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FRIDAY 11 JANUARYG 2008 awww.gazette.ireland.anglican.org z e t E st. 1856 t Price e 50p/75c Canadian House of Bishops criticised over communications policy
he editorial comment in last month’s issue of the Tmonthly, independent Canadian national Anglican newspaper, Anglican Journal, has cited “the trend within the House of Bishops to take segments of their meet- ings and their deliberations behind closed doors” as one example of how “the goals of effective communication are not always met”. The editorial recalled how last year’s Canadian General Synod had com- mended a document enti- tled ‘Vision and Principles of Communications’, which had indicated that communica- tion in the Church should be “respectful of others” and “should reflect God’s mission and be timely, accurate and participatory”. The commu- nications process was seen in the document as enabling Church members “to respond, to converse, to reprove, to add and to enliven both the proc- Anglican Journal editor, Leanne Larmondin (Photo: Saskia Rowley) ess and the product”. The Anglican Journal edito- issue letters to the Church at wider Church. However, in members of the Church are rial said the document had the conclusion of their meet- choosing to open this line expected to understand and also asserted, critically, that ings. of communication, they are accept their leaders’ deci- “in order to be effective and The newspaper comment- at the same time cutting off sions and actions, it is impor- responsible, communication ed that, speaking in favour another line - the media, tant for them to hear about must be transparent, timely of taking part of their meet- through which much of the the deliberations that led up and accurate”. ing behind closed doors and wider Church habitually to those conclusions. If they The leader comment communicating those con- receives its information. do not comprehend the con- indicated that the media – versations later in a letter to “While the House of Bishops text behind the bishops’ deci- in particular, the Anglican the Church, Bishop Victoria is not an elected body … and sions and statements, there Journal itself – had tradition- Matthews of Edmonton had is therefore not accountable are bound to be misunder- ally enjoyed relatively liberal asked: “Do we speak for our- to the wider Church in the access to meetings of the selves or let the press speak same way [as elected bodies], standings … Transparency is House of Bishops. In the last for us?” the bishops nonetheless do the key.” year, though, it said that the The editor, Leanne make decisions at their meet- The Church of Ireland bishops had “drafted their Larmondin, commented: ings that affect the Canadian House of Bishops is always a meeting agendas with ses- “The bishops are to be com- Church and those meetings closed meeting and does not sions that are closed to out- mended for wanting to com- are covered by the nation- issue any accounts of its busi- siders”, instead choosing to municate directly with the al Church’s budget … If the ness following its meetings. editorial 2 • Home news 3 - 5 • World news 6 • Statements/Letter 7 • Focus 8 & 9 2 - FRIDAY 11 JANUARY 2008 Gazette View CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE
The Church of Ireland Ga z e t t e Editorial
Editorial, Advertising and Circulation 3, Wallace Avenue, Lisburn BT27 4AA THE DOCTRINE COMMISSION Telephone: 028 9267 5743 (from Republic 048 9267 5743) Fax: 028 9266 7580 n 2004, the bishops of the Church together. The Doctrine Commission (as e-mail:[email protected] www.gazette.ireland.anglican.org of Ireland established a Church it is now widely known in ‘shorthand’) Hours: 9.00am - 1.00pm of Ireland Bishops’ Advisory simply should not have been set up as Editor: I Canon Ian Ellis Commission on Doctrine. However, as it was. Assistant Editor: The Revd Clifford Skillen any distinction between, on the one So far, the bishops’ Doctrine Freelance Journalist: hand, the bishops meeting as a group Commission has produced the docu- Harry Allen Assistant Editor Online: and, on the other hand, the House of ment, The Authority of Scripture (2006). The Revd Craig McCauley Office Manager: Bishops, is difficult to keep clear, the However, when one looks at this pub- Ella McLoughlin Office Administrator: move to establish the Commission lication, one finds that it is a series of Leah Grant was questionable from the outset. It five essays written independently by Classified Advertisements became more questionable when it was members of the Commission. It is not (which must be prepaid) £8 / €12 (maximum 20 words); announced that the Commission was an agreed report at all, however inter- Semi Display and Display advertisements £5 / €8 to report specifically to the House of esting the contributors’ essays may be. per single column cm. (minimum 5cm); Bishops. Thus, the General Synod would Having said that, the document did 17.5% V.A.T. payable on all not be part of any reporting procedure. have six agreed theses on the subject of N.I. advertising. Advertisements should reach the The faith of the Church is a matter for Scriptural authority, but these covered above address on the Friday prior to date of publication. the whole Church. Certainly, bishops less than two pages in the 167-page
The views expressed in the features, must guard the faith, yet it is not their ‘report’. Moreover, they were elementary news reports, letters and book re- faith that they must guard by their office theses and it is certain that the bishops views are not necessarily those of the Editor. Editorial comment and but the Church’s faith. The teaching and did not need to go to the elaborate other articles do not necessarily con- tain the official views of the Church of guarding of the Church’s faith is a solemn lengths of establishing a Commission in Ireland. The Editor reserves the right obligation of all three sacred orders, and order to work them out. to decline any advertisement, letter or other material without assigning bishops have a special responsibility in The Doctrine Commission should be any reason. Publication of advertis- ments does not necessarily imply this, as in the areas of Church unity, dis- the subject of a major review and, if it is endorsement of products or services cipline and mission. Because the faith going to do more than advise the bish- advertised. that is to be guarded is the faith of the ops, it should have a clearer synodical
Registered as a newspaper whole Church, doctrine is very much basis and should be expected to reach at the G.P.O. Typesetting and Make-up by a matter for the General Synod as a real consensus on the topics it address- In-House Publications whole, that is, the House of Bishops and es. A range of views on whatever subject Tel: 028 3835 5060 Printed by the House of Representatives - bish- - and as in The Authority of Scripture - Spectator Newspapers, Bangor ops, clergy and people - deliberating can easily be found elsewhere.
Liturgical Notes Revised Common Lectionary 13th January 20th January The Festival of the Baptism of Christ The Second Sunday after The Epiphany The First Sunday after The Epiphany Liturgical colour: White Liturgical colour: White Friday 25th January is the festival of the Conversion of St Paul; White The Old Testament reading from Isaiah 42: 1-7 describes the Servant of the Lord, God’s chosen, in whom his soul delights. The Old Testament reading from Isaiah 49: 1-7 describes the call- These are words echoed by the Voice heard by Jesus as he came ing of God’s Servant to reveal the Lord as a light to the nations. up from his baptism by John, described in the Gospel, Matthew 3: Psalm 40: 1-12 reflects the calling of the Messiah in willing obedi- 13-17. From this time on, Jesus would interpret his Messiahship ence. in terms of the Servant depicted in Isaiah. In the first of a series of second readings from 1 Corinthians Psalm 29 proclaims that the voice of the Lord is upon the 1 - beginning with 1-9 - Paul gives thanks for the calling of the waters. Corinthians to be Christians. In his speech recounted in the second reading from Acts 10: The Gospel reading, John 1: 29-42, is an account of the calling of 34-43, Peter makes clear that the ministry of Jesus as the true the first disciples. Messiah began with his baptism by John. ANGLICAN CYCLE OF PRAYER ANGLICAN CYCLE OF PRAYER Pray for the Anglican Church of Kenya. Pray for the Anglican Church of Australia. Benjamin Nzimbi is Archbishop of Kenya and Phillip John Aspinall is Archbishop of Brisbane and Bishop of All Saints’ Cathedral Diocese. Primate of Australia. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is also listed for prayer.
J.A.B.M. CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE Home News FRIDAY 11 JANUARY 2008 - 3 Lisburn parishioner and his special chair inspire new children’s book By Karen Bushby will be remembered forever,” his mother said, adding: “I young boy with a life- would like to write a series limiting illness is the of books, so David can go Astar of a new book on adventures here, there and aimed at giving children a everywhere to show other better understanding of dis- children that David can do ability. anything; he just needs his David McCarter, who is nine wheelchair and a little help.” years old and a parishioner Damien Wilson, Group of Christ Church, Lisburn, Editor of Johnston Publishing Diocese of Connor, is the (Northern Ireland), publish- inspiration behind David and ers of the book, told guests at his Wheels go to the Park, writ- the launch: “When I first met ten by his mother, Heather. David, I thought: ‘How could Illustrated by Gemma I cope?’ However, once I got Ramsden, the book was to know the family, I realised launched shortly before they did more than cope; they Christmas in Ceara Special have a very full life as a fam- School in Lurgan, Co. Armagh, ily, and this book is just a wee where David is a pupil. glimpse into that life.” Mrs McCarter, a classroom The Revd Paul Dundas, rec- assistant, wrote the book three years ago. She admitted she tor of Christ Church, said that never thought that she would David was well-known in the see it published; although she Heather McCarter, the author of David and his Wheels go to the Park parish, where his father was had always aspired to become (seated right), is pictured at the launch of her book with her son, involved in the Church Lads’ a published writer, she said David, and the Revd Paul Dundas and the Revd Diane Matchett, the Brigade (CLB). “A year ago, the that it was “absolutely amaz- rector and curate-assistant respectively of Christ Church, Lisburn. CLB presented some money ing to see your name in print up and speak to David when whom she described as her towards David’s wheelchair. in a bookshop, adding that they see him. I hope to get the inspiration and her life: “He On that day, there was not a the launch was “a very special book into schools, because in is the reason this book came dry eye in the church, when day for David; his dad, Gary; mainstream schools there are about in the first place”. Heather spoke on behalf and myself.” children, like David and his David was born with cer- of David. He is very much She continued: “It was writ- friends, who are being bullied ebral palsy and epilepsy and loved,” Mr Dundas added. ten for children at school to because children just don’t doctors did not expect him (David and his Wheels go help them better understand understand.” to live more than a year. “We to the Park is available from how David is and to make She went on to pay trib- know that David is life-limit- Easons and other bookshops, them feel that they can come ute to her “brave little boy” ed, but, through this book, he price £5.99.)
Albert Smallwoods (centre) presents a cheque for £4,100 to Bishop Ken Good (right) for children’s projects in India. Pictured at the annual service of the Church of Ireland Looking on is the Revd Derek Creighton of the Derry and Men’s Society (CIMS) held recently in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Raphoe Board of Mission and Unity. The money was raised Armagh, are (from left) Archbishop Alan Harper, Bishop Alan through donations from friends following Mr Smallwoods’ Abernethy (who was commissioned as the CIMS’s new chair- recent visit to India; it will be sent to Bishops’ Appeal and man), Dean Patrick Rooke and Wilfred Young (CIMS honorary distributed through Christian Aid. secretary). 4 - FRIDAY 11 JANUARY 2008 Home News CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE Tribute The Revd George William Browne The following is an abridged ver- School to select vestry, and the service and in the service of sion of the address of the Ven. faith which was nurtured there the God who had called him. George Davison at the funeral played such an important part Like so many of our non-sti- service of the Revd George Browne in his life. pendiary clergy, he worked long in Oughteragh parish church, George felt the call of God in hours, and gave more of himself Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, on his life, not only to be a faith- than would have been asked or Monday 10th December 2007. ful follower, but also to be one expected, visiting, leading wor- eorge Browne was born who was a preacher of the Good ship and sharing in the work of just over 65 years ago on News. It was over 30 years ago parish life. G11th October 1942. He that he was first licensed as a lay And yet he still had a wider was the eldest child of Samuel reader by Bishop Edward Moore ministry in the diocese: the con- and Susan Browne and a source and in the years which followed, nections made over the years of great joy to them. Along with what service he gave to the par- meant that he was a welcome his sisters, Annie and Margaret, ishes of this diocese! visitor at harvests and other spe- George grew up on the family It will not surprise you to cial occasions. On a personal farm at Corgar, where, indeed, bours and was glad to be able to know that George reckoned that note, George was a great help he lived his whole life. give a hand in return or to enjoy he had led worship in every par- to me organising the duty rota a chat with them when there I would like to extend my sym- ish throughout the length and for the diocese; on occasions, was a moment or two to spare. pathies to George’s wife, Pearl breadth of the diocese. In dif- he would rearrange his own rota As all of us knew, there was – a tremendous support to him, ficult days, when clergy were to free a reader to help me out, nothing George enjoyed more not only in his ministry but also maybe even scarcer than they or, indeed, he would help out than a chat and the opportunity in every aspect of life for their are now, George Browne would himself. to catch up on the latest news! happy and fulfilling twenty-two get in his car and drive here, I think if I was asked to sum When he was just 18 years old, years together – to George’s sis- there and everywhere, in fair George up in one word it would George joined the little Orange ters and the whole family. weather and in storm, to play be ‘faithful’. He was so depend- lodge which met at Corgar. It George spent the whole of his part in making sure that the able – if he said he would be was the beginning of a life- his education locally here at worshipping life of the people somewhere or do something, long association with the Loyal Oughteragh National School. continued. His sincere and you could be sure that it would Orders from which he gained so He was an able boy who loved faithful ministry was appreci- happen. And that was what much in terms of friendship and to read, an interest he was ated by all. endeared him to so many. interest. It goes without saying never to lose and he devoured that he in turn gave a great deal It was my privilege as George worked continuously, newspapers and books all his in return, more than we could Diocesan Director of Ordinands and he even kept going when life. He obtained a scholarship possibly mention today. to assist George through the his health was not as good as which would have enabled him He was Co. Grand Master process which led to selection, it ought to have been. And yet to attend Cavan Royal School. of the Grand Orange Lodge of training and ordination. In this, he was in good form over this However, there was plenty of Leitrim, a position he had occu- as in so many other aspects last little while – many of you work to be done on the farm pied for the last 25 years. In of his life, George was very will have been in his company and Sam Browne felt that his son addition, he was also Deputy thorough and we spent many at the senior citizens’ party in would be better employed work- Grand Master of the Royal Black hours together as he prepared Carrigallenon last Thursday, or ing alongside him; so George’s Institution in Co. Cavan and a for interview, and then worked at the Girls’ Friendly Society/ lifetime career in farming began Past President of the Apprentice through coursework and essays, Boys’ Brigade enrolment in at the age of 14. Boys Club in Cavan. with Pearl sitting in the car out- Killeshandra on Friday evening. George took a great interest But though he took great pride side! His sudden passing the fol- in the farm, and particularly in in these positions, what meant It was with a sense of great lowing morning, whilst working his cattle. He was a quiet, gentle most to him was the opportu- fulfilment that George was on the farm, has sent a shock sort of a man and he had a great nities for friendship which he ordained deacon in Kilmore through us all. What will we do? love for the animals which were found in the various organisa- Cathedral in June 2002. He had How will we cope? How do we in his care. That applied equally tions. He loved to meet with done his training placement in face the future? Many answers to all creatures, whether the lat- others and he would travel the Florencecourt with the Revd will have to be worked out. est, new-born calf or the family length of the country to attend a Mark Watson and after ordina- George was a small man in stat- cat or even the pheasant or the meeting or a service or a parade. tion, he went to work alongside ure, but he leaves a big gap in so pigeon which had begun to visit I know from speaking to just a the Revd Sue Patterson in the many places. regularly, because a soft-hearted few of his friends in the Orders Kildallon and Arva groups, tak- George had a strong faith George could be relied on as a that he will be greatly missed ing over the care of the parishes and a strong sense of calling. source of food. there, as in so many other when Sue moved to be Dean of At this time, when we feel so He was a good neighbour and spheres of life. Killala; latterly, he also worked great a sense of loss, the faith a well thought-of member of the George, however, had always with the Revd Geoff Wilson in which meant so much to George community. As in all farming something else on his mind. He Swanlinbar. And he blossomed! teaches us that nothing can sep- communities, neighbours mean had, from his earliest days, been George loved his work as an arate us from the love of God in a great deal to one another, and a faithful member of this par- ordained minister. As the folk Christ Jesus and that God is real, George appreciated the friend- ish. He had been involved in all in those parishes will vouch, he present and passionately com- ship and support of his neigh- aspects of its life from Sunday gave himself tirelessly in their mitted to each one of us. CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE Home News FRIDAY 11 JANUARY 2008 - 5 Christian culture becoming ‘a thing of the past’ – reaction to first-ever NI religious knowledge survey
By Karen Jardine than the South. For example, tion where Protestants were edge, almost halved within Church attendance figures in considerably more likely to a generation, indicates that evels of religious knowl- the North were lower than in know the answer than Roman the Christian faith is becom- edge in Northern Ireland the South and now this poll Catholics). ing less meaningful to those Lare even lower than showed that levels of religious • Only 31 per cent of under 25 years of age. in the Republic of Ireland, knowledge were also lower. respondents could identify “The findings present according to a new opinion The survey found that Martin Luther as the man a serious challenge to the poll conducted by Millward levels of religious knowl- who started the Reformation Church and those involved Brown Ulster on behalf of the edge among Northern and (Roman Catholics 30 per cent, in religious education, but it Iona Institute, the Evangelical Southern Roman Catholics Protestants 32 per cent). is all too easy to point the Alliance of Ireland (EAI) were roughly the same. The poll also found a finger. Older people of faith and the Evangelical Alliance However, in general, levels of marked difference between must seriously consider how (Northern Ireland). religious knowledge among the levels of knowledge they are passing on what they The poll, the first-ever Northern Protestants were among younger and older age know to future generations.” conducted on this subject in lower than among Northern groups. For example: Seán Mullan, of the Northern Ireland, was a fol- Evangelical Alliance of Roman Catholics. • Just 21 per cent of low-up to a similar religious Ireland, commented: Some of the key findings Northern Ireland respond- knowledge poll conducted “Following our poll at Easter, of the new Northern Ireland ents aged 16-24 could say in the Republic of Ireland on poll were: this poll again shows that the behalf of the Iona Institute that there were four Gospels, notion of Ireland, both North • Only 42 per cent of and the EAI, the results of as against 54 per cent of over- and South, being a Christian respondents in the North which were released last April. 65s. culture is becoming a thing could say that there were four This found low levels of basic • Just 17 per cent of of the past. The notion that Gospels (Roman Catholics 52 religious knowledge in the respondents in the younger Christianity can be transmit- per cent, Protestants 36 per population of the Republic age group could say the First ted through the culture from cent). of Ireland, especially among Commandment, as against one generation to the next is young people. • Only 55 per cent of 46 per cent of the older age clearly no longer valid. The latest poll allows a respondents could name the group. “These findings present comparison between levels Holy Trinity (Roman Catholics Responding to the opin- a challenge to all those of religious knowledge both 65 per cent, Protestants 45 ion poll, Stephen Cave, of who believe that the mes- in the North and South of per cent). the Evangelical Alliance sage of Jesus Christ needs the country and between • Only 60 per cent of (Northern Ireland), said: “The to be heard in Irish society. Northern Roman Catholics respondents could name results of this poll throw seri- Communicating that mes- and Northern Protestants. the first book of the Bible ous doubt on the claim that sage is not primarily the job of It found that, contrary to (Roman Catholics 54 per we are a ‘Christian country’. schools or state institutions; popular belief, Northern cent, Protestants 68 per Overall, the figures are not it is the job of those who still Ireland may be less religious cent). This was the one ques- good, but the drop in knowl- believe the message.” The Friends of the Charles Wood Summer School launched
By Tanya Fowles he Charles Wood Summer School has Tbeen running success- fully for the past 14 years. The objectives of the Summer School are to pro- mote the music of Charles Wood and his association with Armagh; to provide opportunities for people to develop and enhance skills associated with music in worship; and to present programmes of music to the highest achievable stand- The Mayor of Armagh, Cllr Charles Rollston (front row, centre), is pictured at a civic reception ards within both a concert at the Palace for members of the Charles Wood Summer School committee at the launch of the and liturgical context. Friends of the Charles Wood Summer School. Due to the project’s long members to receive advance The annual subscription are available from the success, a support group notice of all events, as well is £30 for an individual and Tourist Information Centre, – the Friends of the Charles as invitations to receptions £200 for corporate member- Armagh, or from members Wood Summer School – has and pre-concert talks by the ship. of the Charles Wood Summer been formed. This will enable visiting conductor. (Membership forms School committee.) 6 - FRIDAY 11 JANUARY 2008 World News CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE Dr Tutu hopeful for Advertising Christianity he Australian Bible adaptation of Ian McEwan’s Kenyan peace Society says a national book, Atonement, which Tadvertising campaign shows from 26th December, sponsored by several denom- the biggest day of the movie- inations aims to renew public going year. interest in Christianity. Churches which participate The campaign uses Internet in the campaign host events and television advertise- for their local community ments to support evangelism under the ‘Jesus - All about by local Churches around the Life’ banner. nation. “The strength of the cam- The Roman Catholic paign is that the more local Church’s first cinema adver- churches put in, the more tising campaign began in 36 they benefit. Our challenge cinemas nationally on 6th is to get the local Church December with 15-second switched on,” said Martin advertisements screened Johnson, communications alongside US comedian Jerry manager for the campaign, Archbishop Desmond Tutu Seinfeld’s animated feature, adding: “We want to motivate Bee Movie. The ads were also quiet Christians to share their obel Peace Prize lau- Cape Town said the Kenyan to be shown alongside the film faith”. [ENI] reate Archbishop leader had indicated he was NDesmond Tutu says ready for a coalition govern- he has great hopes that a ment if the opposition accept- Polish nun’s ‘dream’ recipe peaceful resolution can be ed his terms. The violence Polish nun who thought ipe books have already sold reached between Kenyan began after it was announced up her best cake recipe 850,000 copies, was speak- parties engaged in a violent that Mr Kibaki had won in Ain a dream and whose ing at the launch of the Sister conflict after presidential what was seen as a close vote cookery books have become Anastazja’s Cookery School elections. in the election for president national bestsellers has now DVD. “There is a great deal held on 27th December. released a special DVD con- She said she had inherited of hope since the ODM The South African cler- taining tips about her culi- some recipes from her parents [the opposition Orange ic arrived in Kenya on 3rd nary masterpieces. and others from older nuns, Democratic Movement party] January after a call from “When I first joined my but had thought up most of and the government have Mvume Dandala, a former order, I asked to work in the them herself, including the indicated they are open to leader of South Africa’s kitchen,” Sister Anastazja best, ‘A Nun’s Secret’, which negotiations, with one strong Methodist Church and now Pustelnik, a member of the came to her in a dream. condition on the part of the General Secretary of the Roman Catholic Church’s “I made the cake in my government that the violence Nairobi-based All Africa Daughters of Divine Love, sleep,” Sister Anastazja told will have to end first,” Dr Tutu Conference of Churches. explained to a recent spe- journalists. “When I woke up told journalists last week. Dr Dandala is among cially-convened press confer- in the morning, I wrote it all On the same day, Dr Tutu Church leaders seeking to ence at the Polish Bishops’ down and then cooked it in met President Mwai Kibaki. play a peacemaking role in Conference secretariat. the kitchen, and it turned out The former Archbishop of the country’s conflict. The nun, whose four rec- rather nicely.” [ENI] Jerusalem Bishop opposes alternative Anglican conference he Bishop of Jerusalem A group of Anglican lead- Bishop Dawani. ence is a new development says he has not been ers who met in Nairobi in The conference’s website threatening the worldwide Tinformed of a Holy December announced they described the meeting as Anglican Communion fol- Land meeting planned for would invite bishops, senior providing “opportunities for lowing the decision of the US June by a group which oppos- clergy and laity from every fellowship and care for those Episcopal Church to conse- es some Anglicans over their province of the Anglican who have decided not to tolerance of homosexuality, Communion to attend a 15th attend Lambeth”. crate an openly gay divorcee, adding that he believes it will to 22nd June meeting. Called Canon Chris Sugden, of the Rt Revd Gene Robinson, be divisive for the Anglican the Global Anglican Future Anglican Mainstream, attend- as Bishop of New Hampshire Communion. Conference, it is scheduled ed the Nairobi meeting, at in 2003. “Regrettably, I have not for one month ahead of the which bishops and others On 1st January, the been consulted about this Lambeth Conference. from East and West Africa, Presiding Bishop of the planned conference,” said “I am deeply troubled that Latin America, Australia, Episcopal Church, the Most Bishop Suheil Dawani in a 3rd this meeting, of which we Canada and Britain, were Revd Katharine Jefferts Schori, January statement. “The first had no prior knowledge, will present. Canon Sugden told I learned of it was through a import inter-Anglican con- ENI that the conference was was quoted on BBC radio as press release. We Anglicans flict into our diocese, which not a specific challenge to the saying the Church was “pay- who minister here have been seeks to be a place of wel- Lambeth Conference. ing the price for honesty over left out in the cold.” come for all Anglicans,” said The Jerusalem confer- sexuality”. [ENI] CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE Statements/Letter to the Editor FRIDAY 11 JANUARY 2008 - 7 Bill of Rights plan - political responses to Gazette editorial t the time of going to the Bill of Rights consultative agenda at all”. She added: “Any constitutional reform. Elected press, official com- process develops that they Bill of Rights must be able to representatives, not judges, Aments on the Gazette’s take ownership of it them- command significant cross- should be taking these deci- 4th January editorial have selves by expressing their own community support.” sions because elected repre- been issued by Sinn Fein’s views and opinions.” The leading DUP MLA con- sentatives, unlike judges, are Martina Anderson, MLA and cluded: “The DUP welcomes accountable to the people. the Democratic Unionist ARLENE FOSTER, DUP this timely intervention and “It is also important to note Party’s Arlene Foster, MLA. hope that those directing the that the Belfast Agreement The Ulster Unionist Party DUP MLA for Fermanagh Bill of Rights process will sit does not require any addition- issued a Party Statement. and South Tyrone and up and take notice.” al Bill of Rights for Northern Northern Ireland Executive Ireland beyond the already MARTINA ANDERSON, member, Arlene Foster, wel- ULSTER UNIONIST existing Human Rights SINN FEIN comed the intervention of the PARTY STATEMENT Act. The Agreement merely Gazette into the debate con- requires that the ‘scope’ for Sinn Fein’s Equality and cerning the proposed Bill of “The Church of Ireland supplementary rights is con- Human Rights spokesperson, Rights for Northern Ireland. Gazette has made an impor- sidered. After a decade of Foyle MLA Martina Anderson, Mrs Foster said: “This issue tant contribution to the deliberation and debate, no said that the Gazette’s “nega- has been discussed on the debate over suggestions made consensus has been reached tive comments” on the Bill of floor of the Northern Ireland by some for a Northern Ireland on this matter. The case for Rights needed “to be put into Assembly and the combined ‘Bill of Rights’. That such a supplementary rights there- perspective from a human representatives of the pro- respected Church newspaper fore remains unproven, with rights and equality perspec- Union community, from should draw attention to the significant sections of political tive”. across the Unionist spec- grave uncertainty felt by many opinion and important groups trum voiced their concerns in our society about Bill of Ms Anderson said there in civil society unconvinced of was “no hidden nationalist or regarding the process and Rights proposals should be a the need for rights additional republican agenda in seeking a the personalities involved in wake-up call to all involved in to those already enshrined in Bill of Rights”, and continued: the drawing up of a Bill of discussions on the subject. UK legislation. “We are all trying to develop a Rights for the Province. The “As stated by Gazette editor, “The Ulster Unionist Party Bill of Rights that protects the intervention of the Church of Canon Ellis [BBC interview], has actively participated in the poorest and most vulnerable Ireland Gazette, a publication Northern Ireland already Bill of Rights Forum, ensuring in our society. We are working not known for making politi- possesses extensive human that the concerns shared by a with the parties and with civic cal utterances very often, is rights and equality legislation. broad swathe of our society in society to put the legacy of a reflective of the wider concern Above all, as part of the United conflict behind us so that col- that exists within the Unionist Kingdom, the Human Rights Northern Ireland are robustly lectively we can bring about a community over this issue.” Act already gives us a Bill of raised in the Forum’s proceed- society truly based on respect Mrs Foster said there were Rights, securing fundamental ings. It is very clear from the for human rights and equality some individuals involved in rights and liberties for all citi- Forum’s deliberations to date for all.” the drawing up of the Bill of zens. To move beyond this in that the consensus necessary She added: “We would ask Rights for Northern Ireland order to enshrine a particu- for extensive supplementary people from all sections of our “who seem determined to lar social or economic agenda rights (such as previously pro- society to reject well-mean- use the exercise as a Trojan is incompatible with parlia- posed by the Northern Ireland ing but ultimately destructive Horse for some of their politi- mentary democracy – a point Human Rights Commission) views around the Bill of Rights cal demands which have made in the Government’s does not exist.” potential and to ensure as nothing to do with a rights own recent Green Paper on • Report, back page Letter to the Editor – Combating HIV A British Medical Journal unfaithful husbands. Logic gan” - ABC. It claims to be The components of SAVE do article by five AIDS experts suggests that these husbands “abandoning ideology in favour have a place in addressing the (10/04/04) argued that in have ignored ABC; and that all of practical, accurate informa- AIDS crisis strategically, but Uganda, where HIV in adults teenage boys should be taught tion”. HIV is “a virus, not a the best protection for wives fell from 15% to 5% in a dec- that such behaviour is morally moral issue”. But are there not is the stark message for their ade, each component of the wrong. some dangerous half-truths husbands in a Ugandan poster ABC approach (Abstain, Be But Martin describes an here (and perhaps a little ide- included in the BMJ article: faithful, use a Condom) was alternative which “challenges” ology too)? HIV is a virus, but ‘Zero Grazing’. That moral needed. Debate was often ABC, preferring SAVE – Safe the spread of HIV by sexual message must not be sacrificed polarised between those who practices (abstinence, con- promiscuity is surely a moral on the altar of political cor- emphasised A or C, they said, doms, transfusions), Available issue. These women were not rectness. It would be tragic if and B was “the neglected mid- medication, Voluntary testing, betrayed by ABC, but by their dle child”. It seems obvious, Empowerment. The crucial husbands, who ignored ABC. the remarkably successful ABC but there would be no global “middle child” of marital faith- And will SAVE, by preaching were replaced by SAVE rather AIDS pandemic were it not for fulness is not just neglected, ‘empowerment’ of women but than being sensibly augment- multiple sexual partnerships. but abandoned. not promoting marital fidelity, ed by it. Martin O’Connor’s arti- Christian Aid’s website not increase the vulnerability Dermot O’Callaghan cle (Gazette, 30th November, claims that wives who get HIV of wives? True empowerment 27 Monument Road 2007) focuses on the plight of from their husbands have been of wives comes from teaching Hillsborough women who contract HIV from “betrayed by a 20-year-old slo- their husbands faithfulness. Co. Down BT26 6HT 8 - FRIDAY 11 JANUARY 2008 Focus on Republic of Ireland Census FRIDAY 11 JANUARY 2008 - 9 Continuity and change Garrett Casey examines the relevance for the Church of Ireland of some of the recently-released facts and figures on religion from the 2006 Republic of Ireland Census.
hen preliminary ship or joint Irish citizenship. Church of Ireland’s strong managers and professionals) Roman Catholics (54.37%). cultural organization (1.26%) results of the 2006 The overwhelming majority of presence in the countryside, - 35% compared with 31.8% 2.65% of Church of Ireland than average (1.38%). WCensus in the the remainder (19%) holds UK farming features prominently nationally - and in the I cate- members are separated and Republic of Ireland were citizenship, a large propor- among the occupations in gory (farmers) - 7.88% to 3.9% a similar percentage (2.7%) CARERS released last year (Gazette, tion of whom probably come which Church members are nationally. They are under- divorced. The figure for sepa- 20th April 2007), there was from Northern Ireland. The rations and divorces are high- The vital role of carers in general satisfaction in the next largest nationality among est amongst those who said society was also recognised Church of Ireland that it (the Church of Ireland members is they had no religion (7% sepa- with a new question in the Church) had bucked the trend Nigerian (1,404), followed by ‘ ... the Church of Ireland population rated or divorced). 2006 Census which asked each since before independence German (1,156), Lithuanian person whether or not they and, as in 2002, had shown (578) and South African (537). is older, on average, than the VOLUNTARY SECTOR had provided regular unpaid an increase in numbers, both 2% of the Church of Ireland population as a whole’ personal help to a friend or actual and as a percentage population in the Republic is The 2006 Census also family member with a long- of the overall population. from an African country, com- included a new question on term illness, health problem Considerable interest was pared with 0.8% of the popu- participation in voluntary or disability. 4.79% of Church also shown in the fact that lation as a whole, according to involved. 9.46% of Church represented in the DEFG cate- activities in recognition of of Ireland members over 15 an increasing proportion of The entrance to St Patrick’s church, Greystones, Co. Wicklow. the Census. of Ireland members over 15 gories (manual, non-manual, the importance of this sec- years of age said they had Church of Ireland members According to the 2006 Census in the Republic of Ireland, years of age are farming, fish- semi-skilled and unskilled) - tor in the economy and soci- (the national percentage was were of non-Irish nationality. Greystones has the highest proportion of Church of Ireland POPULATION SPREAD - ing or forestry workers, com- 31.8% to 41.5% nationally. ety. Respondents were asked 4.8%). Interestingly, Church Recently, the Central members (9.77%). TOWNS pared with a national average whether they had participated of Ireland carers were mostly Statistics Office released much of 4.42%. The Church is also AGE in voluntary work in a number female (61%), which was also Church of Ireland increased in region (Wicklow, Kildare and more detailed results from the According to the report, well represented among man- of categories in the four weeks the case for most other groups every county. The highest per- Meath) which grew by 1,885, Census on religion which give the town with the largest agers and executives (8.96%), On the subject of age, the prior to the date of the Census. surveyed. The exceptions were centage growth was in the west from 16,126 in 2002 to 18,011 a snapshot into the Church of Church of Ireland presence compared with the national Church of Ireland population The results showed higher Muslim carers, who were 62% where, in counties Galway, in 2006. Ireland population in a chang- as a proportion of the popu- average (6.36%). is older, on average, than the than average participation male, and carers who said they Mayo and Roscommon, the As has been the case his- ing and increasingly lation is Greystones, Co. By contrast, the Church population as a whole. 14.86% by Church of Ireland mem- had no religion, who were 53% diverse society. Wicklow (9.77% Church is significantly under- male. of Ireland), followed by represented among the POPULATION SPREAD - Wicklow (5.32%) and Gardaí and members of CONTINUITY AND COUNTIES ‘The numbers describing themselves Malahide, Co. Dublin the defence forces, with CHANGE (4.74%). Other towns in only 0.25% of Church ‘73% of Church of Ireland members hold Firstly, the new figures as members of the Church of Ireland other parts of the coun- of Ireland members of Readers will draw their show that the growth increased in every county’ try with substantial working age in these Irish citizenship or joint Irish citizenship’ own conclusions on what which was the cause of Church of Ireland pres- fields, compared with 1% these figures represent comment earlier in the ences include Passage nationally. They were also and their implications. year was spread fairly West (3.98%) and Bandon less likely to be working Undoubtedly, as the edi- Church of Ireland population torically for many years, the evenly across the country. (3.76%), both Co. Cork, and in central or local government of the Church of Ireland pop- bers, particularly in religious torial in the Church of Ireland grew by 18.7% from 2002 to Church of Ireland popula- The numbers describing Westport, Co. Mayo (3.67%). (1.44%) than average (2.97%). ulation is aged 65 or above, groups, churches, social or Gazette said when the prelim- 2006. The largest numerical tion, while it retains a pres- themselves as members of the The local authority area Unemployment amongst compared with 11.04% of charitable organisations. inary figures came out, the growth was in the mid-east ence throughout the country, with the largest number of Church of Ireland members the population as a whole, According to the figures, large number of immigrants is slightly more concentrated Church of Ireland members is slightly lower than the over- while 23.8% of the Church of 9.3% of Church of Ireland in the country poses pro- in the east and the border as a proportion of the popula- all population, at 4.12% com- Ireland population is aged 19 members aged 15 or over in the found challenges for both the counties than the population tion is Wicklow (6.88%), fol- pared to 4.45% nationally. or younger, compared with Republic of Ireland said they Church and Irish society as as a whole. Some 58% of the lowed by Cavan (6.21%), Dún Overall, in terms of socio- 27.23% of the population as were involved in voluntary a whole. Other parts of the Church of Ireland population Laoghaire-Rathdown (5.68%) economic groups, compared a whole. work “with a religious group or Census, however, emphasize lives in Leinster (compared and Donegal (4.47%). The Church”, compared with 4.2% the continuity of established with 54% of the national pop- Census also confirms that nationally. Similarly, 7.4% of patterns. ulation) and 10% in the coun- the Church of Ireland still Church of Ireland members Perhaps one of the 77 ties of Cavan, Monaghan and has a strong presence in the said they were involved in vol- Church of Ireland members of Donegal (compared with 6% countryside, with 47% of the ‘ ... a lower proportion of untary work with “a social or French nationality (according of the national population). Church of Ireland population Church of Ireland people are single charitable organisation”, com- to the Census) might put it living in rural areas (48% in pared with 5.7% nationally. By thus: Plus ça change, plus c’est NATIONALITY 2002), compared with 39% of than Roman Catholics’ contrast, Church of Ireland la même chose. the national population (40% members were less likely to On the issue of nationality, in 2002). be involved in voluntary work the Census results flesh out with the national population, The differing age structures with a sporting organization the initial figures released last OCCUPATIONS Church of Ireland members may explain why a lower pro- (4.77%) than average (5.41%) Garrett Casey is Dublin April. 73% of Church of Ireland are over-represented in the portion of Church of Ireland and marginally less likely to and Glendalough Diocesan Co. Wicklow is the county in the Republic of Ireland with the members hold Irish citizen- highest proportion of Church of Ireland members (6.88%). Unsurprisingly, given the ABC category (employers, people are single (47%) than be involved in a political or Communications Officer. 10 - FRIDAY 11 JANUARY 2008 Soap CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE
ear Mr Adams, School Evaluation’. A team It is with regret of inspectors would arrive Dthat I tender my and assess every aspect of resignation as Principal of school life. St David’s National School Now, it was acknowl- with effect from your receipt edged by everyone that of this letter. Emily ran a good school. I am doing this for the Her staff was loyal and the good of the school in which Board of Management was I have served for so many supportive. But it would happy years. mean that all the school I do not wish to discuss policies would have to be with you my reasons for this revised and updated. It decision, and ask you not was a prospect that filled to try to contact me or visit her with dread – Health me. and Safety, Admissions – I wish the school well for already there were a few the future – as I also wish appeals in the pipeline – you well in your ministry in Ethos, Outings, Mobile St David’s. phones. The list of policies I would ask that you to be revised was endless. respect my wishes. The more she thought Yours sincerely, about all that would have Emily Wilson. to be done, the more she panicked and the more she Tears slipped down drank. Emily’s cheeks as she signed Her sister had called to the letter and addressed see her just after Christmas, the envelope. but had got no answer. And Thirty-seven years was a then she got suspicious long time to spend in the as Emily’s car was parked one school. Not only a long outside. And through the time, but a lifetime! glass door she could see Emily had come to St post accumulating in the David’s National School By Ted Woods hall. Emily hadn’t men- when it had been just a tioned she was going away. two-teacher school and It was then she had begun gencies, when things got Her sister went round the she was the assistant. to drink. It helped her cope really difficult. Like, trying back and saw the kitchen Over the years, the school with her singleness. It was to deal with complaints in a mess – discarded cups, had grown and when the not by choice that she had from demanding parents, dirty plates and empty bot- principal resigned, she had remained unmarried, but, of whom there was an tles of vodka and whiskey. applied and been appoint- having been hurt even by increasing number lately. Becoming alarmed, she ed as the new principal called the police, who – all of thirty years ago. broke in and found Emily had never mar- Emily comatose in bed, ried. Her family had with more empty bottles been split over ‘mixed lying everywhere on the marriages’ and when ‘... she had retreated into herself and floor. her brother married a consoled herself with alcohol’ An ambulance had local Roman Catholic been called and she had girl, her father never been taken to hospital. spoke to his son again And it was from the and had never even hospital ward that Emily acknowledged his grand- some of her co-religionists Whereas in her early days, had written her letter. children. – “charming cads” – she parents sided with the School had reopened The whole episode had had retreated into herself teachers, now they always after the Christmas holi- broken her mother’s heart and consoled herself with sided with their children days with no principal. She and had certainly broken alcohol. against the school, how- had contacted no one. Her her parents’ relationship. Not that she had let it ever badly their little ‘dar- shame was too great. And Emily found that it interfere with her job as lings’ may have behaved. The only thing left was had also affected her rela- teacher and principal – at But Christmas this year to do the honourable thing tionships with men. Any least not until now. had been very trying. Just and resign. time she went out with a She had a bottle of before the holidays, she But where she was going fellow and found out that vodka in her desk drawer had been notified by the to go and what she was he was Roman Catholic, – locked away with a bot- Department of Education going to do when she got she just backed off. She tle of mouthwash. But it and Science that the school out, she hadn’t a clue. And couldn’t help it. was only there for emer- was going to have a ‘Whole it scared her. CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE By the Book FRIDAY 11 JANUARY 2008 - 11
Edward Vaughan
From slavery to freedom
few years ago, I had the oppor- something to do with his eyes. The The reason Paul is so maternal for tunity to preach at a large, Christians in Galatia reached out to the Galatian believers is that he is Ainner-city church in Sydney. him with compassion in his time of concerned for them, because they From memory, I think I might have vulnerability. If it were possible, the are allowing themselves to fall back preached on a passage like Galatians Galatians would have torn out their into slavery again. They have tasted 4, which speaks of our liberation eyes and given them to Paul! the freedom and the liberation of the from slavery to sin. At the end of the letter, which Paul Gospel, but now are in danger of slip- Afterwards, a man came up to has dictated to a scribe, Paul signs ping back into slavery. speak to me. He had recently been his own name, in the large letters A group of people have visited the released from prison, after serving which sight-impaired people use. I Galatian Church and started teach- a long sentence for a serious crime. have often wondered if this visual ing beliefs and practices which cut He wanted someone to pray with impairment is the “thorn in his flesh” across the Gospel which Paul deliv- him, because he found life outside which he begged the Lord to remove. ered to it. This group of people say of prison so hard. While jail life was Certainly, it is a reminder to us of that faith in Jesus is important, but it in many respects awful, it also had how much the issue of weakness is at needs to be supplemented by a range certain benefits. the heart of Paul’s ministry. of religious practices which would In jail, life was stable, predictable What is striking here is the prove that they are “real Christians”. and comfortable. On the outside, warmth of Paul’s relationship with One of these practices is circumci- he had to deal with unemployment; the Galatian Church. He is clearly a sion. Another is “observing special find his own accommodation; learn very passionate and loving man. He days and months and seasons and skills like budgeting, shopping and talks of this Church as his very own years”, by which he probably means cooking; as well as deal with peo- child, and himself as its mother. He is placing themselves under the Jewish ple’s attitudes of con- calendar of festivals demnation. Ironically, and religious observ- prison was a safer and ances. more comfortable ‘It hardly seems patriarchal to remind a Paul’s response may environment for him. be described as jeal- He didn’t really want group of people that you feel about them ous. These people to go back to prison, like their mammy!’ are zealous in their but he found it sur- desire to persuade the prisingly difficult to Galatian Church, but live as a free man. they are actually zeal- Paul’s message to the Galatian caught up in the throes of childbirth, ous in their desire to separate Paul Church is similar. You have been set and he feels the pain of labour as he from those he loves. It is as if Paul’s free – now, don’t let yourselves slip waits for it to grow into the likeness little baby is about to be abducted back into slavery. of Christ. by sinister people of evil intent. His When Paul writes to the Church in This is not the only place where response is not cool and detached, Galatia, he does not write as a remote Paul uses the language of mother- but passionate. He will fight for his academic theologian, nor does he hood to talk about his relationship children, and seek to remind them of speak as an authoritarian apostle with a Church. In 1 Thessalonians his love, which comes out of a desire motivated by a desire to impose his 2: 7, he also describes himself as a for them to know the truth. will upon other people. Paul writes as “mother caring for her little chil- Paul’s words stand as a challenge a pastor who passionately and deep- dren”, and then goes on to say that to those of us who have responsi- ly loves his people. The strength of he was like a father who encouraged, bility to minister to God’s people his language comes from the depth comforted and urged the believers - would we describe ourselves like of his love for these people. on to living godly lives. mothers who care so much for their Their relationship was born in test- It’s ironic that Paul, who is so often children? The message of the Gospel ing times. If I understand Galatians vilified as patriarchal, is so comforta- is reflected in the manner in which 4: 13 correctly, he means that an ble in stepping outside gender-based we minister the Gospel. The message illness meant that he stayed some categories to describe his relation- of God’s passionate love for his crea- time in Galatia and, therefore, had ships. It hardly seems patriarchal to tion comes via the passionate love of the opportunity to teach the people remind a group of people that you those who are called to minister in there. It sounds like his illness was feel about them like their mammy! his name. 12 - FRIDAY 11 JANUARY 2008 Musings CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE
Alison Rooke
Smile!
“Editor,” I said, “I think the and she will organise us into away merrily, organising us, time has come for a new groups; formally/informally; chastising us and, ultimate- photograph for my column. up the stairs, around the ly, holding us all together. It’s been a long time and I Christmas tree, by the front That’s when Christmas is at expect I look different.” door, beneath the mistletoe, its best in the family con- “Fine,” he replied gracious- beside the flowers; glass in text; it’s about touching base, ly, “just send me the new hand, posy in hand, present grouping, regrouping and image.” in hand – oh, we’ve had it then each going out to follow So, as some of you may all! And then, over the years, his/her separate path – sure have noticed, the updated we have had variations on in the support of the family ‘me’ heads this column. Not, the same theme: the dreaded framework. of course, that I have changed camcorder suddenly thrust Not that our ‘family’ expe- much in the past five or six into one’s face with the direc- rience was great fun this years; some may even say tion to “ignore me and just Christmas. It was a holiday younger looking! And who carry on naturally.” punctuated by illness and, am I deluding? It occurred to me this at its worst, by a two-day Photographs at Christmas year that, despite the fact sojourn in hospital for one time are as much part of the that cousin is always tak- member with those dreaded tradition as plum pudding or ing photographs, we don’t and emotive words ‘pneu- brandy sauce. monia’ and “Just look this ‘meningitis’. I way – smile!” do not wish to Thus, gran- ‘I do not wish to hear the words “I feel sick” hear the words ny clad in “I feel sick” new jumper, from anyone for a very long time’ from anyone papa sport- for a very long ing the pink time. So, not paper hat are the best of captured for another year. often see the finished prod- times for us as a family, but Children on new bicycles, uct. This she blames on the infinitely more challenging clutching dolls or riding trac- digital camera; she prefers and sad and terrifying for tors look out from many a the 35mm film, she tells me. many others, I know. To tell family album. So do I, for then at least we you the truth, I’m quite glad I suspect that each family have something to look at as this year to take down the has one member who is the reward for our labours. She’s decorations and consign this keen photographer. In our great this cousin – we love one to the memory book. family, it is the cousin who, her. We give her a hard time, “Do you remember the for more Christmases/wed- but she’s well able for it. She Boxing Day we spent in A dings/christenings/big birth- is the eldest cousin on one and E?”, we might say in the days and other major occa- side of the family, a teacher future. And, yes, I’ll remem- sions than I care to remem- – her position sure. ber it clearly, very clearly. ber, has taken responsibility The rest of us – the sporty Despite it all, of course, to record the moment for us. one, the practical one, the cousin managed to capture Periodically throughout heedless one (me), the a few of the more agreeable the evening/afternoon/ dreamer, the clever one, moments. morning, the camera will the boy – we all jockey for “Come on, smile ... thank appear. We will all groan position while she snaps you.” CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE Book Reviews FRIDAY 11 JANUARY 2008 - 13
THOMAS MERTON, the abstract and inclusive things, allowing art, poet- diction of the book, which MASTER OF ATTENTION character of the search as ry, Scripture and personal lies in the driven, restless Author: Robert Waldron missing the tread of their experience all to speak. nature of Henri Nouwen Publisher: Darton, own path, but others will And it isn’t really a medi- himself, seeking the still Longman & Todd; pp.144 find themselves in the tation either, not in any centre of God - or, better, company of old friends conventional sense, in that his still centre where he My son has just com- - poets, photographers, it lacks the dreamy qual- may experience the pres- pleted his M.A. on ‘The artists of east and west - ity so often associated with ence of God. Photographic Image’. Two and all woven throughout meditation. He speaks Taking examples of fren- things usually happen by someone who himself with admirable clarity and zied travel all over the when I mention this to understands how fragile simplicity, making this one globe undertaken by Henri anyone: first, I bumble out and transitory are life and of the most pleasurably Nouwen, and reflected in some attempted explana- beauty. readable books which I several of his books, the tion as to what he is up to; This is a book which links have come across in a long editor, Michael Ford, makes the other is that the person the mind and the heart, as while. He speaks, dare I say us face the dehumanising to whom I am talking usu- a soul seeks for God in all it, with authority, authen- effects of technological ally asks: “What sort of a the experience of life. It ticity and grace. thought - as opposed to job will he get with that?”, just might lead the intel- Maybe this is a new sort reflective thought. It is a the implication being that lectual sceptic back to a of book, joyfully defying short book and can do lit- this is jolly interesting, but living faith. category. And it is wonder- tle more than skilfully pose is he not really wasting his John Mann ful. For anyone who wants the questions arising from time! to get closer to the resur- challenging situations in RESURRECTION rection, both as an histori- which Henri Nouwen has Author: Alistair McGrath cal event and as a present found himself, but never- Publisher: SPCK; pp.87 reality, it would be hard to theless the questions do Price: £10.99 better. I really can’t recom- hang there, enticing our mend it highly enough. answers and response. This is a strange little Timothy Kinahan The paradoxes are in the book, strange and power- nature of God’s work within ful. ARRIVALS AND us and amongst us, draw- Strange, because physi- DEPARTURES - THE ing us to consider what cally it would not look out RESTLESS WORLD OF is real and meaningful in of place in the Children’s HENRI NOUWEN human existence: “God is section of the bookshop – Editor: Michael Ford the God who continues to glossy, hard cover, glossy Publisher: Darton, offer us life wherever and pages, square format Longman & Todd; pp.144 whenever death threatens”; (eight inches square). It is “Why do human beings short – of its 87 pages, only This is an unusual book, learn so much, so soon 58 are actual text; the rest struggling with the contra- about technology, and so is illustration or left artisti- dictions apparent in the little, so late about loving From now on, I shall cally blank. pursuit of the truth which one another?”; “No mask refer people to this book, But it is also powerful, God wills us to find and can make people happy. Thomas Merton, Master a profound meditation on learn. Happiness must come of Attention, and espe- the meaning and impact of It is sub-titled The from within ...” There are cially to the chapter on the resurrection, expressed Restless World of Henri contrasts presented to us ‘The Camera and the simply, clearly and beauti- Nouwen and through it we also between the freedom Contemplative Eye’. What I fully. The author goes to are introduced to the first of international travel, find attractive in this book the heart of the resurrec- and fundamental contra- with its expansion of our is not only that Merton’s tion, allowing the original experience and knowledge, brilliance and inner-sight novelty and strangeness of and the risk and constraint are revealed, but that its it all to shine through, as highlighted by security analysis is undertaken by it has personally for him demands - which suggest another brilliant mind - in relatively recent times. that we may experience that of the author, Robert He makes an eloquent plea exhilaration and fear on Waldron. that, regardless of the cen- the same journey. This is a book of less than turies of pious overlay, we Michael Ford could have one hundred pages, but we allow ourselves to be taken gone on to discuss for are led through a superb by surprise once again. the reader the nature of analysis of the attentive Alistair McGrath is a ‘Sabbath’ - a subject which genius of Simone Weil scholar – he is Professor keeps cropping up when compared with Thomas of Historical Theology at Christians, reflecting on Merton, and are called Oxford. But his is not an Scripture, are searching for upon to live the contrast- academic book; neither is a balance to their lives. The ing turmoils and joys of it a conventionally devo- next Henri Nouwen com- a contemplative search tional book. It is a wonder- pilation perhaps? for God. Some may find ful mixture of all sorts of John Mann 14 - FRIDAY 11 JANUARY 2008 Advertising CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE
FLORIDA: 4-bedroom villa with private pool. Also 4-bedroom JIM BROWN, LLCM(TD): Correspondence Teacher of condominium. Close to Disney parks. Tel. Jennifer 028 4372 Professional Singing, 14 Brownhill Meadows, Irvinestown 2050. Web: www.floridasunbreaks.co.uk. BT94 1DW. Mobile: 07854 407601. Licentiate, London HOLIDAY SUPPLY: Episcopal priest Chaplain at St Stephen’s College of Music (Teacher’s Diploma). and St Agnes school in suburb of Washington DC, seeking WANTED - OLD AND SECONDHAND BOOKS: Theology, summer duty in Ireland this summer, will take care of own Church history, Bible commentaries, Irish interest, etc. Good flights etc. Email: [email protected]. prices paid for libraries and smaller lots. Will travel to collect. Phone John Gowan, 028 6634 1239, or fax. 028 6634 1844. The Church of Ireland PA SYSTEMS Newtownbreda Presbyterian Church (St John’s), Ga z e t t e RADIO MICROPHONES Ormeau Road, Belfast OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR LOOP SYSTEMS Advance Notice – PART-TIME MATERNITY COVER CD RECORDERS Flower Festival 30th May – 1st June 2008 (March-December 2008) AND DUPLICATORS DVD/CD PRODUCTIONS Theme: God’s Love Embraces All We are looking for an Office Administrator at the Gazette Directed by Alan Beatty office, 3 Wallace Avenue, Lisburn. Eighteen hours per FOR FUNDRAISING week (Monday-Thursday, 9.00am - 1.30pm). The post Catering available. AUDIO PROMOTIONS involves the management of accounts and general office Contact: Helen administration, including the administration of emails 028 9079 6503 and responding to enquiries from the public. Experience www.audiopromotions.co.uk tel. 028 9049 1494 in book-keeping, payroll and VAT is essential. Must be IT proficient, familiar with Church of Ireland structures and in sympathy with the ethos of this Anglican weekly AN EVENING OF MUSIC IN LISBURN CATHEDRAL newspaper. new irish arts For a job description and application form, presents please contact: THE NEW IRISH CHAMBER CHOIR AND BAND The Office Manager, Mrs Ella McLoughlin, SATURDAY 19th JANUARY 2008, 7.30pm The Church of Ireland Gazette, TICKETS AVAILABLE ON THE NIGHT 3 Wallace Avenue, Lisburn BT27 4AA, OR tel. 028 9260 2400. or by email: [email protected], or tel. 9267 5743. A coach tour (8 days) Closing date for applications is Friday 25th January 2008. will depart from Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, to Dublin airport to attend the Oberammergau Passion Play, Southern Germany, in May 2010 and to holiday in Austria afterwards. For further details, contact: Heather Montgomery, 1 Tirelugan Road, Aughnacloy, Co. Tyrone BT69 6DB, N. Ireland. Tel. 028 8555 7473; Mob. 07761 956759. Email: [email protected] Please book NOW, as first deposit is due January 2008.
The Down Group of Parishes
A recently formed Group of Parishes Closing Date THE ADELAIDE HOSPITAL SOCIETY for applications: depends upon your support. based around Down Parish Church in 31st January 2008. Downpatrick with a membership of 225 An Adelaide tradition of nursing care from the time of Florence Nightingale Address details: families seek A bequest to The Adelaide Hospital Society will make possible the future The Bishop of progress of the famous Adelaide School of Nursing - the national centre RECTOR Down and Dromore, for nursing training for candidates from the Protestant community. Church of Ireland House, 61-67 Donegall Street, The people of the Parish want to Belfast, BT1 2QH. THE ADELAIDE HOSPITAL SOCIETY • develop and deepen their faith. Please mark envelope guarantees that the Adelaide medical ‘Parish Vacancy’ • maintain good community tradition will flourish in the future. Write or phone for brochure, relations. forms for bequests and details to: • look beyond themselves to the The Director, needs of the wider world. The Adelaide Hospital Society, The Adelaide & Meath Hospital, Modern rectory available. Tallaght, DUBLIN 24 Tel: (01) 4142071 or (01) 4142072 Fax: (01) 4142070 CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE Advertising FRIDAY 11 JANUARY 2008 - 15
DIOCESE OF LEIGHLIN DUNLECKNEY GROUP
(Dunleckney, Nurney, Lorum, Killedmond) Applications are invited for the incumbency of this lovely, scenic, urban/rural parish which will shortly be vacant. There are four churches, all in excellent repair and condition, and a parish hall. Modern, two-storey, four-bedroom rectory (with oil-fired central heating and requisite fittings) in Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow. Four-teacher National School (with secure numbers), with Kilkenny College (secondary) convenient. There are also two local secondary schools and many opportunities for involvement in the town life of Bagenalstown. Bagenalstown is a growing town with considerable pastoral potential linked to Dublin by a commuter rail service. Further details may be obtained from: The Archdeacon of Cashel and Ossory,
The Rectory, Rathdowney, Co. Laois. Tel. 0505 46311 Fax. 0505 46540
THE SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH The Girls’ Diocese of St Andrews, Friendly Society, Dunkeld and Dunblane 36 Upper Leeson RECTOR Street, Dublin 4. Holy Trinity Dunfermline with St Margaret’s Rosyth, Fife Vacancy We are looking to appoint a prayerful, faithful priest, pastor and Central Secretary teacher who will help us meet the challenges and opportunities which face us as congregations in a rapidly-expanding area of The Girls’ Friendly Society wishes to appoint West Fife. a suitably qualified office administrator to the organisation. This will be a busy and varied role The rector is based in Dunfermline, an attractive city which has its which will require a bright, friendly and flexible history in early Christianity. The population of both Dunfermline individual. and Rosyth is fast-growing, presenting many possibilities for ministry and outreach. It has good travel links to the rest of Scotland and to Edinburgh airport. Good all-round secretarial experience, coupled with excellent computer literacy, including Microsoft Office There is an attractive, modern rectory and local schools are and SAGE, are key requirements. The ability to work within walking distance. on one’s own initiative, as well as integrating with a small team, are also prerequisites. A knowledge Information, including profiles and an application form, of the Church of Ireland ethos would be desirable. can be obtained from: The position is part-time, 20-25 hours per week. Fay Cuthbertson, Occasional Saturday work will be required. 10 Scotland Drive, Dunfermline KY12 7SY, or by email: [email protected]. Closing date for the receipt of applications is Thursday 17th January 2008, and should be Closing date for applications is 22nd February 2008. forwarded to The Central President, GFS House, Interviews will take place on 36 Upper Leeson Street, Dublin 4, or emailed to: 14th March 2008 in Dunfermline. [email protected]. 16 - FRIDAY 11 JANUARY 2008 News Extra CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE Gazette editorial on NI Bill of Rights plan raises public debate ollowing last week’s of Ulster, said it was necessary to and a Charter of Rights for In last Monday’s News Letter Gazette editorial which “up” the status of human rights the Island of Ireland. So, the (7th January), a spokeswom- Fcalled for plans for a in every jurisdiction. She said Northern Ireland Bill of Rights an for the Church of Ireland Northern Ireland Bill of Rights there was a backlog of cases in would be ‘Part 1’ in a process was quoted as saying that the to be dropped, an extensive the European Court and that a that clearly would compromise Church of Ireland had not held debate on the subject ensued in better system was needed. the constitutional position of an internal consultation on the the Northern Ireland media. The Gazette editor, Canon Northern Ireland, possibly subject of a Northern Ireland On the BBC’s Sunday Sequence Ian Ellis, responding in the tending towards the ‘joint sov- Bill of Rights to ascertain a con- programme last Sunday, the live debate to Dr Hutchinson ereignty’ concept.” Revd Dr Samuel Hutchinson, the and Ms O’Rawe, said that However, maintaining that sensus and as agreeing that any retired Clerk of the Presbyterian Northern Ireland already had the issue the Gazette had raised formal statements issued by General Assembly and a former good human rights provisions was about democracy itself, not the Church of Ireland had been Moderator, who represents the in the European Convention on party politics, Canon Ellis said: “cautious”. Irish Council of Churches on Human Rights and the Human “Let me make this clear: if there The Chair of the Church in the Bill of Rights Forum, said his Rights Act as well as anti-dis- were a majority of people in Society Committee, Bishop primary concern was not with crimination laws in Section 75 Northern Ireland who wanted Michael Jackson, was reported what he described as the “politi- of the 1998 Northern Ireland the North to join with the South, by the News Letter as in the past cal aspects” of the proposed Bill Act. He added that if there I for one would be saying very having strongly emphasized of Rights, but with “humani- was a backlog in the European clearly that the status quo could that the work of the Northern tarian” aspects. He said a Bill Court that was a matter for not be maintained against the Ireland Bill of Rights Forum of Rights was an “overarching” the European Court to address will of the majority - but as would have to be “credible to type of legislation that was more and did not mean that a Bill of things stand that majority sim- entrenched than ordinary legis- Rights was needed in Northern ply isn’t there and the existing all parts of Northern Ireland lation and that the provisions Ireland. majority’s will must be fully society” and that it would be of the European Convention on Canon Ellis said that the respected, as indeed the Belfast better “to engage society deeply Human Rights were not ade- Gazette’s editorial had not been Agreement makes clear.” and at length in consultation quate for Northern Ireland. against people having rights or The 1998 Belfast Agreement and development of consensus Dr Hutchinson said that justice, but had been against a provided that the Northern around the key components of every country had to have a Northern Ireland Bill of Rights, Ireland Human Rights any possible Bill, rather than good reputation when it came which would be “a kind of writ- Commission would be “invited to rush that process”. The News to human rights, and not a “tar- ten constitution for Northern to consult and to advise” on the Letter said Bishop Jackson did nished” one. Ireland”. scope for a Northern Ireland Bill not wish to add to the previous In the same Radio Ulster dis- He continued: “A Northern of Rights, but did not require statements. cussion, Mary O’Rawe, a bar- Ireland Bill of Rights is to be such a Bill. Subsequently, a con- rister and a senior lecturer in followed by harmonisation with sultative Forum was established • Political reactions to the human rights at the University rights legislation in the Republic to advise the Secretary of State. Gazette editorial are on page 7.
Dublin university students reach out to AppointmentS local inner-city communities The Revd A. V. George he Revd Neal Phair, the Flynn, formerly Rector of chaplain of the Dublin the Clonenagh Group of TInstitute of Technology Parishes, Diocese of Ossory, (DIT) campuses at Mountjoy to be Rector of the Aughrim Square and Portland Row, Group of Parishes, Diocese of invited some 30 pupils from a Clonfert. local inner-city primary school The Revd Alan N. Peek, - St Vincent’s on North William Street, which is situated in one Curate-Assistant of St Peter’s, of the most deprived areas in Much Woolton, Diocese of Dublin city - to come to the Liverpool, to be Rector of the Mountjoy Square campus for a Grouped Parishes of Derg and special pre-Christmas party. Termonamongan, Diocese of The pupils engaged in Derry. Institution: St John’s some arts and crafts by mak- One of the students from the Dublin Institute of Technology with chil- church, Castlederg, on Friday ing Christmas cards, etc. and dren from St Vincent’s primary school at the pre-Christmas party 11th April, at 8.00pm. were then treated to a special ed a programme whereby the Christmas party, before Santa school would bring each week Claus arrived with a present for to the Mountjoy Square cam- Ordering the Gazette each one of them. Mr Phair was pus several pupils with poor lit- assisted by 14 students from eracy skills who would then be For full details about placing an order for both DIT campuses who had engaged in one-to-one learning The Church of Ireland Gazette locally or by post or spent a number of weeks plan- with students from the cam- online (PDF format), simply telephone our office at ning the event. pus. 028 9267 5743 (prefix 048 from the This was the second initia- The chaplaincy, in co-oper- tive by Mr Phair to reach out ation with Peace Corp, which Republic of Ireland; 0044 28 from overseas). to the local community since works with inner-city commu- Office hours: Mon. - Fri., 9.00am - 1.00pm his appointment as chaplain nities in Dublin city, is planning Outside office hours, please leave your name last autumn. In September, he an outreach project for the local and number on our answerphone and contacted the local O’Connells area in early spring, details of we will call you back. Secondary School and initiat- which will be announced later.