political machinations develop what makes a decent Aggravation of a majority, how- tion of his or her nationality – have never happened. Human Rights, the Human as the driving motivation. if they do not wish their email addresses published. No and fair society. ever subtle, is no substitute for i.e. British or Irish – and hence Tristen Kelso Rights Act, entrenched anti- James H. Allister QC, MEP letter will be published anonymously and all letters should Values and principles will honest reconciliation. the lack of a common sense of 236 Bush Manor discrimination laws, statutory 139 Holywood Road be as brief as possible. always outweigh imposed leg- Maginnis of Drumglass citizenship. I believe the ‘Peace Antrim BT41 1AF equality requirements flowing Belfast BT4 3BE islation particularly where a 1 Parklane, Dungannon 10 - FRIDAY 18 JANUARY 2008 Popular Culture CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE

Gareth Higgins

New Year, new non-violence (part 2)

watch the news and am terrified. has a weak reputation these days. the real world. Something has gone seriously It needs to recover a moral vision • Members of the Catholic Worker Iwrong. If the world was really like and a practical strategy which go movement disabling weapons hard- the way the news presents it, then we beyond resisting the policies of lead- ware to prevent their use in war. can all expect to be publicly humili- ers it doesn’t like. And it needs to do • Habitat for Humanity’s challenge ated, or victims of a deadly plague, it in a way which can capture the to the violence of the property mar- or killed in an earthquake or suicide imagination of - and some of the ket by making it possible for people bomb, or the victim of a celebrity time available to - people who are not on low incomes to own a home. divorce lawyer. already convinced of non-violence as • The US Congressional proposal to I stop watching the news and a life practice. divert 1% of the US defence budget to breathe easy, because sometimes I 6: A new vision and practical strat- create a cabinet-level Department of am overwhelmed by the apparent egy toward non-violence are among Peacemaking. hugeness of the danger. Of course, the most vital needs of our time. • Theologians and psychologists this is not the whole story - but the One of the most vital sources for this working together to develop a practi- reality of hope, of peace, of sheer vision and strategy is Gandhi’s asser- cal definition of forgiveness which humanity often gets lost in a world tion that the ‘law’ of the universe is helps victims of violence to recover whose default currency appears to the law of love. without denying them justice. be cynicism. What is this love? Can it be made • Restorative justice projects in Ironically, the way in which the flesh? Can we see it? Can we do any- New Zealand which bring perpetra- threat of violence is tors and victims of low- portrayed today is level crime together. such that it may pro- • Churches covenant- vide the motivation One of the most vital resources for our time ing to donate a pro- to think more deeply is Gandhi’s assertion that the ‘law’ of the portion of the money about non-violence. they raise for their own My beloved friend, universe is the law of love. What is this love? building projects to John O’Donohue, who Can it be made flesh? Can we see it? Can we initiatives which serve died unexpectedly the poor. and peacefully earlier do anything with it? Can politicians win • The local cur- this month, taught elections if they talk about it? rency movement in me that the best cor- Massachussetts which rective to the horrors aims to reduce envi- of this world is to create something thing with it? Can politicians win ronmental harm and create stronger beautiful. Better to light a candle than elections if they talk about it? In the bonds of community, while helping to curse the darkness, it is said. So, a trivial question which is bound to be an entire town be better stewards of few thoughts occur to me, some of asked by those (like me) of a more money. which may be useful stepping stones sceptical disposition: “Does it work?” • Changes among religious and to beautifully creative non-violence: The answer, of course, has to be ideological ‘true believers’ who no 1. Violence does not begin and end yes. The following stories tell us that longer hold to their previously-held with war. Physical violence is one end it is so: violent beliefs. of a continuum which begins with • Victims of violence in Israel and These stories are just as true as the the dehumanization of others. Palestine creating forums for dia- sinister ones which will dominate the 2. The dehumanization of others logue across the divide. TV news tonight - but I think we need has, as one of its roots, the dehu- • South African academics using to recover a vision of how to live sto- manization of ourselves. art, drama, film and music as vehi- ries like these to the extent that their 3. Non-violence is always prefera- cles for reconciliation. beauty becomes more intoxicating ble to violence. (And violence reduc- • Peace activists in Northern than the attractiveness of a fight. We tion is always preferable to violence Ireland replacing violent graffiti with need to help re-educate ourselves escalation.) ‘prophetic poems’. in this old art if we are to hope for 4. Violence is not always physical. • Writers interpreting violence in a future which transcends tearing Non-violence should reflect this. popular culture as a means of help- at the fabric of other human beings’ 5. Whether fair or not, pacifism ing people to challenge violence in dreams. CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE Life Lines FRIDAY 18 JANUARY 2008 - 11

Ron Elsdon

Life sentence

hortly before Christmas, we ‘nearlys’, too many overpaid and James’ Park which he had always had in St Bartholomew’s the underachieving teams, too many wanted. He was quite clear: no Sfuneral service for one of short-term managers, too many quick fixes. It would take him our church’s senior citizens, who lousy Christmases. This last one five years to sort out the situation had spent a last and very happy was no exception: defeats by and deliver a team which could year of his life in local sheltered Chelsea, Wigan and Manchester finally achieve something. accommodation. Having got City, and a last-minute equal- If you aren’t bored at this to know him well during my iser to stave off defeat at home point with my ramblings on the (nearly) six years here, I already against the Premiership’s bot- state of Geordie football, think had in my mind roughly what tom team, Derby County. back to what happened when I wanted to say about him at Yet, when the present man- Sir Alex Ferguson took over at the funeral. But, obviously, there ager, Sam Allardyce, arrived Old Trafford in 1986. Such were were things about him of which from Bolton Wanderers, to the the well-known problems at the I was unaware until I talked with acclaim of all the fans and (so far club that he knew it would take his daughter and son-in-law. as I could see) all the newspaper time to sort them out. He was One of these extra facts was pundits, I was assured that he right; he did; and the rest is his- that, for many years, he had was the one who would finally tory. Will big Sam get the same been a supporter of a particu- deliver what Kevin Keegan had chance, I wonder? lar Premiership football club: narrowly failed to deliver in Sir Alex Ferguson has been at Everton. “Why Manchester United Everton?”, I asked for over 20 years the family, because now, and things have I knew he had no ‘ ... people are not often allowed the luxury changed in the game: particular connec- of persisting; and others do not have the air smells differ- tion with the city of ent; success has to be Liverpool. They could the patience to let them’ instant; big money - only speculate that, no, huge money - is at while at school, the stake; people are not boys in the class had allocated the 1990s. How quickly things often allowed the luxury of per- different football teams to each change! Poor old Sam joins a sisting; and others do not have one and Norman got Everton. long list of finally-we’ve-got-the- the patience to let them. I’m not sure he was particular- right-man candidates within a All this struck a chord with ly enamoured with the choice. hair’s breadth of being booted me as I listened to the New Year On at least one occasion, he out as yet another failure. message from the Archbishop of remarked to his family that sup- It’s not just the fans who are Canterbury. He contrasted dis- porting Everton was something rubbishing him. So are the press. posability (of human beings, as like a life sentence. Formerly hailed for his no-non- well as things) with the utter Yes, I know what he means. sense approach to getting the faithfulness of God. I am truly No, I’m not an Everton sup- best out of Bolton Wanderers, thankful that this God hasn’t porter. Maybe worse: Newcastle the sports writers are now sure given up on me. Nor ever will. United. It’s far too many years that the Bolton tactics would Postscript: A few days after since I could bathe in the reflect- never work at the very different this column was written, Big ed glory of no less than three set-up that is Newcastle United. Sam and Newcastle United part- F.A. Cup trophies in five years So: will big Sam still be in charge ed company “by mutual con- - wins against Blackpool (1951), when you read this in a couple sent”. This was curious, given Arsenal (1952) and Manchester of weeks’ time? I know not. that, earlier the same day, Sam City (1955). I do keep recalling, however, had failed to mention at a rou- What have we had since then? what Sam Allardyce insisted on tine press conference what was Not a lot, except for too many when he took on the job at St about to happen. 12 - FRIDAY 18 JANUARY 2008 Yours Faithfully CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE

Maureen Ryan

One fold, one shepherd

loved living and working in Davis, California worried about their children’s education. They – the weather, the cosmopolitan café society, started leaving town and the once-thriving con- Ithe plethora of bookshops, the dearth of pubs. gregation fell quickly from 600 to 100. I loved being in a liberal university city designed Studying the Scriptures and praying over pas- for walking, where there were no traffic jams, sages in the Gospel of John, where Jesus prays the speed limit was 20mph and motorists slowed that “they all may be one”, convinced these con- down and waved pedestrians across the wide, servative, Bush-supporting Southern Evangelicals blossom-lined boulevards. that Jesus wanted them to change, to diversify, to I loved the Farmers’ Market and the sophisti- create a new kind of multi-cultural Christian com- cated restaurants, but, best of all, was the well- munity, to see the immigrant populations living earned Sunday lunch after officiating at three amongst them as their new purpose and ministry. services - early Communion, Family Communion And so, demonstrating a truly remarkable will- and Sung Eucharist - as well as teaching two adult ingness to transform ingrained core values and classes, one Bible, one theology. And then friends, cultural attitudes, this church, which had been part laughter, sunshine, pancakes under the perfumed of the Baptist Convention - the Convention which jacaranda, the crisp acidity of ‘Pinot Grigio’, the had ostentatiously not supported civil rights - this smell of coffee, and the ritual sharing out of the church invited Nigerian, Filipino and Vietnamese massive weekend New York Times. groups to join its services and renamed the subse- Now and again on a damp Sunday evening in quent multi-ethnic amalgamation ‘The Clarkson Galway, after a phone call from California, I browse International Bible Church.’ a few nostalgic editions online. See how Hilary’s We’re not talking Disneyland here, but Georgia, doing; what the just up the rail- Dixie Chicks are way line from up to; check out Stone Mountain, the latest health ‘ ... if the blacks thought they could one-time strong- scares and mov- hold of the Ku ies; read the take over his church, Klux Klan, so book reviews then they had another think coming’ not everybody and the edito- experienced the rials; wince at call to change. the latest Bush Some struggled. gaffe; read what Katharine’s been saying and what Some were resentful, felt they’d lost their iden- they’ve been saying about Katharine. Today, a story tity. Some left. But now, every Sunday morning at about a Southern Baptist church in Georgia, light 11.00am, traditional Southerners arrayed in their years away from liberal California, but unsettlingly Sunday best worship alongside parishioners from close to twenty-first century Galway, stopped me, 15 countries. moved me deeply. Everybody’s had to make sacrifices; sedate old Martin Luther King’s contention that 11.00am Baptist hymns have been replaced by guitars and on a Sunday morning was the most segregated loud praise music; the ethnic communities have part of the week was certainly true of this once had to worship in English; sermons have become exclusively-white congregation, but, over ten shorter and simpler to accommodate the needs of years, a flood of refugees and economic migrants those who are learning the new language; and the changed small-town Clarkson radically. after-service pot luck lunches feature ingredients Nearly half the town became foreign born. The never before seen in Georgia. schools were filled with children who couldn’t When I think about the unfamiliar languages I speak English and, when a church-generated sur- hear daily on the streets of Galway, of the many vey predicted that soon blacks and immigrants nationalities represented in our church, and the would outnumber whites, many became angry. occasional disturbing reference to “real Church Indeed, one deacon stood up in a public meeting of Ireland people”, I’ll remember Clarkson. “Jesus to promise that, if the blacks thought they could said heaven is a place for people of all nations”, take over his church, then they had another think its pastor says. “So, if you don’t like Clarkson, you coming. People began to feel uneasy, alienated, won’t like heaven.” Right. CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE Crosbhealaí FRIDAY 18 JANUARY 2008 - 13 Aonghus Dwane Beirt chara na Gaeilge in Eaglais na hÉireann ar shlí na fírinne háinig scéal an-bhrónach pearsanta as cultúr na nGael a chugainn roimh Nollag bhlaiseadh athuair. Tnuair a chualathas go raibh Chuir Des bunús úr le seirb- bás gan choinne faighte ag beirt hís bliaintiúil na Saoránachta, chara maith leis an nGaeilge. agus chinn sé i 2006 ar an tseir- Bhásaigh Déan Ardteampaill bhís cathartha seo a roinnt le Chríost, Desmond Harman, i leas-Ardeaglais (Chaitliceach ndiaidh tinneas gairid, gan ach Rómhánach) Mhuire gach dara 66 bliana slánaithe aige. bhliain. D’fhill an tseirbhís ar Ceapadh Des mar Déan ar an Ardteampall Chríost i 2007, ardeaglais go luath sa bhliain agus chuir Des an Ghaeilge go 2004, agus rinne sé an-obair lárnach isteach ann, le léachtaí chun daoine a thabhairt le chéile agus orthaí sa teanga. ar bhealaí éagsúla. Bhí sean- Fear lách, umhal, cneasta a cheangal ag Cumann Gaelach bhí i Des, cé go raibh sé léannta Ag an taispeántas ealaíne Amra Choluim Chille, Meán Fómhair na hEaglaise leis an ardeaglais, 2007: (ón chlé) an ealaíontóir Brian Ferran, an Déan Desmond agus uaillmhianach dá phobal agus bhíodh seirbhís míosúil Harman nach maireann, an tAire Stáit Trevor Sargent TD agus féin agus dá eaglais. Bhí bealach Gaeilge ann, i Séipéal Mhuire na Risteárd MacGabhann, cathaoirleach Cholmcille. deas aige agus é ag plé le dao- hardeaglaise, mar aon le seirb- chun a thacaíocht a leiriú don Cumann Gaelach na hEaglaise ine. Níl luaite anseo ach an dea- hís bliaintiúil do Seachtain na imeacht, agus d’fhan sé i dteach leaganacha úra Gaeilge den saothar a rinne sé don Ghaeilge, hAontacha Chríostaí. Bhí Des Una Bhean Chóilí ar an oileán, Magnificat agus Nunc Dimittis in achar gearr ama. Is cinnte sásta tógáil ar seo. mar a d’fhan iar-ardeaspag le Siomón MacÉil, agus léiríodh go raibh maitheas breise fós Cúis bhróid do morán dao- Bhaile Átha Cliath Dónall Caird don chéad uair iad i Meán le déanamh aige. Fágann sé a ine a bhí ann nuair a léiríodh agus a bhean cheile, Nancy Fómhair. Shocraigh Des fosta bhean, Sue, a hiníonacha Lynne leaganacha Gaeilge le Caitríona fosta. Ba léir go ndeachaigh an go ndéanfaí an cumadóir cáiliúil agus Karen, agus a mhac Mark Ní Dhubhghaill, de chainticí t-oileán, agus an t-atmaisféar Seoirse Bodley a choimisiúnú ina dhiaidh. Mhuire agus Shimeoin (an nádúrtha Gaealch ann, go mór i chun aintiúin nua chorúil a Mar bharr an an mbrón, fuair Magnificat agus an Nunc gcion ar Des. Dúirt sé ag seisiún chumadh don Cór, agus nuair Leaslaoi Ó Briain bás ar an lá Dimittis) san Ardeaglais críochnaitheach na scoile go a moladh Amra Choluim Chille céanna ar éag Des, in aois a Náisiúnta i Washington le linn an raibh sé féin spreagtha anois dó mar bhun-théacs, ghlac Des 56. Runaí Onórach ar Chumann turas a thug Cór na hArdeaglaise chun cúpla focal a fhoghlaim, go fonnmhar leis. Gaelach na hEaglaise a bhí ann ar Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá, i agus ba léir gur ábhar sásamh Thug an Ardeaglais, agus ó bhí sé ina dhalta ollscoile, mí an Mhárta 2006. Sa bhliain dó a fheiceáil go bhféadfadh Des go pearsanta, tacaío- agus bhí sé ina leabharlannaí céanna, tháinig an Ardeaglais ceangal a bheith ag duine mar é, cht stóinseach don fhéile a cúnta i gColáiste na Trionóide, le chéile le Áras Éanna, ionad as chúlra Eaglais na hÉireann, le eagraíodh i mí Meán Fómhair Baile Átha Cliath. Rinne sé ealaíona ar Inis Oírr, Oileáin cultúr mór na Gaeilge. Luaigh sé 2007, Colmcille @ Árdteampall sár-obair ag eagrú imeachtaí Árann, chun scoil samhraidh i ndiaidh sin go raibh sé tosaithe Chríost- céiliúradh ar an an Chumainn, go háirithe na a eagrú dar teideal “Ceangal ar cluas a thabhairt do Raidió na gcaidreamh spioradálta agus seirbhísí rialta Gaeilge. Bhí ról Dhá Chultúr”- céiliúradh ar na Gaeltachta ó ham go chéile. cultúrtha idir Gaeil na hÉireann lárnach aige sa dá choimisiún nascanna idir an cultúr Angla- Spreag Des forbairtí ar agus na hAlban. D’fhreastal sé chórúil anuraidh, a luadh Éireannach agus cultúr traid- liotúirge Gaeilge na hardeaglaise, ar imeachtaí uilig an lae- na thuas. Cailliúint mhór a bhás isiúnta na nGael le linn ré na agus bhí seirbhisí canta Gaeilge léachtaí ar Naomh Colmcille, don chumann, a dúirt Daithí Ó hathbheochana. Bhain Des an- d’Urnaí na Nóna (Evensong) an taispeantas ealaíne Amra Maolchoille, Cisteoir Onórach sult as na himeachtaí acadúla san ardegalais trí huaire- uair Choluim Chille, agus an ceol- an Chumainn. agus soisialta le linn na scoile. amháin i 2006 agus faoi dhó i choirm Gaeilge/Gàidhlig “Èirinn Ar dheis Dé go raibh a Tháinig sé síos go hInis Oírr, 2007. Anuraidh, choimisiúnaigh is Alba”- ag baint pléisiúr mór n-anamacha uaisle.

The Evangelical Fellowship SPIRITUAL REALITY of Irish Clergy in Everyday Life Training Tomorrow’s Ministers Daily readings for Lent by Bryan Follis, Rector, All Saints’ Parish, Belfast with “This study seeks to help us know Christ afresh, experience the daily Richard Turnbull reality of the Holy Spirit and live a life which honours God.” Published by the Church of Ireland Evangelical Fellowship (Wycliffe Hall, Oxford) in Price: £2.50/€3.50 (for individual copies by post, add £0.70/€1.00) St Saviour’s, Dollingstown, Co. Armagh Copies may be obtained from: 28th January; 10.30am - 3.00pm CIEF Publications, 15 Pond Park Road, Lisburn BT28 3LE Contact: William Press, tel. 4376 8246. Tel. 9267 7244. 14 - FRIDAY 18 JANUARY 2008 Advertising CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE

THE SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH Diocese of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane RECTOR Holy Trinity Dunfermline with St Margaret’s Rosyth, Fife We are looking to appoint a prayerful, faithful priest, pastor and teacher who will help us meet the challenges and opportunities which face us as congregations in a rapidly-expanding area of West Fife.

The rector is based in Dunfermline, an attractive city which has its history in early Christianity. The population of both Dunfermline and Rosyth is fast-growing, presenting many possibilities for Toni has two ministry and outreach. It has good travel links to the rest of Scotland and to Edinburgh airport. questions… There is an attractive, modern rectory and local schools are within walking distance. Could you help us Information, including profiles and an application form, can be obtained from: answer them? Fay Cuthbertson, 10 Scotland Drive, Dunfermline KY12 7SY, or by email: [email protected]. Closing date for applications is 22nd February 2008. Toni is one child who needs a foster Interviews will take place on home. There are others. 14th March 2008 in Dunfermline. Barnardo’s Professional Fostering Service is seeking to recruit foster carers who have experience of caring for children, time and energy to commit to a child, and a spare bedroom.

We need foster carers who can commit to a child until he/she is at least 18 years of age or who can offer short-breaks (e.g. weekend stays).

Whether you are single, married or living with a partner, as long as you are over 21 years of age, with no children under 4 years and live within an hour’s travelling distance of Belfast, then we would love to hear from you. The Down Group of Parishes In return Barnardo’s offer an allowance and a fee A recently formed Group of Parishes Closing Date circa £19,500 per annum, training and career for applications: based around Down Parish Church in 31st January 2008. development, and 24 hour support. Downpatrick with a membership of 225 families seek Address details: Please contact Barnardo’s Professional Fostering Service on 02890 652288 The Bishop of (Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm). RECTOR Down and Dromore, Church of Ireland House, 61-67 Donegall Street, www.barnardos.org.uk The people of the Parish want to Belfast, BT1 2QH. We believe in embracing diversity • develop and deepen their faith. Please mark envelope and fl exible working. ‘Parish Vacancy’ • maintain good community Barnardo’s Registered Charity Nos 216250 relations. and SC037605. • look beyond themselves to the needs of the wider world.

Modern rectory available. JOIN US IF YOU BELIEVE IN CHILDREN CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE Advertising FRIDAY 18 JANUARY 2008 - 15

FLORIDA: 4-bedroom villa with private pool. Also 4-bedroom condominium. Close to Disney parks. Tel. Jennifer 028 4372 2050. Web: www.floridasunbreaks.co.uk. CHURCH OF IRELAND WANTED - OLD AND SECONDHAND BOOKS: Theology, Church history, Bible commentaries, Irish interest, etc. Good BOARD OF prices paid for libraries and smaller lots. Will travel to collect. Phone John Gowan, 028 6634 1239, or fax. 028 6634 1844 EDUCATION NI Women’s World Day Holy Trinity of Prayer ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Parish Church (Interdenominational) Friday The Board of Education NI seeks an administrative assistant Brantry (Caledon) 7th March 2008 to provide a full range of clerical and administrative support Service prepared by services. Co. Tyrone Christian Women

of Guyana This full-time position is based in Church of Ireland House, requires a Theme: God’s part-time organist. Wisdom Provides Belfast. The successful candidate will be experienced in clerical/ New Understanding administrative work and will possess proven administrative and See local press for details organisational skills, including keyboard skills and proficiency Please telephone and venues, or Contact: Margaret Sloan, in a range of standard computer applications, in addition to 3756 8348 tel. 9079 6121. team working, communication and interpersonal skills.

The Board of Education NI supports the work of the Church CHURCH FURNITURE: of Ireland in areas relating to education, child protection and made and restored, children’s ministry in Northern Ireland. Billy McCormick. Phone: Saintfield 9751 9226. For details/application form; email: [email protected] or contact: The Secretary, Board of Education NI, Church of Ireland House, 61-67 Donegall Street, Belfast BT1 2QH (tel. 028 9023 1202).

Closing date for receipt of completed applications is Friday 8th February 2008. Equipping the Saints Two seminars on Prayer led by the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Revd Alan Abernethy Seminar One How would you describe prayer? What is prayer? Why pray? NORTHERN IRELAND MIXED Belfast Castle: Tuesday 5th February MARRIAGE ASSOCIATION Comfort Inn, Antrim: Monday 11th February Royal Court Hotel, Portrush: Tuesday 19th February Seminar Two Information, mutual support A practical session looking at liturgical prayer, and advice for all involved signs and symbols for prayer, journaling, silence and meditation in mixed marriages Belfast Castle: Monday 25th February Comfort Inn, Antrim: Tuesday 4th March Royal Court Hotel, Portrush: Monday 10th March Tel. (028) 9023 5444 Fax. (028) 9043 4544 Each seminar is from 7.30pm to 9.30pm

Places are limited; booking essential NIMMA, 28 Bedford Street, Belfast BT2 7FE For further information and booking details, contact: Rosemary Patterson (Bishop’s Secretary), tel. 9031 0128, or Email: [email protected] Peter Hamill (Connor Diocesan Training Co-ordinator), tel. 9185 7827 www.nimma.org.uk 16 - FRIDAY 18 JANUARY 2008 News Extra CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE Bishops’ Appeal launches 2008 Lenten AIDS campaign

Pictured at the launch of the Bishops’ Appeal Lenten campaign in At the Dublin launch are (left to right) Ruth Handy, the Revd Ian St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, are (left to right) Tim Magowan, Poulton, Reuben Coulter (Tearfund), Martin O’Connor, Victor Alison Rooke, Deborah Doherty and Dean Patrick Rooke. Henriquez and the Revd Olive Donohoe. he 2008 Bishops’ Appeal The Dublin launch took and raising awareness of the faith communities alike”. Lenten campaign - place in St George and St stigma about HIV and AIDS As part of the campaign, a T‘The Body of Christ has Thomas’ church, off O’Connell through youth programmes pack, including a CD, posters AIDS’ - was launched recent- Street, and was attended and activities within the and teaching materials, will ly at services in Armagh and by Bishops’ Appeal mem- wider community”. be sent to every Church of Dublin. bers - the Revd Ian Poulton, Speaking at the launch in Ireland parish in the coun- Parishes will be invited to the Revd Olive Donohoe Dublin, Victor Henriquez, try. These resources include raise funds over Lent for this and Ruth Handy - and the on behalf of Christian Aid, prayer and worship sugges- special appeal, which will Bishops’ Appeal Education said that the money raised tions. A special stand (as specifically benefit projects Adviser, Martin O’Connor. through the campaign for shown in the photographs working with people liv- The rector of St George and Christian Aid would be used above) may be borrowed by ing with HIV and AIDS. The St Thomas’, Canon Katharine to assist partner organisa- contacting Alison Rooke, tel. campaign is a joint initiative Poulton, was also present. tion, Anerela+ (the African 3751 8447. between Bishops’ Appeal, In Armagh, Tim Magowan Network of Religious Leaders Christian Aid and Tearfund. said: “Sexual violence during Living with or Affected by Appointment The appeal was launched the recent civil war in Liberia AIDS). Mr Henriquez added: The Very Revd F. J. Gordon in St Patrick’s Cathedral, was often used against “Since 2003, Anerela+ has Wynne, Rector of the Armagh, by Dean Patrick women and children, thus trained and mobilized over Dunleckney Group of Rooke and Alison Rooke, heightening the HIV infec- 2,000 religious leaders, most- Parishes, to be Rector of the who serves on the Bishops’ tion rate.” ly, though not exclusively, Leighlin Group of Parishes Appeal Committee. Mr Magowan added: “This Christian. Networks of reli- and also Co-ordinator of Speaking at the launch were appeal will help Tearfund to gious leaders living with, and Continuing Ministerial Deborah Doherty, Church tackle the spread of HIV and personally affected by, HIV Education and Adult and Community Manager, AIDS in communities which have been established in 17 Theological Learning for the Christian Aid Ireland; and are rebuilding after the civil countries in Africa and these United Dioceses of Cashel Tim Magowan, Regional war by building the capacity have succeeded in challeng- and Ossory, and remaining Manager of Tearfund in of local churches to respond, ing stigma and discrimina- Dean of Leighlin, all Diocese Northern Ireland. targeting high risk groups tion amongst faith and non- of Leighlin.

Conference designed to encourage those Ordering in ordained ministry the Gazette he Church Pastoral Aid sessions which will address a regular speaker in the New For full details about Society (CPAS) is organ- issues such as how the minis- Wine Network, and the Revd placing an order for Tizing a one-day event try of women can enhance the Rosie Ward, CPAS’s Leadership The Church of Ireland Gazette for church leaders entitled life of the Church; achieving Development Adviser, whose locally or by post or online ‘Help! I’m an ordained leader’ a healthy balance in the vari- book, Growing Women (PDF format), in Magheralin church hall, ous demands of ministry; and Leaders: nurturing women’s simply telephone Magheralin, Co. Armagh, on staying fresh in preaching. It is leadership in the Church, will our office at 028 9267 5743 (prefix 048 from the Wednesday 30th January, from hoped there will be something be published this spring; she Republic of Ireland; 10.00am to 3.30pm. for everyone in the ordained is involved in many aspects of 0044 28 from overseas). The day is designed to be ministry. leadership development, with Office hours: Mon. - Fri., as relevant to those starting The main speakers will be a frequent focus on women in 9.00am - 1.00pm out in a new parish as to those the Revd John Dunnett, who leadership. Outside office hours, looking ahead to retirement, has been General Director of (For further information please leave your name and but determined to finish CPAS since September 2006, a contact the Revd Paul Hoey, number on our answerphone well. The event will include member of General Synod and tel. 028 [RoI 048] 6632 9655.) and we will call you back.