Prominent church historian, Professor Diarmaid MacCulloch from Oxford University, has accepted an invitation to speak at a lunchtime event on the fringe of the General Synod on Friday May 9 at 1.00 pm in St Audoen’s Church of Ireland, Cornmarket (pictured). 

The event will be chaired by Bryan Dobson of RTE and hosted by Canon Mark Gardner at the church which is close to Christ Church Cathedral where General Synod will take place. It is intended as a contribution to the Church’s ongoing consideration of Human Sexuality in the Context of Christian Belief. It is co sponsored by the Church of Ireland chaplaincy of Trinity College Dublin and Changing Attitude Ireland, in the hope that all those concerned to explore the issues further, whether from a conservative or an inclusive starting–point, will attend.

Those who find gay and lesbian presence in the Church less than acceptable will be particularly welcome and questions for Professor MacCulloch can be submitted in advance to info@changingattitudeireland.org for inclusion in Bryan Dobson’s interview. However given that only 50 minutes are available for the session, no questions will be taken from the floor.

Professor MacCulloch has always acknowledged his status as a gay man and is a long–standing member of the Gay Christian Movement. Although his sexual orientation stood in the way of his being ordained priest in the Church of England, he has shown no bitterness as a result, only regret. “I was ordained deacon; but being a gay man, it was just impossible to proceed further, within the conditions of the Anglican set–up, because I was determined that I would make no bones about who I was. I was brought up to be truthful, and truth has always mattered to me. The Church couldn’t cope and so we parted company, It was a miserable experience.”

Since then Diarmaid MacCulloch has become a celebrated and prize–winning church historian and broadcaster. Among his major works are Thomas Cranmer (1996), Reformation: Europe’s House Divided (2003), A History of Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years and accompanying TV series (2009) and Silence (2012) in which he considers the negative as well as positive aspects of silence, which can indicate shame and evasion as well as mysticism, through the history of the Church.

Admission to the event is free and all are welcome.

A new publication on the Moravian Burial Ground at Whitechurch, County Dublin, will be launched on Wednesday May 14. Entitled “The Moravian Burial Ground at Whitechurch, County Dublin” the launch takes place in Whitechurch Old Schools (1823), in the grounds of Whitechurch Church of Ireland Parish Church, Whitechurch Road Church, Dublin 16 at 8.00 pm.

This illustrated publication has been researched and written by Dr Rosemary Power, a member of the Moravian Church and a historian and folklorist, who also previously led the Clare Methodist pioneer ministry in that county. Rosemary is currently in training for the Moravian ministry. The speakers at the launch will be Professor Patricia Lysaght and Canon Patrick Comerford.

Prior to the launch the author will lead a guided tour of the Moravian Burial Ground from 6.30 to 7.30 pm. The first burial in the newly consecrated Burial Ground, known as ‘God’s Acre’, took place in 1764. This Moravian Burial Ground represents a significant strand in the evolving religious and social history of this island. It is located just a few minutes’ walk from Whitechurch Parish Church on Whitechurch Road. For directions please see: www.whitechurch.dublin.anglican.org.

The invitation to these events comes from the Revd Sarah Groves, Minister of Gracehill Moravian Church, County Antrim, in association with Whitechurch Church of Ireland Parish.

Any further information can be obtained from the Revd Sarah Groves sarah.groves4@btinternet.com or Canon Horace McKinley, Rector, Whitechurch Parish whitechurchparish@eircom.net or tel: 01 4934972 (Office).

‘Building a Discipling Culture’ will be the theme of a day long seminar which will take place in Christ Church Cathedral on Wednesday June 4 from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. The event is being organised by the Dublin and Glendalough Diocesan Growth Team and will be addressed by church leaders from Sheffield, some of whom are making a return visit to the cathedral after a successful event in January.

June’s seminar is aimed at everyone, including clergy and members of the laity who are leading or facilitating ministry and mission in the parish. It will build on the Missional Discipleship Day which took place in January. There will be two streams so that those attending in January and the new arrivals can benefit equally. Topics to be addressed will include creating a culture of discipleship, discipleship that leads to mission, contextualising to a local setting and practical approaches.

Archbishop Michael Jackson received positive feedback from the January event and went to visit the church in Sheffield and meet its leaders earlier this spring. He also spoke to the Bishop of Sheffield to discuss his perspective on the church’s contribution to the mission of the Church of England in partnership with others in the city.

“On foot of these discussions I felt it would be helpful for them to come and share some of their experiences with us and build on the earlier event which had been well received,” the Archbishop explained. “As we all know networking and building of relationships of capacity are essential components of contemporary life. The Church of Ireland is no exception to this.”

The speakers on the day will include Canon Paul Maconochie, leader of Network Church Sheffield and its European Network; Rich Robinson, director of 3dm UK; and Nick and Marjorie Allan, leaders of St Thomas Church, Philadelphia in Sheffield. Archbishop Jackson will open the event.

The standard cost for the day will be €35 per person including lunch. However, thanks to a contribution from Diocesan Glebes and Finance funds, members of the clergy and laity of the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough will be able to avail of a special reduced fee of just €10.

To book a place or for further information, email the Revd Stephen Farrell at zion@dublin.anglican.org by May 16.

Photo caption: Andrew McNeile talking to Canon Paul Maconochie in January.

The Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue has commended the ‘Call from Christians in Europe’ leaflet available at www.ecumenicalvoices2014.eu in advance of the May 2014 elections.

The Rt Revd John McDowell, Bishop of Clogher, Chairman of the Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue, says:

‘European Elections 2014: it’s about Europe, about you has been circulated by a number of Christian organisations in Europe, including the Conference of European Churches, in order to alert their members to the importance of casting their vote in the forthcoming elections to the European Parliament.‘The MEPs to be elected in both Northern Ireland and the Republic in May will have considerable influence on the framing of EU laws and budgets over the next five years. A constant criticism of the EU is that there is insufficient contact between the Union and its citizens, and the election of MEPs to an increasingly important Parliament is one way in which Church members can express their views.‘Our Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue commends the leaflet to your attention.’

The document says: ‘In May 2014 elections for the European Parliament will take place. Representatives from the 28 Member States of the European Union will be elected to decide the policies of the EU for the next five years. Due to changes in EU law, the nextEuropean Parliament will have stronger legislative powers than before. As a result,the opportunity for voters to influence EU policy has never been greater. This election is an opportunity to voice our visions and aspirations for the future. We, as a group of churches and Christian NGOs, aspire towards:

A European Union based on the combination of a social market economy and high levels of social standards and protection

A European Union of values which upholds and cherishes diversity, caring for its most vulnerable people

A European Union that welcomes migrants and refugees

A European Union which always stands up for and protects Human Rights

A European Union that cares for God’s creation, effectively addressing climate change and implementing effective environmental policies

A European Union that works on the eradication of poverty in a globalised world

We hope that you will use your vote in the EP election to elect a Parliament that will share our visions. Your vote matters. Use it to create a fairer Europe that promotes peace and justice for all.

Cumann Gaelach na hEaglaise marked its centenary with a service of commemoration in St Ann’s Church, Dawson Street, Dublin, yesterday evening (April 29). The service took place 100 years to the day after the Irish Guild of the Church held its inaugural meeting in St Ann’s Parish Hall.

The service was led by the Bishop of Cashel and Ossory, the Rt Revd Michael Burrows in both Irish and English using the Bilingual Book of Holy Communion and Other Services which was launched last year by the Cumann. It was filmed by TG4 and a piece will be broadcast this evening, Wednesday April 30, on TG4 at 7.00 pm which includes footage of the Cumann’s earliest minute books and related materials which were kept safe at the RCB Library.

In his sermon Bishop Burrows suggested that there had been a small resurrection in the Church of Ireland 100 years ago stimulated by a group of people who had a vision to enable its members to relish the Irish language.

He said that the Irish language needed to be incorporated into the Church because without it the Irish people could not connect fully with themselves. “A church which claims to be the Church of Ireland can’t authentically connect with itself without speaking a little of the language that nurtured it” the Bishop commented.

Speaking after the service in the parish hall, Cllr Mícheál Mac Donncha, representing the Lord Mayor of Dublin, referred to Roger Casement’s assertion that a nation is made up of a river of different traditions and communities. But he said the Irish language belonged to everyone. He congratulated Cumann Gaelach na hEaglaise on all they had achieved over the past 100 years and wished them well in the future.

The Cumann’s treasurer, Dáithí Ó Maolchoille, spoke of its inaugural meeting which was convened by George Ruth and chaired by the Bishop of Tuam. They adopted their objectives which included:

1.     To promote all that tends to preserve within the Church of Ireland the spirit of the ancient Celtic Church and to provide a bond of union for all members of the Church of Ireland inspired with Irish ideals,

2.      To promote the use of the Irish language in the public Services of the Church in Irish speaking districts and in other areas where the Language may be authorized.

3.     To collect from Irish sources suitable hymns and other devotional literature,

4.     To encourage the use of Irish art and  Irish music in the Church, and whatever goes to enrich its national character.

Mr Ó Maolchoille spoke of the annual ecumenical service in Irish which has taken place for the past 35 years during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and said they had always been able to find a Church of Ireland preacher to preach in Irish. He said a new Hymn Book in Irish was soon to be published with the support of Foras na Gaelige and Aonghus Dwane’s book on former Archbishop of Dublin, Donald Caird, was also imminent. The Cumann will also be received at Áras an Uachtaráin this summer. He paid tribute to the Cumann’s development officer, Caroline Nolan, for all her hard work.

Photo captions:

Top: Members of the committee of Cumann Gaelach na hEaglaise laid a wreath in St Ann’s Church prior to the service marking the centenary of the organisation. Pictured are Aonghus Dwane, Caroline Nolan, Eileen McCracken, Dáithí Ó Maolchoille, Cllr Mícheál Mac Donncha, representing the Lord Mayor of Dublin, the Revd Elaine Dunne and Hileáire Carey.

Bottom: Those present at the 100th anniversary of Cumann Gaelach na hEaglaise in St Ann’s Parish Hall.

The annual clergy golf match between the clergy of the Church of England and the Church of Ireland, entitled the Principal’s Jug, took place today, Wednesday April 30, in Powerscourt Golf Club, Enniskerry.

The hotly contested two round tournament features a foursomes match play in the morning and a singles matchplay in the afternoon. The day concludes with a presentation dinner in the golf club.

The event has been taking place annually since 2001 and the venue alternates between England and Ireland. The event is sponsored by Ecclesiastical Insurance.

The teams are pictured outside the clubhouse at Powerscourt Golf Club with their captains, Archdeacon Ricky Rountree (Church of Ireland) and Archdeacon Paul Taylor (Church of England).

The Dublin and Glendalough Diocesan Committee for Social Action is organising a service of ‘Worship for the City’ which will be held in the beautiful St Werburgh’s Church, Werburgh Street (across from Christ Church Cathedral) on Sunday May 11 at 6.00 pm.

The service aims to bring people together in a Christian, non–denominational fellowship to celebrate the great social action that is being carried out in the city, showcase some of the activity taking place and inspire others to get involved.

The service will include hymns and worship songs interspersed with reflections and brief talks. It will open with a welcome from Archbishop Michael Jackson. Contributions will come from Brother Martin of the Capuchin Friary on Church Street, Dublin, Joe Donnelly from the Anchorage Project in Ringsend (subject to final confirmation), Kelda Barnes from the Darndale Childcare Project, the Tiglin Women’s Group and the Solas Project.

Everyone is welcome to attend the service and the organisers are offering people the opportunity to register at www.automsoft.com/worshipforthecity

Gender debates featured large at the General Synod of the Church of Ireland held 100 years ago in May 1914, as May’s Archive of the Month online presentation from the RCB Library reveals. This exhibits an extensive collection of press–cuttings on everything to do with the Church of Ireland for the entire period from the run up to the disestablishment of the Church in 1869 and up to 1917 put together by a former archdeacon of Dublin, the Revd Robert Walsh (1843–1917). Specifically it focuses on a particular debate at the 1914 General Synod (the Church’s AGM and supreme decision–making body) when the burning issue of whether or not women should be allowed to sit on parish vestries, act as churchwardens and parochial nominators (nominating the incumbent) was raised for the first time.

Walsh’s collection in its entirety consists of 16 enormous volumes of press–cuttings which he scrupulously put together during his clerical career. Born in Dublin in 1843, he was a son of the Rt Hon John Edward Walsh (1816–1869) Master of the Rolls in Ireland, and grandson of the Revd Dr Robert Walsh, vicar of Finglas parish in Dublin between 1839 and 1852. He was ordained for the diocese of Down in 1865, but after an initial curacy served out the remainder of his career in his native Dublin – first as curate of St Mary’s 1867–1874, next as incumbent of Malahide union 1874–1889, and finally as incumbent of Donnybrook from 1889 until his sudden death in 1917. He was made a canon of Christ Church Cathedral in 1900 and appointed as archdeacon of Dublin in 1909, in which position he also continued until his death. Like his father before him, Robert Walsh took a keen interest in record–keeping and history from the beginning of his clerical career, captured by his extensive collection of press–cuttings which he meticulously gummed onto loose–leaf pages, adding his own annotations and observations, later to be bound together into volumes.

Walsh’s cuttings cover all manner of church life at central and local levels, which provide great detail and colour to events such as diocesan synods, parish meetings, controversial subjects, and annual events – the key one being the General Synod. Between 1874 and 1982 the General Synod was held in a purpose–built hall adjoining Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin. As the record makes clear in Walsh’s chronology of events for the 1914 General Synod, following the traditional synod service held in the adjacent Christ Church Cathedral, clerical and lay members (then all male) processed across the dramatic covered footbridge that remains one of Dublin’s iconic features connecting cathedral to synod hall, to begin four days of their official business.

In his opening presidential address, the Primate and Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd John Baptist Crozier, set the general context of the synod, by outlining the changing state of Ireland, the looming crisis in Europe, and then flagging various items of church business as they would come before the assembly – including one which he accurately predicted might become contentious – the representation (or lack of it) of women on vestries. Urging ‘respectful consideration of the petition’ to be presented as the archbishop framed it ‘from some of the most faithful daughters of the Church asking for a certain definite management position’ Crozier outlined the value of ‘women on our vestries’. This, he argued, could not be exaggerated especially in remote parishes, where he noted particularly ‘the zeal and self–denial of women … to support parish finances. Women were vital cogs in the wheels of individual parishes as organisers, fundraisers and managers, yet they had no voice nor could they vote in relation to the distribution of the Church’s funds. Treading with obvious caution, the archbishop signalled that perhaps the petition had gone too far, as he was sorry the vestry representation issue had been brought together with the parochial nominators one, the latter he predicted would prove a step too far. Nevertheless he gave the petition his blessing, and signalled he wanted no disrespectful debate or prejudice, warning this was ‘no sex war of women who fear not God neither regard man’, but the appeal of women who ‘are amongst the noblest Church workers in Ireland’.

After the primate had concluded his speech, Canon J.A.F. Gregg (then professor of Divinity at Trinity College Dublin and a canon of St Patrick’s cathedral, later to be archbishop of Dublin) presented the petition signed by ‘1,125 women members of the Church’ praying that the General Synod might be pleased to amend chapter III of the Constitution. It was agreed that the motion and debate would be postponed until the following day at 3.30pm when Mr Justice Madden [High Court Judge John Madden] who seconded the motion was available to participate.

In spite of Canon Gregg’s and Judge Madden’s best efforts, the response from other speakers at the synod was mainly negative – revealing the difficulties of the more liberal–minded and progressive to move things forward as the online presentation shows. A last ditch effort to amend the motion to deal only with the vestry representation and leave the churchwarden and nominator issues for another time failed, and following a vote both this amendment and original motion were heavily defeated.

In his annotated remarks (added to the volume after he had gummed in the press cuttings) Walsh revealed his own views on ‘the female franchise’ issue. He does not appear surprised that the motion was heavily defeated:  it had been opposed by both clergy and laymen in populous parishes where the balance of numbers on vestries was not an issue; clergy who might have been more willing to support the controversial motion appeared ‘afraid to show their colours’, and left the synod hall before the vote was taken; while the ‘chief supporters of the motion were clergy and laity representing parishes with only small populations’ where he emphasised with an underline ‘ladies’ – but not ‘suffragettes’ might be franchised.

Indeed, it would take a further six years before the Church of Ireland constitution was amended to allow women to be included on the register of vestrymen [sic]. Women were not permitted to serve as churchwardens and parochial nominators until the constitution was consolidated in 1947; whilst the terms ‘vestrymen’ and ‘synodsmen’ (as opposed to vestry and synod ‘member’) continued to be used to describe members of these representative bodies – irrespective of their gender – until 1960. Thanks to Archdeacon Walsh’s painstaking compilations of press cuttings (MS 297 at the RCB Library) we are enlightened on a whole range of issues about the nature of decision–making and modest pace of change within the central structures of the Church, 100 years ago.

To view the online presentation, see: www.ireland.anglican.org/library/archive

Mothers’ Union in Dublin and Glendalough has launched its new look website. The brightly redesigned site was officially launched at Spring Council which took place in The Mageough, Rathmines, yesterday evening (May 1). The address is www.dublin.mothersunion.ie and the site is full of information for people who are new to Mothers’ Union and members alike.

The new website, which was redesigned with funding from the Mums in May campaign, details the activities of Mothers’ Union in Dublin and Glendalough. It has patterns for the various outreach knitting and sewing projects members are involved in and details of how members can help with projects. Books and resources from the diocesan Mothers’ Union shop can also be bought online through the site. There are links to other pages such as the Mary Sumner House site.

Launching the site, Marketing Coordinator, Karen Nelson, to Olive Good and Jean Denner for their help. “The seed was planted last year and a lot of hard work is now coming to fruition,” she said. She urged members to use the site and spread the word about it, give feedback on it and send information on branch events to be included on the site as well as photos.

Diocesan President, Joy Gor don, paid tribute to Karen and her team and stressed the importance of having a good website. “The website is the window to us. It is how people get to know about Mothers’ Union so it will be a wonderful resource,” she commented.

In her address to Spring Council, Joy praised the work that was being done in branches throughout the dioceses. “Our members are living and breathing the Mothers’ Union prayer as they share God’s love through the encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life.

She added that at the recent Mothers’ Union training conference in Termonfeckin, it had been a joy to hear of the work being done overseas and see how contributions sent from Ireland were being put to good use in training people rather than buying goods thus “sowing the seeds of independence”. 

The President highlighted the 2014 theme which is Sowing the Future Together and said that it was the responsibility of ordinary members to sow the seeds in their parishes and communities in order to strengthen membership. “Mothers’ Union is a ready made ministry and I encourage you to look at local needs… We can offer much more than tea and sympathy. It’s about active discipleship,” she said.

Reports were given on the different units’ activities. Jean Denner, treasurer, outlined the financial situation while Amy Hourie gave an update from the Faith and Policy Unit. She highlighted the importance of raising issues espoused by Mothers’ Union, such as child beauty pageants, with local and European election candidates.

Margaret Bentley spoke of the importance of keeping in touch with the indoor members and spoke about the new prayer shawls which members could knit, enabling indoor members who could no longer go to meetings, pray for the work of their branches.

Sylvia Graham, in her report on Social Policy, spoke of the need to lobby local representatives and MEPs on issues such as retaining a Christian ethos in schools. Action and Outreach coordinator, Daphne Townsend, launched the new ‘fiddle blanket’ which members can make to be given to people with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Information on how to make them is on the website.

Links correspondent, Jessica Clarke spoke of the links the dioceses have with dioceses in Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria and New Zealand as well as with Bangor in North Wales and Down and Dromore in Northern Ireland.

Karen Nelson highlighted the general meeting in June which is taking place in Belfast. This will be the first time the meeting has taken place in Ireland for eight years and she urged everyone to attend. (This is a ticketed event.) Enterprise representative, Olive Good, spoke of the resources available from Mothers’ Union which she said was particularly important following the closure of the Sunday School Shop.

Photo captions:

Top: Karen Nelson, Sandra Knaggs, Joy Gordon, Olive Good and Jean Thompson launching the new Dublin and Glendalough Mothers’ Union Website, www.dublin.mothersunion.ie.

Middle: Joy Gordon holds up a prayer shawl for indoor members.

Bottom: Daphne Townsend shows one of the new fiddle blankets for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

On Earth as it is in Heaven, an exhibition of words and images on the meaning of Linen in the Bible, will be launched at Christ Church Cathedral on May 6 and will continue until May 31.

The exhibition, curated by Margaret Barker and Bruce Clark, uses images from ancient Egypt and medieval Christian manuscripts as well as striking pieces of contemporary art. It features specially commissioned photographs of early Christian icons, including a famous Serbian fresco and a 1,500–year–old mosaic from Saint Catherine’s monastery on Mount Sinai. With the help of short texts translated from Hebrew, Greek and Latin, the exhibition sets out one of the most important chapters in man’s spiritual story.

Margaret Barker is an internationally acclaimed authority on the Jerusalem Temple. A Methodist preacher, she is a past president of the Society for Old Testament Studies and the author of 16 books. In 2008 she was awarded a doctorate in divinity by Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Bruce Clark is online religion editor of the Economist, and he has worked as a foreign correspondent in France, Greece, Russia and the United States. He grew up in the north of Ireland in the 300–year–old linen–making community of Upperlands.

The Temple Studies Group is an international initiative which promotes study and discussion of the Temple in Jerusalem. Its founders believe the world view, traditions and customs of the Temple were formative influences in the development of Christianity. www.templestudiesgroup.com

The exhibition launch will take place on Tuesday May 6 following Evensong in the cathedral. All are welcome to attend.

The May edition of the Church Review is out now. This month’s issue of the diocesan magazine of Dublin and Glendalough is packed full of news and information from around the dioceses.

Canon Patrick Comerford writes about Sir Thomas Myles, the forgotten surgeon who masterminded the Kilcoole gunrunning 100 years ago.

There is a report on the institution of the Revd Olive Donohoe in Athy and there is an outline of proceedings at the Church of Ireland Primary Schools Management Association’s fourth conference.

The annual Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of Sport is highlighted and there are reports on the first meeting of the Anglican Jewish Commission to take place in Dublin and the 91st annual meeting of the Irish Council of Churches.

The commissioning of diocesan readers and the launch of the St Mary’s Home recipe book are also featured this month.

Notes from Christ Church and St Patrick’s Cathedrals and from parishes the length and breath of the United Dioceses are included.

Tullow Church, Carrickmines, was packed to capacity this morning (Sunday May 4) for the service marking the 150th anniversary of the church. The service was celebrated by Archbishop Michael Jackson, who also dedicated gifts which had been given to the parish, with the Rector, the Revd John Tanner. They were joined by former Rectors Canon Cecil Hyland, Canon Cecil Bryan and Canon Kenneth Kearon with Lay Reader, Alan Rhodes.

In his sermon Archbishop Jackson outline the history of the church. He said the original parish church dated back to the 12th century but was subsumed into Monkstown. The influx of new residents to the area in the mid 1800s, as a result of the Harcourt Street railway line, created a need for a new parish. “There were the houses; there were the inhabitants; there were the commuters; there was, therefore, the need of the new parish church. This duly came in 1864. It is the celebration of this event that gathers us here this morning to mark 150 years of parish life in this ‘new church’,” he said.     

Archbishop Jackson said that parishes largely kept to themselves but his recent request for all parishes in the United Dioceses would help build a picture of the dioceses as they are and how parishes and the dioceses might look in the future.

He suggested three simple steps which could be added to the parochial time table as members looked to the next 150 years as people seek to discern and distil the grace of the following generations.

Firstly, the Archbishop spoke about Daytime Discipleship and said “it is not possible to over–estimate the importance of living day by day as a disciple of Jesus Christ. This can be at home, where we work and everywhere we have a chance to influence for good the lives that others live and to learn from them ways in which we too can share life more and live it better”.

The second step he outlined involved Sunday Services. He pointed out that now just one in seven people who called themselves members of the Church of Ireland in Dublin and Glendalough go to church on Sunday. He said that soon churchgoing itself would be seen as a witness of significance and urged people to go to church. “We are free to worship and free not to worship… We make choices in a democracy. We do so because we are free to do it and it is a gift of ourselves that we give back to God freely,” he explained.

The third step is Community and Commitment. He said everyone had the opportunity to engage with their community with “heavenly generosity” every day “simply by radiating something of the presence of God in daily life”. He added that world mission connected people with others who they may never see but it was an act of trust and faith as well as being an act of helpfulness and practicality.

A large number of gifts were dedicated during the service. These included hymn books, prayerbooks, a closed loop hearing system, an electric piano, video/sound link with the parish hall, chalice and patten, a wedding candle stand, floodlighting, pew kneelers, a brass rail at the chancel steps, alter kneelers and chairs and tables for the parish hall.

Photo caption: Alan Rhodes, the Revd John Tanner, Archbishop Michael Jackson, Canon Cecil Bryan, Canon Cecil Hyland and Canon Kenneth Kearon.

Statement from Archbishop Michael Jackson: 

“The deep level of anxiety felt among ordinary people with everyday preoccupations about prospects for peace and stability in the developing relationships between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland over the past tense days underlines how precious such peace and stability are to the people of Ireland right across the country. There is now a generation of young people both North and South who have had no direct experience of the torment which The Troubles caused to countless members of earlier generations. The scars and wounds are still carried by those whose cry is still for understanding, justice, compassion and forgiveness.

“For almost ten years, I had the privilege to serve the people as bishop of a truly cross–Border diocese, the Diocese of Clogher. I have the deepest of admiration for the ways in which people took the future creatively into their own hands and developed community aspirations and programmes which took them and their families beyond the day–to–day trench warfare of suspicion, mistrust, violence and hopelessness. I have worked for more than three years in the dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough and sense a deepening expectation of cross–Border togetherness in the things which matter to people – their relationships with their neighbours on this island of Ireland. Public figures from both Ireland and the UK have underwritten this sense of solidarity and have been warmly applauded for their courage and vision.

“Like many others, I appeal to politicians South and North to work together with renewed fervour for the common good and to take the fair wind offered by the people of Ireland to foster co–operation and good relations among and for our people throughout the length and breadth of the land.”

Michael Jackson, Church of Ireland archbishop of Dublin

May 5 2014

Have you ever used movement to help you pray? It sounds a bit strange, doesn’t it? But that is exactly what will be happening at a quiet morning in Christ Church Cathedral.

As part of the Open Doors quiet morning series, spiritual movement will be a prayer practice taught on Saturday May 17 between 10.00 am to 1.00 pm.

Bernadette Purcell, who will lead the quiet morning, has a passion for this particular way of connecting with God. She uses spiritual movement regularly in her own prayer life and helps people to discover God through it by teaching the practice.

“Sacred movement is a reflective tool that embodies the spiritual aspect of each of us. All steps and movement are taught and experienced in a circle. Music enhances the experience and brings the participant into a deep place of peace, reflection and prayer. It is worth a risk trying it out!” says Bernadette.

The Revd Garth Bunting, organiser of the quiet mornings, said, “When I was first introduced to this particular reflective prayer practice I was very reticent. It felt very far away from anything I ever understood about ways to pray. Bernadette guided the group I was a part of in a very sensitive and supportive way and I found, to my surprise, that movement of the kind taught could lead me to connect with God.”

If you would like to “risk it”, or know more, then please book a place on this quiet morning by contacting Garth Bunting at the cathedral, on 01 6778099 or by email garth.bunting@cccdub.ie

The annual State 1916 commemoration took place at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Arbour Hill, Dublin, this morning, Wednesday May 7. Led by President Michael D Higgins, the event was attended by the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, members of the Government and Council of State. Also present was Interim Garda Commissioner Noirín O’Sullivan and Chief Justice Susan Denham and relatives of those who fought in 1916.

The commemoration began with Mass for all who died in 1916. There was an inter–faith ceremony at the graveside of the 14 executed leaders of the 1916 Rising. Among the church leaders reading prayers at the graveside was Archbishop Michael Jackson.

The President laid a wreath at the grave after which a minute’s silence was observed followed by the sounding of The Last Post and the National Anthem. 

The Homily at the Mass was delivered by Bishop Eamonn Walsh. He spoke of the importance of listening to others in building the country on solid ground. He added: “To listen to each other and the voice within is a good hook on which to build the preparations for the 1916 Centenary and Ireland beyond. To do what deep down we know is right is the “solid rock” for decision making. That the right thing happens is more important than getting the credit for it.  Rejoicing in others’ success is the way to a more mature Ireland”.

The Bishop’s Homily is reprod uced in full below.

Photo Captions:

Top – Archbishop Michael Jackson participates in the interfaith ceremony at the graveside of the 1916 leaders.

Bottom – President Michael D Higgins lays a wreath at the graveside in Arbour Hill cemetery.

Homily of Bishop Eamonn Walsh at the Annual Mass for all who died in 1916,

Church of the Sacred Heart, Arbour Hill, Dublin 

“That the right thing happens is more important than getting the credit for it.  Rejoicing in others’ success is the way to a more mature Ireland.” – Bishop Eamonn Walsh

President Higgins, Mrs Sabina Higgins, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mr Oisín Quinn, Taoiseach Mr Kenny, Relatives of those who fought in 1916, Public Representatives and Office Holders, Religious Leaders,  Boys and Girls from Saint Gabriel’s National School, and all gathered here, warmest greetings and God’s peace. 

We are gathered in a faith context to commemorate all who died in the 1916 Rising.  We also remember those who made sacrifices, suffered lifelong consequences before and beyond on the journey towards Irish independence.  The journey is a continuum; a bit like the Liffey flowing under Heuston Bridge, known as King’s Bridge until 1966.  No one day’s water is the river.  In our commemoration we partly freeze the river in 1916 time to create a context while recognising what went before and after.

The context in this year’s commemoration is the Millennium of the Battle of Clontarf; the Centenary of the First World War; the year of President Higgins’ hugely successful State Visit to Britain; the preparations for the 1916 Commemorations in two years’ time. 

Last month there were many events and ceremonies commemorating the Battle of Clontarf – not an occasion for the faint–hearted.  World War I was not a pleasant business either.

Orpen’s painting of an Irish Soldier vividly captures the heavily laden soldier thinking of what lies ahead; family at home.  Will he see them again? Will it help Home Rule?  Thoughts ocean deep.

People like Thomas Kettle, who joined the newly formed Irish Volunteers, was sent to Europe to raise arms where he witnessed the outbreak of war and acted as a war correspondent. On his return he continued to advocate Home Rule.  He later died serving with the Dublin Fusiliers in September 1916.  His sacrifices and those of his fellows were not honoured by many. F.X. Martin spoke of them being victims of the “National Amnesia”. Four days before he died Thomas Kettle wrote the poem;  “To My Daughter Betty, The Gift of God”  …

You’ll ask why I abandoned you, my own,

And the dear heart that was your baby throne,

To dice with death. And oh! They give you rhyme

And reason: some will call the thing sublime,

And some decry it in a knowing tone.

So here, while the mad guns curse overhead,

And tired men sigh with mud for couch and floor,

Know that we fools, now with the foolish dead,

Died not for Flag, nor King, nor Emperor,

But for a dream, born in a herdsman’s shed,

And for the secret Scripture of the poor.

Another picture of World War I is put before us in Siegfried Sassoon’s poem – “They” written in May 1917 in which the bishop is duly mocked. 

The Bishop tells us: “When our boys come back

They will not be the same; for they’ll have fought

In a just cause: they lead the last attack

On Anti–Christ; their comrades’ blood has bought

New right to breed an honourable race,

They have challenged Death and dared him face to face.”

“We’re none of us the same!” the boys reply

For George lost both his legs; and Bill’s stone blind;

Poor Jim’s shot through the lungs and like to die;

And Bert’s gone syphilitic; you’ll not find

A chap who’s served that hasn’t found some change.”

And the Bishop said: “The ways of God are strange’.

The ways of war are very distant from the desired ways of God; a long way away from the Beatitudes.  Conflict will always be with us as Archbishop Michael Jackson reminded this gathering last year when he said;  ”Too often we have lived with the mirage of a better future beyond conflict…conflict is part of our nature”.  How to resolve it in a civilised way has been the challenge from the beginning of time.  Standing in the shoes of others is a good start.

Back to World War I and 1916:  the Parliamentarian, John Dillon, happened to be in his home on North Great George’s Street for the 1916 Rising, and experienced at first hand the mood on the streets of Dublin.  He would stand also in the shoes of the Parliamentarians immersed in a World War and furious with the ‘Irish Rebellion’ when Britain’s Army could best be occupied elsewhere – the Somme was about to begin.  They saw it as a stab in the back not to be tolerated.  Dillon could see years of progress being undone by over reactive repression and executions. 

Lyons in his biography of Dillon, outlines Dillon’s address in Parliament where he argued that;  “in the interest of peace and good government in Ireland, it is vitally important that the Government should make immediately a full statement of their intentions as to the continuance of executions in that country carried out as a result of secret military trials, and as to the continuance of martial law, military rule and the searches and wholesale arrests now going on in various districts of the country”.

He went on to say – “the primary object of my motion is to put an absolute stop to the executions.” 

He accused the British authorities of “letting loose a river of blood and make no mistake about it, between the two races who after 300 years of hatred and strife, we had nearly succeeded in bringing together”…

His emotions ran even higher when he recalled the case of a young boy of 14 who was brought in as a prisoner and the officer looked at him: “What on earth am I going to do with you?”  The boy said to him “Shoot me, I have killed three of your soldiers”.  Dillon went on to say: “That may horrify you, but I declare most solemnly, and I am not ashamed to say it in the House of Commons, that I am proud of these men.  They were foolish, they were misled.”  To which the Honourable members of the House chanted “Shame”.

His speech had little effect.  Further executions took place the next day, including Connolly who was too ill to stand and was shot while sitting in a chair.

These illustrations, frozen in time, help situate the 1916 commemorations in context.  A lot of water and blood has flown under Heuston Bridge before and since. “River Ireland” of today and beyond is largely in our hands. 

Legitimate anger such as Dillon’s serves as an illustration that in all conflict both sides must be heard and even more important, experience that they have been heard.  Audi alteram partem is a basic rule in resolving any issue be it in a family squabble or on the international stage. 

To build our country on solid ground we have to respectfully listen especially to those who may irritate us most.  Not easy!  From experience we know that the longer a voice is suppressed the stronger the force and resentment that will accompany it when it eventually explodes and has to be heard.

To enable us to listen with a heart of flesh rather than a heart of stone, it can be helpful to listen in silence each day to the voice within.  For people of faith this is letting God speak to the heart; taking daily quiet time saying, “speak Lord, your servant is listening”.

Reflective living can be different for different people.  Regardless of traditions, faith, dormant faith or none, there is always a voice of conscience within.  Listening to that voice is part of wholesome listening.

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise person who built his house on rock”. (Matt 7:25).

“Unless the Lord builds the house those who build it labour in vain”. (Psalm 127). 

To listen to each other and the voice within is a good hook on which to build the preparations for the 1916 Centenary and Ireland beyond.

To do what deep down we know is right is the “solid rock” for decision making.  That the right thing happens is more important than getting the credit for it.  Rejoicing in others’ success is the way to a more mature Ireland.  Often “name, claim and tame” are more productive than “name, blame and shame”.  Deep listening helps in naming the issues to be tackled together; claiming joint responsibility for tackling them; and taming the obstacles on the journey.

Perfection, like a conflict free world, is a mirage for now. It is more sensible to move on together, warts and all, and with a healthy sense of humour. 

Let us leave behind the ‘old Irish lobster’:  The Englishman observing an Irishman carrying his freshly caught lobsters in a shallow bucket said: “You need a deeper bucket otherwise they will escape!” “No”, said the Irish fisherman – “these are Irish lobsters; as soon as one gets near the top of the bucket the others will pull it down”.  Let us build the future of our country on encouraging each other to play our part; rejoicing in each other’s successes in this task, and treating the most vulnerable as any genuine family would. That is the rock on which to build for the present and beyond.

The 2014 General Synod of the Church of Ireland opened in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, at 10.00 am today (Thursday May 8) with an act of worship led by the Bishop of Meath and Kildare, the Most Revd Pat Storey. During the worship she prayed for the release of the kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls. 

In his presidential address the Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland (pictured) focused on ‘Freely you have received, freely give’ (Matthew Chapter 10 v.8), speaking of the ‘Church as an organism that is characterised by its giving nature; its people who are characterised by being giving people‘. Archbishop Clarke will also stress that ‘All life is a gift of God; it is never a commodity’. He said: ‘…one of the aspects of modern culture I most fear is that we have turned all human life into a commodity. The very beginnings of life and the end of life on earth are gift, never to be treated as anything less.’

The Archbishop asked questions about society’s priorities – in relation in particular to poverty and foodbanks and in funding for hospice provision – and also encouraged people to consider fostering children in need and urge church members to consider being blood donors and to sign up for organ transplant at death, ‘as an opportunity for giving to others‘, and as promoted by the Flesh and Blood – ‘FAB’ – campaign.

The Archbishop went on to ask: ‘I would make an appeal to a wider audience and ask those who have been entrusted with political leadership to tell us what they wish to offer, to give, to the future, to our children and grandchildren. It surely cannot simply be “more of the same” that we wish to offer to future generations?’

Archbishop Clarke drew attention to Synod legislation concerning the Covenant between the Church of Ireland and the Methodist Church in Ireland and interchangeability in ministries and, finally, looking to the long–term, will outline his thoughts and reflections on some the features which might characterise the Church of Ireland as a whole over the coming twenty years.

The Primate’s full address, along with updates on Synod proceedings can be read on the Synod website at http://synod.ireland.anglican.org/2014/

The Synod is scheduled to commence in the cathedral at 10.00 am each day and to finish at 6.30 pm on Thursday and Friday, concluding at 4.30 pm on Saturday May 10.

The Synod Eucharist will be held in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, this evening at 7.30 pm.

A portrait of the Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral, the Very Revd Victor Stacey, was unveiled this week and will hang in the drawing room of the Deanery at St Patrick’s Cathedral, St Patrick’s Close, Dublin 8.

The Cathedral has maintained a tradition of commissioning portraits of the incumbent deans since the 1700’s. The most famous commission is Bindon’s portrait of Swift which hangs in the dining room of the Deanery. The portrait of Dean Stacey was undertaken by Conor Walton.

Commenting at the unveiling Dean Stacey said: “I am pleased to be part of a tradition of commissioning and retaining portraits at St Patrick’s Cathedral. While the tradition has extended for more than three centuries, there are prints and engravings associated with deans from earlier times. 

“At St Patrick’s, we are very conscious of our role and place in Irish history. Conservation is a big part of our role, so that we can preserve the building itself, and the many artefacts and fittings that make it what we are. Commissioning new works is also something which we feel is our duty, so that we leave behind works which allow people – in centuries to come – to reflect on.

“While St Patrick’s Cathederal houses works from artists and craftspeople which reflect on events from conflict to politics, the role of documenting the Cathedral deans is very much about recording the timeline of the Church and the people who served. 

“Apart from acting as a historic document, the portraits highlight the work and skill of exemplary artists from throughout the centuries. I am very proud to be associated with the work of Conor Walton in this instance,” he said.

During the unveiling, Conor Walton said it was an honour for him to be chosen to paint this portrait. “I aimed to produce a work which would fit in with the beautiful Georgian setting of the Deanary, and the brilliant series of Deans’ portraits going back to the seventeenth century that hang there. I also sought, not just to capture a likeness of Dean Stacey, but to convey something of his character and a sense of his physical presence. To enable me to do this, Dean Stacey spent many hours standing beside the canvas while I painted him, and I would like to thank him for his patient collaboration in this project,” said Mr Walton. 

Photo caption: Dean Victor Stacey is pictured with his portrait.

An uplifting service celebrating social action took place in St Werburgh’s Church, Dubln, yesterday evening (Sunday May 11). ‘Worship for the City’ highlighted the wonderful work being undertaken by a number of social action projects but also prayed for the city and its people.

Organised by the Dublin and Glendalough Committee for Social Action, the service aimed to inspire others to get involved in social action by hearing the personal stories of the speakers. Contributions came from Brother Martin of the Capuchin Friary on Church Street, Dublin, Joe Donnelly from the Anchorage Project in Ringsend, Kelda Barnes from the Darndale Childcare Project, the Tiglin Women’s Group and the Solas Project. The new Tiglin Worship Group, who were giving just their second performance, also sang.

The service opened and closed with words from Archbishop Michael Jackson who referred to the reading for the day from the Gospel of John about the Good Shepherd which he said came to mind when hearing about those who worked and volunteered for the many projects that nurture, care for and protect people. Afterwards the Archbishop said the service had provided “snapshots of hope, visions of truth and pictures of reality”. “We have been taken and led gently by the hand to see that all of creation is to be found here in the city,” he said. He added that reality was sold to us as consumerism and a commodity but in fact reality was about relationships and the recognition that we are made in the image of God. In a time of austerity, sharing the love of God cost nothing, he said.

Brother Martin spoke about the life of St Francis and related that to the need to be an intentional disciple. “The world needs us to be good disciples before we can become anything else,” he stated. “Often fear holds us back from being full intentional disciples of Christ. But there are four words repeated in Scripture – ‘Do not be afraid’.” He told of the work of the Capuchin Day Centre which feeds 700 people six days a week and provides 1,600 food parcels each week. He said the centre offered a place of dignity, humanity and respect to people who were walked past every day on the street.

A video on the Darndale Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service highlighted the work done at the community childcare centre which caters for 267 children aged 0–12 years in disadvantaged communities. The Centre is designed to give the children every chance to get a good start in life through high quality, safe, affordable and inclusive childcare aimed at promoting the physical, emotional, social and educational wellbeing of all children. DBIC provides vulnerable children a place to learn and play in a safe environment where they eat healthy breakfasts and lunches, participate in a school readiness program and benefit from an active after–school group that promotes positive behaviour and play. Centre manager, Kelda Barnes, led prayers for all who supported it from knitting blankets for the toddlers to fundraising and volunteering their time.

The work of the Tiglin centre in Ashford was highlighted. The centre provides individuals with an effective and comprehensive solution to life–controlling addiction problems, including gambling, in order to become productive members of society. Tiglin, operating under a Christian ethos, endeavours to help people become mentally sound, emotionally balanced, socially adjusted, physically well, and spiritually alive. Three women from the centre told their moving stories of overcoming addiction and they joined with some of the men to perform two songs. They also spoke of the Circle of Friends programme which supports the women through prayer. Aisling Hannon said the women were looking for churches to go back to once they graduated from the programme and for places where they could share their testimonies and get involved.

The Solas Project, based in Dublin 8, aims to see communities rejuvenated through education and sport and to build up young people to overcome all the limitations put on them by disadvantage so they can make good life choices knowing that their future is bright. Speaking at the service, Graham Jones told his story and said that God spoke to him in his life and led him to say “There must be more than this”. He added that everyone had a responsibility to show they cared. He explained that volunteers, by enabling people to have one–to–one time made that person feel worthwhile and to say to themselves “there must be more than this”.

The Anchorage Project in Ringsend was highlighted in a video and Joe Donnelly said that, in his youth, he used to vandalise the Mission Hall on York Road in which he has run the project since 1996. The project includes a community café, childcare projects and a garden centre and aims to serve the local community while also helping communities in the developing world. The proceeds from their various initiatives in Ringsend go to fund projects in the developing world. Joe led the Prayers of the Faithful.

Photo caption: Participants in the Worship for the City Service.

A visit from the Lord Mayor and a letter from President were part of the surprise celebrations which marked the 100th birthday of May Richardson in St John’s House, Merrion Road, Dublin, this morning (Monday May 12). May, who had earlier said she didn’t want a fuss, took the festivities in her stride and posed for numerous photographs with those who had gathered to wish her well.

May had been a life–long parishioner of Harold’s Cross and her rector, Canon Neil McEndoo, presented her with flowers to mark the occasion. The Lord Mayor, Oisín Quinn, read the letter from President Michael D Higgins congratulating May on the 100th anniversary of her birth. He also presented her with the Mayoral Scroll on behalf of the people of Dublin.

The Lord Mayor congratulated May and said that he had tried, without success, to get May to part with the secret to her long life. She did say that she had never acquired the vices of drinking or gambling though.

Remaining calm and collected, May made a speech thanking everyone for coming to the party and for the friendship and care she had received. She thanked God for bringing her to this point in her life.

Photo caption – The Lord Mayor Oisín Quinn, Marie Gallagher (relative), May Richardson and Peggy Keegan (relative).

The General Synod of the Church of Ireland took place in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin from Thursday May 8 until Saturday May 10. The productive meeting dealt with a wide range of subjects over the three days. Worship was led each morning by the Bishop of Meath and Kildare, the Most Revd Pat Storey, who remembered in prayer the kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls.

One of the highlights of Synod 2014 was the passing of a Bill which cleared the way for interchangeability of ministry between the Church of Ireland and the Methodist Church in Ireland. The historic Bill providing for the interchangeability of ministry between the two churches only affects the Churches in Ireland but it has come to worldwide attention, members of Synod were told.

Following the vote, the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke, said this was a wonderful occasion in the life of the Church of Ireland and Irish Methodism and the life of the Church worldwide. The Primate said the Church of Ireland had a great deal to receive from Irish Methodism stating that Methodism epitomised radical generosity and said it was a day for which he had longed for many years.

The President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, Dr Heather Morris, added her words of thanks to those of the Archbishop who praised those who had brought about this moment and thanked the Church of Ireland for its theological rigour and the grace it had brought to the discussions. “It is a great moment and it is also a moment that makes great demands on us,” she said. “The Primate’s address on gifts has echoed through this general synod. I want to add my voice to his plea that we be open to giving but also receiving from each other. The gift of receiving could be the biggest challenge. The challenge is that we allow our traditions to help each other,” she said.

A number of reports were received by Synod including reports from Standing Committee and the Representative Church Body, the Board of Education, the Church of Ireland Youth Department, the Commission on Episcopal Ministry and Structures, the Commission for Christian Unity, the Council for Mission, the Liturgical Advisory Commission and the Select Committee on Human Sexuality in the Context of Christian Belief.

There were motions on alcohol and taxation, religious education in primary schools, the Flesh and Blood Campaign and CICE.

Full reports on all the proceedings of General Synod 2014 can be found on the Synod website www.synod.ireland.anglican.org/2014/

Photo caption: The President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, Dr Heather Morris, with Gillian Kingston, also of the Methodist Church, at General Synod following the vote on interchangeability of ministries.