Wide ranging debate expected from packed Synod agenda
The Church of Ireland General Synod 2006, meeting from 9-11 May in Armagh City Hotel, Armagh, will consider a variety of subjects in a packed agenda. Over the three days Synod will be given the opportunity to engage with topics as diverse as sectarianism and living with difference, ecological practice and the church, Christian unity and ecumenical relations, poverty and justice, education: reform in the north and developments in the south, and issues regarding disability.
Among the Bills presented, Synod will be asked to consider proposals for the funding appointment of child protection officers in both jurisdictions as well as recognition within the constitution of the Church of Ireland of Safeguarding Trust – its code of good practice for ministry with children. There will also be a Bill to ensure that clergy comply with statutory requirements of the state in which a marriage is to take place and also with the Church’s Marriage Regulations.
As usual Synod’s discussions will be based around the reporting of its various committees and working groups; some of which are highlighted below. Synod’s deliberations will also include the reporting of submissions and responses to external consultations and legislative bodies.
Education
The Church of Ireland is very active in matters of education and Synod will reflect on proposals for education reform in Northern Ireland including new post-primary arrangements and new structures of administration within education. In the Republic with the Church directly involved in school management and the increasing complexity of legislation, Synod will consider the impact of funding training upon volunteerism. There will also be a welcome for the impending introduction of checks through the Garda Vetting Office of volunteers and employees who work with children and young people.
Poverty, justice and Fairtrade
Issues surrounding poverty, justice, and Fairtrade will be considered by Synod in a presentation by the Bishops’ Appeal Advisory Committee and a private member’s motion calling for Synod to recognise the contribution made by Fairtrade practices to the achievement of justice for the poor.
There will also be a motion focusing on support for Christians living in the Palestinian Territories. And, in recognising the right of all people to live in peace with justice, this motion will call for Synod to condemn the harsh treatment of Palestinians, both Christian and Muslim, by the Israeli authorities.
Responses to consultations
Synod will be invited by the Church in Society Committee to consider a response to the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister in Northern Ireland on its Services for Victims and Survivors consultation.
Synod will also receive the Church’s response to the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) document Mary: Grace and Hope in Christ.
Hard Gospel
Synod will be brought up-to-date with the Church of Ireland’s initiative on sectarianism and living with difference in a presentation by the Hard Gospel team.
Ecology and environment
As part of the Church’s ongoing commitment to environmental issues, Synod will receive details of the formation of ‘Eco-Congregation Ireland’. This is an environmental project aimed at encouraging good ecological practice within parishes which was established during the last year.
Working Group on Disability
Synod will receive a report from the Working Group on Disability on the implications of legislation on disability in both jurisdictions. The Church of Ireland is concerned that all aspects of church life and worship are accessible to all and as part of its policy regarding disability issues, it has designated the third Sunday in November as ‘Disability Awareness Sunday’.
Windsor Report 2004
Following the reception of a Church of Ireland preliminary response to the Windsor Report in 2005 Synod will hear directly from the Working Group set up to further deliberations in this area.
The Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd Dr Robin Eames, will celebrate and preach at the General Synod service in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh. There will also be the launch of a Bible Society of Ireland initiative, The Handwritten Bible, which the four church leaders will initiate by writing out a series of scriptures.