Marriage Council proposes restructuring to meet the emerging need of the Church
During the year, the Church of Ireland Marriage Council continued its process of reform and re-organisation, with proposals for future membership, role and working method of the Council being considered.
Proposing the report of the Marriage Council today, the Revd John McDowell (Down & Dromore) told Synod of the huge amount of changes that have already occurred since the establishment of the Marriage Council in 1996. “Over the past ten years the Council’s role has been changing from one which was primarily consultative; producing documents and other “paper” resources for the guidance of clergy; to one where we can offer marriage preparation and counselling services”, he said.
It is intended that the new look of the Council will incorporate the results of a review day held in November 2004 with a consultant from the Irish Management Institute. This may involve the development of a central committee, which would meet maybe once or twice a year, and a smaller executive group which would facilitate the work of the counsellors, the delivery of resources and the website. “We are seeking to re-structure the Council to combine the theological praxis and vision of an advisory body (much as we are at present) with a smaller executive arm to make the “hard yards” of access to and delivery of resources on the ground,” said the Revd Canon Paul Draper (Cork, Cloyne & Ross) seconding the report. “The Council would then retain its essential character, while effectively evolving towards a more tangible, effective and efficient resource.”
It is intended that these proposals for restructuring will be brought before Synod next year.
Tribute was also paid to Ms Annette McGrath who continues to manage the Council’s website. The website http://www.marriagematters.ireland.anglican.org provides an invaluable resource to all those who are seeking information about getting married in the Church of Ireland. It also provides up-to-date information on marriage legislation and allows the exchange of ideas. This year the site encouraged the debate on the idea of Christian Marriage and contributions were received from Canon Jonathon Barry, Mr Dermot O’Callaghan and the Very Revd Michael Burrows.