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A n independent evalu- ation of the Church of Ireland’s 2005-2008 Hard Gospel Project (HGP), which dealt with addressing issues of sectarianism and ‘difference’, has identified the achievements and challenges of the project. The report, by external eval- uators Macaulay Associates, notes that the HGP developed a wide range of activities over its three-year timeframe. In fact, it is reported that more than 7,500 people participat- ed directly in HGP activities. The report also indicates how awareness raising was one of the project’s major achievements: “The project provided a range of opportu- nities at all levels to address issues of difference, commu- nity conflict and sectarianism. Discussion of ‘Hard Gospel issues’ has become normative within the Church of Ireland. The issues and approaches of the Hard Gospel are becom- ing mainstreamed into the Church and there has been a degree of culture change towards more open discus- sion of diversity issues.” The report goes on to say that “every parish and dio- cese in Ireland, every read- er of the Church of Ireland Gazette, every clergy per- son and every attendee at the General Synod over the past three years will have an awareness of the Hard Gospel ‘brand’ and the issues it has highlighted.” It is also noted how the project developed a series of high quality resources and disseminated these through- out the Church of Ireland. The project initiated dis- cussion and dialogue with seven groups, the report indicates. The groups were: Orange Order leadership, Royal Black Preceptory leadership, Masonic lead- ership, Changing Attitude Ireland, GAA leadership, Irish Travellers Movement board members, and Afghan hun- ger strikers. To these achievements are added the foundations that the HGP has laid for the future development of addressing its priorities by the Church of Ireland, developing a series of new collaborations and part- nerships with other Churches, organisations and agencies on relevant issues and initia- tives, and a series of demon- stration projects addressing key strategic issues in relation to “the legacy of conflict” and a changing, more multicul- tural Ireland. While the Macaulay Associates’ independent evaluation report refers to the foundations for future work in the Church of Ireland, it also highlights difficulties relating to organisational change in the Church of Ireland: “The GAZETTE The Church o f Ireland www.gazette.ireland.anglican.org FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2009 Price 60p/80c editorial 2 Home news 3 - 5 world news 6 & 7 FoCUs 8 & 9 insiGHt 10 Continued on back page Hard Gospel Project - achievements and challenges highlighted Est. 1856 CIEF sends greetings to the Anglican Church in North America T he Church of Ireland Evangelical Fellowship (CIEF) has formally sent greetings to the emerg- ing Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), a new Church which groups tradi- tional Anglicans who have been unable to remain with- in the US Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada due to liberal trends, in particular over sexuality issues. Significantly, the letter indicates that CIEF “includes in its membership lay peo- ple, clergy and bishops in the Church of Ireland”, and continues: “Our committee, meeting on 28th May 2009, unanimously resolved that we should write to encour- age you in the formation of the Anglican Church in North America.” The letter says that CIEF has followed “with sadness” the unfolding developments in the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada, indicating: “We know that many of you have suffered great loss (personal, parochial and diocesan) for upholding the orthodox faith in the face of radical innovation, and we want you to know that you have our full support.” The letter sends ACNA “love and prayers in these times of testing”, and concludes: “We are glad to affirm you fully as fellow-Anglicans and we hope and pray that your new Province will be officially recognised by the Anglican Communion before long.” The letter adds words from the hymn, St Patrick’s Breastplate: “I bind unto myself the Name, The strong Name of the Trinity; By invo- cation of the same, The Three in One, and One in Three. Of whom all nature hath crea- tion; Eternal Father, Spirit, Word: Praise to the Lord of my salvation, Salvation is of Christ the Lord.”

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Page 1: Hard Gospel Gazette

An independent evalu-ation of the Church of Ireland’s 2005-2008

Hard Gospel Project (HGP), which dealt with addressing issues of sectarianism and ‘difference’, has identified the achievements and challenges of the project.

The report, by external eval-uators Macaulay Associates, notes that the HGP developed a wide range of activities over its three-year timeframe. In fact, it is reported that more than 7,500 people participat-ed directly in HGP activities.

The report also indicates how awareness raising was one of the project’s major achievements: “The project provided a range of opportu-nities at all levels to address issues of difference, commu-nity conflict and sectarianism. Discussion of ‘Hard Gospel issues’ has become normative within the Church of Ireland. The issues and approaches of the Hard Gospel are becom-

ing mainstreamed into the Church and there has been a degree of culture change towards more open discus-sion of diversity issues.”

The report goes on to say that “every parish and dio-cese in Ireland, every read-er of the Church of Ireland Gazette, every clergy per-son and every attendee at the General Synod over the past three years will have an awareness of the Hard Gospel

‘brand’ and the issues it has highlighted.”

It is also noted how the project developed a series of high quality resources and disseminated these through-out the Church of Ireland.

The project initiated dis-cussion and dialogue with seven groups, the report indicates. The groups were: Orange Order leadership, Royal Black Preceptory leadership, Masonic lead-

ership, Changing Attitude Ireland, GAA leadership, Irish Travellers Movement board members, and Afghan hun-ger strikers.

To these achievements are added the foundations that the HGP has laid for the future development of addressing its priorities by the Church of Ireland, developing a series of new collaborations and part-nerships with other Churches, organisations and agencies on relevant issues and initia-tives, and a series of demon-stration projects addressing key strategic issues in relation to “the legacy of conflict” and a changing, more multicul-tural Ireland.

While the Macaulay Associates’ independent evaluation report refers to the foundations for future work in the Church of Ireland, it also highlights difficulties relating to organisational change in the Church of Ireland: “The

GazetteThe Church of Ireland

www.gazette.ireland.anglican.orgFRIDAY 12 JUNE 2009 Price 60p/80c

editorial 2 • Home news 3 - 5 • world news 6 & 7 • FoCUs 8 & 9 • insiGHt 10

Continued on back page

Hard Gospel Project - achievementsand challenges highlighted

Est. 1856

CIEF sends greetings to the Anglican Church in North America

The Church of Ireland Evangelical Fellowship (CIEF) has formally

sent greetings to the emerg-ing Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), a new Church which groups tradi-tional Anglicans who have been unable to remain with-in the US Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada due to liberal trends, in particular over sexuality issues.

Significantly, the letter

indicates that CIEF “includes in its membership lay peo-ple, clergy and bishops in the Church of Ireland”, and continues: “Our committee, meeting on 28th May 2009, unanimously resolved that we should write to encour-age you in the formation of the Anglican Church in North America.”

The letter says that CIEF has followed “with sadness” the unfolding developments in the Episcopal Church and the

Anglican Church of Canada, indicating: “We know that many of you have suffered great loss (personal, parochial and diocesan) for upholding the orthodox faith in the face of radical innovation, and we want you to know that you have our full support.”

The letter sends ACNA “love and prayers in these times of testing”, and concludes: “We are glad to affirm you fully as fellow-Anglicans and we hope and pray that your

new Province will be officially recognised by the Anglican Communion before long.”

The letter adds words from the hymn, St Patrick’s Breastplate: “I bind unto myself the Name, The strong Name of the Trinity; By invo-cation of the same, The Three in One, and One in Three. Of whom all nature hath crea-tion; Eternal Father, Spirit, Word: Praise to the Lord of my salvation, Salvation is of Christ the Lord.”

Page 2: Hard Gospel Gazette

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Gazette View2 - FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2009 CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE

Editorial

HARD GOSPEL, HARD CHALLENGES

In his foreword to the independ-ent evaluation of the Hard Gospel Project (HGP) produced by

Macaulay Associates, the Archbishop of Armagh not only indicates that the HGP initiated important projects that significantly changed the awareness of and attitudes towards issues of ‘dif-ference’ within the Church of Ireland, but also points to the challenge which has now been presented to the Church of Ireland in the findings of the inde-pendent evaluation.

Archbishop Harper writes that the challenge to the Church of Ireland now is “to sustain the momentum of com-mitment to change” and “to internalise the lessons learned from the project so that they become systemically incorporated in the life stream of the Church”. That is truly a tall order, and the Archbishop is right to emphasize that the newly-formed Implementation Group cannot approach its task with-out very widespread commitment to the Hard Gospel goals throughout the Church of Ireland.

The HGP has made a difference in that it has influenced attitudes to issues of sectarianism and difference across

the Church of Ireland, but now comes the challenge of turning attitudes into actions. It is true, as the independent evaluation states, that organisational change in the Church of Ireland is a slow process, but it is possible. What is required to achieve it is clear commit-ment to the change itself and a certain forbearance with the system.

The Macaulay Associates’ report draws attention to what it describes as “a notable level of press and media coverage” of the HGP’s work. At the Gazette, we have been glad to act as a medium of communication for the HGP over its three-year life and our issue of 6th March last carried a spe-cial Review supplement devoted to the project’s work. There is no doubt that communication is fundamentally what mission is all about; the HGP certainly went out of its way to communicate effectively, thereby letting a wide audi-ence know that the Church of Ireland is indeed a Church on a mission, trying to respond with Christian vision to the contemporary context of life in Ireland. In fact, so many of the big issues facing society today are no less than Hard Gospel issues.

Liturgical Notes21st JUNE

THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY; PROPER 7Liturgical colour: Green

White on Wednesday 24th (Birth of St John the Baptist)Notes are only given on the semi-continuous choice of

Old Testament readings. The first reading is 1 Samuel 17: (1a, 4-11, 19-23) 32-49. Although fairly long, this account of the victory of David over Goliath surely ought to be read in full once in three years!Psalm 9: 9-20 celebrates God’s faithfulness. Although the BCP version begins with a clause consequential on the previous verse, there is not an error. There is a possible alternative which tells of David playing the lyre for Saul which could be read if time is of the essence. The second reading is a very personal testimony to his obedience to Christ from Paul - 2 Corinthians 6: 1-13.The Gospel reading, Mark 4: 35-41, is an account of Jesus stilling the storm on the sea of Galilee.

ANGLICAN CYCLE OF PRAYERPray for the Diocese of Oturkpo (Nigeria).

David Bello is the bishop.J. A. B. M.

14th JUNETHE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY; PROPER 6

Liturgical colour: GreenNotes will be given on the semi-continuous choice of

Old Testament readings. The first reading is 1 Samuel 15: 34 - 16: 13 and introduces readings from the David cycle. This tells of his choice and anointing by Samuel. Psalm 20 points to the victory of God’s anointed king. The second readings for the next few Sundays will all be from 2 Corinthians. Today 5: 6-17 (There seems no good reason for the RCL’s omission of verses 11-13. They help set the context and all can easily be fitted in). This proclaims Paul’s great conviction that in Christ we are a new creation. The Gospel reading, Mark 4: 26-34, is the parable of the mustard seed.

ANGLICAN CYCLE OF PRAYERPray for the Diocese of Ondo (Nigeria).

The bishop is George L. Lasebikan.

Revised Common Lectionary

Page 3: Hard Gospel Gazette

Home NewsCHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2009 - 3

Lisburn parish girlsreceive GB Queen’s Awards

Four girls from St Paul’s parish, Lisburn, Diocese of Connor, were among

81 from across Northern Ireland to be honoured by the Girls’ Brigade (GB) with the Queen’s Award, at a cer-emony held recently in the Braid Centre, Ballymena, Co. Antrim.

The Queen’s Awards, which are internationally recognised and the highest attainable in GB circles, were presented by the GB Patron, Lynda Bryans.

Addressing the audience and girls during the ceremony, Ms Bryans commended the girls for their hard work and dedication, describing them as “real achievers and a credit to the Girls’ Brigade.”

She added: “This is the pin-nacle of two to three years of hard work. What you have achieved shows that you have so many attributes and skills that employers are looking for. You have commitment, stay-ing power, leadership skills, dedication … all your exam. results will get you as far as the interview; your Queen’s Award shows that in life you have so much more than that to offer.”

To gain the Queen’s Award, the girls had to complete a two-year period of work which included community service, two initiative tests, service within the GB, a written test paper on GB knowledge and a final interview with GBNI officials.

The girls from St Paul’s, Lisburn, who received their Queen’s Awards are pictured with their captain and GB officials (back row, from left) Alison Stevenson (captain), Rachel Hanna, Ashlea Thompson, Lisa Carson and Jenna Strain (front row, from left) Morva Brown (GBNI President), Lynda Bryans and Marbeth Coulter (GBNI Vice-President).

Wide-ranging environmental awareness

seminar in Co. Carlow

The Bishop of Cashel and Ossory, the Rt Revd Michael Burrows,

recently opened an Eco Awareness information semi-nar in the Leighlinbridge Community Centre, Co. Carlow.

Bishop Burrows; the vicar of Kilkenny, the Revd Elaine Murray; and Marianne Young comprise the Diocesan Environment Committee; Ms Young was unable to attend the seminar due to a family bereavement in Australia.

A number of speakers addressed a range of envi-ronmental issues. The Dean of Leighlin, the Very Revd Gordon Wynne, spoke on ‘Our Christian Responsibility to the Global Effects of Climate Change’ and made the point that the three most impor-tant things underpinning the balance of the world were the

environment, ecumenism and fair trade.

Jonathan Fitzpatrick, from A-Rated Retrofitting, listed many things that could be done to improve the energy rating in homes.

Richard Sherlock, from Daikin, spoke on the theme of ‘Understanding alterna-tive energy systems and cost effectiveness’.

The fourth speaker was Lorcan Scott, from Wildlife Ireland, who gave a talk on ‘Wildlife and Fauna Awareness in our Church Environs’.

A wide range of stands promoting environmental and charity concerns were at the seminar and some of their representatives had the opportunity to address those present and to take part in a question and answer session following the main talks.

Joint initiative to focuson issues of euthanasia

SEARCH - A Church of Ireland Journal and the Church of Ireland Chaplaincy at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) are joint-ly organising a Colloquium on ‘Euthanasia and end of life issues’ in the Swift Theatre of TCD on Saturday 20th June, from 9.30am to 4.15pm.

This joint initiative aims to examine the issues sur-rounding euthanasia and assisted dying from a theo-logical, medical, social and legal perspective through a

panel of distinguished speak-ers reflecting both sides of the issues.

The cost of the day will be €30 or £25, which includes tea and coffee, but not lunch; places are limited and early booking is advisable.

(For further details, contact the Revd Darren McCallig, tel.01-8961402; email: mccal [email protected] or Canon Ginnie Kennerley, tel.01-2750737; email: [email protected])

If you have any news which you think would be of interest to the Church of Ireland at large, please send it to the Gazette, typewritten or by

email. Colour pictures only, prints or by email (high resolution). Publication cannot be guaranteed. Contact details, see page 2. Thank you!

Tell us about it!

Some of the participants at the Eco Awareness seminar in the Leighlinbridge Community Centre, Co. Carlow.

Page 4: Hard Gospel Gazette

Home News4 - FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2009 CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE

A notable first for Belfast Cathedral choristers

The choristers of St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, have recent-

ly become the first recipi-ents of the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) Bronze and Silver Awards, the first awards of their kind in Northern Ireland.

The Director of Music in St Anne’s, Philip Stopford, said: “I am delighted to see the choristers adorned in smart,

shiny medals. “The Royal School of

Church Music Awards cover the full range of talents and commitments of church musicians. Examinations in solo performance, rep-ertoire, hymn singing, sight-reading and liturgi-cal knowledge are all part of this prestigious qualifica-tion. Many congratulations to each chorister.”

Dioceses called to consider green paper

on liturgical space

A sub-committee of the Church of Ireland’s Liturgical Advisory

Committee has produced a green paper on the subject of liturgical space which was presented to and adopted by the General Synod which met in Armagh last month.

Following the General Synod, the Ven. Ricky Rountree said: “It is now five years since the publication of the Book of Common Prayer (2004). The positive reaction of the General Synod to this green paper indicates that it is now the right time to think critically about how we use the liturgical space in our churches.

“It is also quite apparent that clear guidelines about what are appropriate adap-

tations of existing buildings and what principles should be set for new places of wor-ship would be very helpful to those who are seeking to bring new life into their place of worship and their handling of the liturgy.”

All dioceses are asked to consider the implications of this green paper during the coming year and to send their views and findings to the Honorary Secretary, the Revd Gerald Field, St Catherine’s Rectory, Church Avenue, Tullamore, Co. Offaly; email: [email protected].

(The full text of the green paper can be found at http://ireland.anglican.org/index. p h p ? d o = n e w s & n e w s i d = 2623)

Mountjoy Prison governor visits technology students

Speaking to students of the Dublin Institute of Technology at the invi-

tation of two of the Institute’s chaplains, the Revd Neal Phair (Church of Ireland) and Fr Pádraig Gleeson (Roman Catholic), John Lonergan, the Governor of Mountjoy Prison, Dublin, said: “If you are to remember one thing in life, you should remember that a few moments of madness can ruin someone’s life.”

He went on to apply this to different prisoners whom he had encountered in his years working in the prison service. He pointed out that people ended up in Mountjoy Prison for a wide range of offenc-es, ranging from robbery to murder; however, he added that once they mentioned they had been in Mountjoy, they were all regarded as the same.

Speaking on the sub-

ject, ‘The Need for Social Inclusion’, Mr Lonergan talked about the history and work of the prison itself.

Following the talk, there was a question and answer session for students and staff which gave those present an opportunity to ask questions on certain judical and socio-economic topics and gave Mr Lonergan the chance to com-ment on different problems relating to Mountjoy Prison.

John Lonergan

Some of the choristers of St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, who were presented with their RSCM Bronze and Silver Awards.

Roy Mooney (2nd right) receives a presentation on behalf of the select vestry and parishioners of All Saints’ parish, Newtowncunningham, Co. Donegal, Diocese of Raphoe, to mark his 50th anniversary as secretary of the select vestry. Looking on are (from left) Paul Bryan, outgoing people’s churchwarden; Jim Devenney; Terence West, people’s church-warden; and the rector, Canon David Crooks.

Co. Donegalparish presentation

Gazette email: [email protected]

Page 5: Hard Gospel Gazette

Home NewsCHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2009 - 5

Summer Madness 2009By John Kee

The annual Christian youth festival, Summer Madness (SM), is gear-

ing up for five days of ‘con-nections’ at the King’s Hall, Belfast, from 3rd to 7th July.

For an event that brings together almost 5,000 young people, this year’s theme - ‘Get connected’ - could hardly seem more appropri-ate. Speakers and groups will arrive from all over Ireland and beyond to explore how people connect with God, the world and each other.

Pastor Andy Hickford, Rachael Gardner, Jason Clark and Andy Frost are heading up the mainstage pack and Stephen Cave, Krish Kandiah, Brian McLaren and David Sheppard will provide an equally strong second-row, offering an engaging range of seminars and debates to stimulate the mind and nur-ture the soul.

The worship leader will be Paul Baloche who has been described by Pastor Rick Warren (of Saddleback Church and the author of

the bestseller, The Purpose Driven Life) as having “the hand of God on his songwrit-ing and worship leading [and whose music] is a great gift to the Body of Christ.”

The music at SM will be led by 4 Kornerz, 29th Chapter, 6 Star Hotel and, of course, the man with no big numbers in his name (he just sings them), Foy Vance, who is back on mainstage and also in ‘Rehab’, which is how the new twenty-somethings venue at Madness is branded, with its own programme stream, comfortable seats and spec-tacular line-up of speakers, artists and conversation.

If that all seems just a little bit too cerebral, then watch out for the Zorbing, the Lazerquest, the Blokarts, the Climbing Wall, the basketball competition or caged football tournament and participants might well offer their own efforts in SM’s ‘Got Talent’.

A special £35 ticket is avail-able this year for those who will not be camping on site.

(For further information, visit: www.summermadness.co.uk)

The Revd Chris Carson, rector of Kilmegan (Dundrum) and Maghera, Diocese of Dromore (right), and Edward Sterling jnr are pictured beside a plaque which was recently dedi-cated in Kilmegan church in memory of Brian Sterling who was for a number of years a diocesan reader in the parishes. Mr Sterling was once a member of a team which smuggled Bibles into China on three occasions and was committed to the work of the Divine Healing Ministry in Belfast Cathedral under Brother David Jardine.

Affirming Catholicism (Ireland)’s new papers

Affirming Catholicism (Ireland) - ACI - which seeks to uphold the

integrity of the Church of Ireland as a Catholic and Reformed Church, affirming Catholic faith and order with-in the Church of Ireland, has recently published the latest two in its series of occasional papers.

In Preparation for Priestly Life, Canon John Mann, rector of St John’s, Malone, Belfast, Diocese of Connor, argues that there is a relationship between the concept and practice of priestliness and the new contemporary vision for collaborative ministry and professional styles of Christian leadership. He accepts that, within this understanding, the nature, role and office of the ordained priest is evolv-ing.

Celebrating the Oxford

Movement is a collection of one lecture by Canon Patrick Comerford and three ser-mons by Bishop Michael Jackson, Canon Hugh Wybrew and Canon Michael Kennedy respectively, all of which were delivered in various church-es in Ireland as part of the Church of Ireland’s celebra-tions of the 175th anniversary of the beginning of the Oxford Movement towards the end of last year.

All four authors seek to present independent reflec-tions on the history and significance of the Oxford Movement from a Church of Ireland perspective.

(To obtain copies of the papers and for further infor-mation on ACI, contact Charles Jury, ACI honor-ary secretary, tel. 9066 5424; email: [email protected])

Co. Wicklow church marks 175 years with opening of

new parish rooms

By Garrett Casey

The small Co. Wicklow parish church of Calary, Diocese of

Glendalough, recently cele-brated its 175th anniversary with a special service which also saw the blessing and dedication of new parish rooms adjoining the church.

The service was presid-ed over by the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd John Neill, and the rector of Newcastle, Newtownmountkennedy and Calary, the Revd William Bennett.

Despite the church’s

out-of-the-way location, a number of notable people have had associations with it over its 175-year history, including a former rector, the Revd John Nelson Darby, who went on to found the Plymouth Brethren; George Nutell who successfully lob-bied the British Government for the commutation of the death sentence on United Irelander, William Smith O’Brien, in 1848; Hilda Bisset, who was the first woman to qualify from the Irish Veterinary College in 1927; and Dame Ruth King who founded the British Youth Orchestra.

The Revd William Bennett (left) at the opening of the new par-ish rooms in Calary church. Looking on are Archdeacon Ricky Rountree (centre) and Archbishop John Neill (right).

Page 6: Hard Gospel Gazette

World News6 - FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2009 CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE

Swedish LutheranChurch elects bishop

in lesbian partnership

The newly-elected Lutheran Bishop of Stockholm says that

being a lesbian means she wants to stand alongside peo-ple who feel powerless.

“I know what it is to be called into question,” Eva Brunne said in an article on the website of the Church of Sweden (www.svenskakyrk an.se) after her 26th May election. “I am in the lucky situation that I have power and I can use it for the benefit of those who have no power,” said Bishop-elect Brunne, currently Dean of Stockholm.

She is the first Church of Sweden bishop to live in a registered homosexual partnership, the Uppsala-headquartered Church said, and is believed to be the first openly lesbian bishop in the world.

Bishop-elect Brunne, who is 55 years old, lives with a priest, the Revd Gunilla Lindén, in a partnership that has received a Church bless-ing. They have a three-year-old son.

She succeeds Bishop Caroline Krook, who is to retire in November.

The Church of Ireland is in

communion with the Church of Sweden.

Lutheran Churches throughout the world hold different views about sexu-ality matters. The Church of Sweden, which offers a spe-cial blessing for same-sex couples, has faced criticism from some other Lutheran Churches, particularly those in African countries.

In 2005, leaders of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) removed Kenyan Bishop Walter Obare Omwanza as an advisor to its main governing body, the LWF Council, after he consecrated a bishop from a breakaway Lutheran group-ing in Sweden, opposed to women priests and same-sex marriage. [ENI]

Bishop-elect Eva Brunne

Anglican-Lutheran International Commission

focuses on diaconate

The third Anglican-Lutheran International Commission (ALIC)

held its fourth meeting in Lilleskog, Sweden, between 20th and 27th May, under the leadership of the Most Revd Fred Hiltz, Primate of Canada, and of the Revd Dr Cameron Harder, Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon, Canada, acting as Lutheran co-chair in the absence of Bishop Thomas Nyiwé, Cameroon, who was unable to attend.

Sweden was chosen as the venue for this meeting in order to allow what the commission described as “sustained engagement and deepening theological reflec-tion on the theme of diako-nia, which has been emerg-ing as the central theme on which this commission wants to make its contribution”.

A communiqué stated: “The life of the Christian Church has diaconal character, this commission believes. Using a diaconal lens has allowed the commission to examine issues of ecclesiology and ministry from fresh perspec-tives. Diakonia and koinonia (communion) are two faces of the same reality, two sides

of the same coin on which God’s image is stamped. The commission believes that a renewed and full understand-ing of diakonia will strength-en the mission and unity of the Church at every level. God is now calling Anglicans and Lutherans to find con-crete diaconal expressions for the growing communion between them.

“The inseparable relation-ship of diakonia and com-munion is integral to the Church in every context, but it is expressed in particular ways in each place. As part of its mandate, the commission received regional reports, which reflect a diversity of contexts, needs, and respons-es.” [ACNS]

Archbishop Fred Hiltz

Service honouring Calvin broadcastin Europe, Asia and US

More than two million television viewers in Europe and beyond

joined a congregation of 1,200 people at Geneva’s St Pierre Cathedral to honour the 500th anniversary of the birth of the Protestant Reformer, Jean Calvin.

“We give thanks to God for the incredible ways that his legacy is giving life and hope to communities all around our world,” said the Revd Clifton Kirkpatrick, President of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC), at the opening of the 31st May service.

Calvin preached at St

Pierre Cathedral during the Protestant Reformation.

“During his time in this Cathedral, Calvin moulded together a Christian com-munity,” said Dr Kirkpatrick, who is also President of the patronage committee of the Calvin09 jubilee year. “He lifted up a vision of Christian unity and justice, and inspired a deep love for God’s world.”

The service was trans-mitted live by Eurovision to Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Hungary. It was also picked up in the United States by Calvin College in

Grand Rapids and in Korea by the Christian Broadcast System in Seoul.

It was one of a number of events in 2009 to mark the 500th anniversary of the birth of Calvin, who was born on 10th July 1509, in Noyon, northern France.

Two hundred Reformed Church Christians from more than 35 countries were part of the congregation, including 40 members of the joint execu-tive committees of WARC and of the US-based Reformed Ecumenical Council which had been meeting in Geneva.

A national Swiss ceremony to mark the Calvin year is to

take place on 14th June in Geneva. Then, on 10th July, the 500th anniversary of the Reformer’s birth, there will be a service of thanksgiving at St Pierre Cathedral.

An official website for the celebrations, www.calvin09.org, presents in four languag-es a calendar of jubilee events worldwide, and information on Calvin’s life and teaching.

A Webcast version of the 31st May service is available on DVD in French, German, English, Hungarian, Italian and Dutch. (To order, visit: www.calvin09.org or send an email message to [email protected])[ENI]

Page 7: Hard Gospel Gazette

World NewsCHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2009 - 7

The first things that strike one about the Kirchentag events in

Germany are their sheer scale and their youthful character, although all age groups are well represented.

A Kirchentag brings liter-ally thousands of Christians together in a chosen city for worship, Bible study, lec-tures, seminars, exhibitions and entertainment. In fact, one count this year estimated 100,000 participants per day.

To cater for the interests of so many people obviously requires a large and varied series of parallel-running events. The programme book of the 20th-24th May Kirchentag in the north German city of Bremen, at which I had the privilege of being the official guest from the Church of Ireland, had no fewer than 560 pages.

Kirchentags have tradition-ally been either Protestant or Roman Catholic (alternate years), the latter being known as ‘Katholikentag’.

Several years ago, a joint Protestant-Roman Catholic Kirchentag was held in Berlin, which I also attend-ed, and next year there will be another such occasion in Munich. However, there is very deep feeling among German Protestants over the Roman Catholic Church’s view of Protestant Churches as not being Churches in sensu proprio and its rules on Eucharistic sharing.

Kirchentags do not pass resolutions. They are not con-stituted in that way. Rather, they are about worshipping, thinking, engaging and gen-erally enjoying being the Church, spiritually, emotion-ally and intellectually.

The opening and closing acts of worship were large-scale events, but there were

may other acts of worship throughout the Kirchentag’s duration. There was a pro-found sense of common, Christian purpose at the Kirchentag, music and singing never being far away, and the theme - God’s words to Adam: “Where are you?” (Genesis 3: 9) - opened up many different lines of reflection.

Because there is such a vast audience, politicians like to make appearances and, indeed, I was invited to a reception hosted by the liberal FDP; the party leader himself, Guido Westerwelle, was there and gave a suitably encouraging address. His PR man hovered observantly, file under arm, and there was a photocall. Yes, European elec-tions were looming, but Herr Westerwelle’s appreciation of the Church’s role in society did indeed come across as very genuine.

I also attended an official,

international reception host-ed by the Bremen Chamber of Commerce, where officials welcomed the Kirchentag to their city, particularly noting its international dimension.

Other events that I attend-ed were remarkable in their own ways. For example, on a stage erected on the green outside Bremen’s central sta-tion, with several hundred people sitting around listen-ing, a discussion took place on the subject of ecumen-ism - interspersed with music and songs by a Christian rock band. The discussion, relayed by loudspeakers and on a large screen, succeeded in both recognising ecumenical realities and keeping people’s interest.

Then again, at 3.00pm on a sunny afternoon, one of the local theatres was packed, gallery included, for a very serious three-hour session on education. The topic is

clearly a ‘hot’ one in Germany because of charges of élitism in the educational system. It is felt that there is not suf-ficient investment in the less academic schools, leaving them, as one speaker put it, like educational “ghettoes”. There are also structural problems relating to justice in the educational system for migrants and poorer families. The debate will continue in Germany, but where it will lead remains unclear.

At another event, former Finnish President and Nobel peace Prize winner, Martti Ahtisaari, who has been involved in numerous peace processes across the globe - including Northern Ireland - spoke about freedom itself. While he observed that reli-gion and politics are inter-related and that one must not take over the other, he said they had at least one thing in common, freedom being of fundamental importance for the welfare of both.

Mr Ahtisaari remarked on the spotlights shining on him as he gave his address in the huge auditorium: they reminded him, he said, of how very often people can see the politicians, but politi-cians cannot see the people! What struck me most about him was not only his emi-nence as a world figure, but his genuineness and relative simplicity of expression.

Much more could be said about the recent Kirchentag days in Bremen, but suf-fice it here for me further to record my personal thanks to the Church of Ireland for nominating me as the official guest invited by the German Protestant Church, and my gratitude to the Kirchentag organisers for their hospital-ity and kindness.

Youth stewards at the Kirchentag

The 32nd German Protestant Kirchentag

Gazette editor, Canon Ian Ellis, reflects on the experience.

Page 8: Hard Gospel Gazette

Focus on Ordained Ministry8 - FRIDAY 12 June 2009 FRIDAY 12 June 2009 - 9

God our Father, Lord of all the world,

we thank you that through your Son

you have called us into the fellowship of your universal Church.

Hear our prayer for your faithful people

that in their vocation and ministry

they may be instruments of your love,

and give to these your servants now to be ordained the needful gifts of grace;

through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Ordination Prayer

Church of Ireland Ordination Newsletter 2009

Over the past few months, some people have sug-

gested that there will be a return to Church and to people seeking ordi-nation, as though such a move would shield them from the problems of the world. For those who do follow their calling to ordained ministry, it is not an easy option, with all the demands that are placed upon a priest.

During the production of the As-I-Am DVD, it was refreshing to listen to the stories of people who had followed their calling, to

hear why they felt this was what God wanted them to do. Someone who watched the DVD a few weeks ago commented that listening to the stories made them

want to stop where they were and go back to the beginning of their own particular story.

It is a wonderful privilege to be an ordained priest in the Church of God and to share in the lives of, and be supported by, so many people. Those in training, those about to be ordained and those already many years into ordained min-istry value the prayers of the wider Church all year round.

Katharine PoultonCentral Director of Ordinands

Canon Katharine Poulton

ARMAGH The Revd Brian Harper, 89

Mullavilly Road, Tandragee, Co. Armagh BT62 2LX

Canon Cyril Rolston, 19 Lower Parklands, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone BT71 7Jn

CLOGHERCanon Trevor Gillian,

Colebrooke Rectory, Fivemiletown, Co. Tyrone BT75 0SP

DERRY Canon Samuel McVeigh,

49 Killane Road, Limavady, Co. Londonderry BT49 0DJ

DOWNThe Revd Mark Harvey, The

Rectory, 1 Grahamsbridge Road, Dundonald, Belfast BT16 0DB

CONNORCanon William Murphy, 2

Maghaberry Manor, Moira, Craigavon, Co. Armagh BT67 0JZ

KILMOREThe Ven. George Davison,

The Rectory, Cloghan, Derrylin, enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh BT92 9LD

TUAMThe Ven. Richard Dadswell,

The Rectory, Ballisodare, Co. Sligo

DUBLINThe Revd Ted Woods,

Rathfarnham Rectory, Rathfarnham Road, Terenure, Dublin 6W

MEATHThe Revd Peter

Rutherford, St Michael’s Rectory, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath

CASHELThe Very Revd norman

Lynas, The Deanery, Kilkenny

CORKThe Very Revd Alan Marley,

The Deanery, Midleton, Co. Cork

LIMERICKThe Ven. Malcolm

Shannon, Kilcolman Rectory, Milltown, Co. Kerry

Church of Ireland Diocesan Directors

of OrdinandsYEAR 1

Arthur Burns (Derry and Raphoe)

Yvonne Ginnelly (Dublin and Glendalough)

Melissa Jeffers (Connor)Tony Murphy (Cork)Martin O’Connor

(Dublin and Glendalough)

YEAR 2Paul Arbuthnot

(Dublin and Glendalough)Paul Bogle

(Dublin and Glendalough)Lorraine Capper (Clogher)Peter Ferguson (Armagh)noel Gordon

(Down and Dromore)Brian Howe (Connor)Trevor Kelly (Connor)Jason Kernohan (Connor)Jack Kinkead

(Dublin and Glendalough)Brian Lacey (Connor)

Terence Lilburn (Dublin and Glendalough)

Vicki Lynch (Limerick and Killaloe)

Alex Purser (Cashel and Ossory)

Ken Rue (Dublin and Glendalough)

elizabeth Stevenson (Armagh)

Martha Waller (Dublin and Glendalough)

Helen Oxley (Cashel and Ossory)

Lynne Gibson (Connor)

FOUNDATION COURSE

2008-2009 38 people2009-2010 23 people

Completion of the founda-tion course does not mean automatic selection for train-ing for ordained ministry.

Ordinands in training

Vacancies as of 28th March 2009:

Armagh 4 out of 45Clogher 3 out of 32Derry and Raphoe 3 out of 49Down and Dromore 5 out of 76Connor 4 out of 77Kilmore 4 out of 24

Tuam 1 out of 9Dublin 1 out of 60Meath and Kildare 3 out of 17Cashel and Ossory 2 out of 33Cork 3 out of 22Limerick 2 out of 16

Non-stipendiary ministry ordinands. Back row, from left: Andrea Wills, Helen Oxley, Christine O’Dowd Smyth, Amelia McWilliams, Anne Skuce, Lucy Green, Suzanne Harris, Elizabeth Cairns and Judi McGaffin. Front row, from left: Ivan Dungan, Adrian Moran, William Anderson, Niall Stratford, Mark Lennox, Adrian Halligan and Graham Nevin. (Photo: Nigel Gillis Photography)

Preparing for Ministry 2009(Students’ names in the captions are followed by the parishes and

dioceses in which they will serve following ordination.)

Stipendiary ministry ordinands. Back row, from left: Victor Fitzpatrick (St Ann’s and St Stephen’s with St Mark’s, Dawson Street, Dublin), Johnny McLoughlin (St Mark’s, Armagh), Mike Dornan (St Malachi’s, Hillsborough, Down), Alan Irwin (Ballymena, Connor), David McDonnell (Christ Church Cathedral group of parishes, Dublin), Colin Welsh (Jordanstown, Connor) and Robert Ferris (St Columba’s, Knock, Down). Front row, from left: Simon Genoe (Lisburn Cathedral, Connor), Alison Calvin (Killeshandra, Derrylane and Killegar, Kilmore), Tracey McRoberts (St Thomas’, Belfast, Connor), Ruth West (Christ Church Cathedral Waterford group of parishes, Waterford), Patrick Burke (Douglas Union, Cork) and Ruth Elmes (St Brigid’s, Stillorgan, and All Saints’, Blackrock, Dublin). (Photo: Nigel Gillis Photography)

Page 9: Hard Gospel Gazette

Insight10 - FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2009 CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE

Healing Through Remembering (HTR) is inviting people to

take part in a Day of Private Reflection on Sunday 21st June. The Day of Reflection is in its third year and is organ-ised by HTR, a cross-commu-nity organisation that focuses on ways of dealing with the past relating to the conflict in and about Northern Ireland, with the aim of ensuring a peaceful future for all.

The Day of Private Reflection offers an opportu-nity for everyone to acknowl-edge the deep hurt and loss caused by the conflict and to remember the men, women and children who live with the consequences of it everyday. It offers an opportunity to reflect on our own attitudes, on what more we might have done or might still do, and to make a personal commitment that such loss should never be allowed to happen again. It allows everyone on the island of Ireland and in Great Britain to reflect upon the past and consider the future.

While the Day is a socie-ty-wide initiative, ‘private’ is the key word and participa-tion is entirely voluntary. It is an opportunity for people to reflect either individually or with family members, a group or an organisation. Groups, including Churches, can be involved by raising awareness among their members, by offering a place where reflec-tion can take place, by facili-tating reflection, or by assist-ing in developing materials which would aid and enable meaningful reflection.

Ways of reflecting sug-gested by various groups and individuals include a moment of silence, saying a prayer, reading an appropriate poem, sharing stories or listening to someone else’s story, record-

ing your memories in a book or journal, and visiting a place of worship or any place that allows for reflection.

There is much on which to reflect. There is no single date in the calendar year which is not the anniversary of the death of at least one person in relation to the conflict. So, whilst 21st June has a par-ticular relevance for certain families - in particular this year as the date corresponds with Father’s Day - this Day of Private Reflection is about something much wider in relation to our society and its past.

A member of HTR who lost her son in the conflict said: “We must think about how things might have been had the present peace proc-ess come about sooner. Many lives could have been saved, including that of my own son who was only 18.”

Others make the point that

the pain of the past will not just go away - indeed, it can resurface at times of violence or political tension. “For me, remembrance is both cru-cial - and as a former soldier particularly - is unavoidable,” another HTR member said, “but if we only remember, we will live in the past. We need to reflect on our memories, to think about whether the attitudes and actions linked to them contribute to healing and a better future for all.”

Careful consideration was given to choosing a date for a Day of Private Reflection. It was felt that 21st June, the summer solstice and the long-est day of the year, was a sym-bolically important day. The hours of light and dark could be seen as a symbol of the hope and pain in our society. It is a day which represents a pause in the cycle of nature, a moment to reflect.

In planning the Day, HTR

sought a wide range of opin-ions, and has received posi-tive responses from various organisations and individuals. When the Day was launched in June 2007, HTR received support from people and groups in Northern Ireland, Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland and internationally.

Since its launch, the Day has been independently evaluat-ed. Feedback has been posi-tive and it was determined that it would be beneficial to continue holding the Day. It is hoped that support will grow and that the Day of Reflection will continue to be an inclu-sive and positive event that emphasises a commitment to a peaceful society.

HTR Director, Kate Turner, said: “Extensive consultation with individuals and groups indicated that the Day needed to be as inclusive and compre-hensive as possible, to be able to respond to those affected by the conflict.”

HTR’s vision is of a day that is positive and inclusive, that reaches out to all and that unites rather than divides. For these reasons we hope that people will take part in the Day of Private Reflection on Sunday 21st June.

(More information on the Day of Reflection can be accessed on www.dayofref lection.com. This includes information about the day, resources and endorsements. Additional information can be found by logging on to www.healingthroughremem-bering.org or by calling 028 9023 8844.)

Sean Coll is a Board mem-ber of Healing Through Remembering and the Chair of its Day of Reflection Sub Group.

Reflect on the past,commit to the future

By Sean Coll of Healing Through Remembering

Page 10: Hard Gospel Gazette

SoapCHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2009 - 11

Summer suns may have been glowing, but in the Prescott

rectory, the atmosphere was glacial.

Anthony and Annabel continued to live separate lives under the one roof and had hardly exchanged a word, civil or uncivil, for over seven weeks.

Though the bruising on Annabel’s face had long cleared up, the emotion-al bruising was still very tender and she was still smarting - inside - from the pain of his fist.

And she would get even with him; there could be nothing surer; the time and the occasion would be of her choosing.

Staff meetings were now coffee-less. At first, Anthony had made the excuse that Annabel still felt under the weather from her virus, and after that, coffee ceased to appear.

Anthony’s curate, Shaun Barrett, had agreed to join the Cathedral staff with Jeremiah Brown at the end of June, so there was less and less to discuss at staff meetings. Indeed, Shaun and Nigel Ashurst, the NSM, were often leav-ing the rectory 15 minutes after they had arrived.

Anthony’s manner was getting more and more brusque - if that were possible - and there was no small-talk whatsoever.

Nigel knew that Anthony was annoyed about Shaun’s ‘defection’, as he called it, and that the Archdeacon deeply resented that the bishop had suggested the move for Shaun.

What he could not explain was Anthony’s frostiness towards him personally.

Annabel had taken to calling in to Nigel’s for

coffee and chat whenever she was passing - which was becoming more fre-quent - and when Nigel broached the change of demeanour in Anthony,

she just passed it off as strain from overwork.

“With Shaun leaving and with Priscilla delegat-ing more and more work to him, he’s run off his feet. I hardly ever see him myself - not that that wor-ries me one little bit. He’s completely wrapped up in his work and always has been. If only I’d known …

” and she’d fix Nigel with her beguiling eyes for a moment, before averting her gaze.

Nigel enjoyed their chats. Although he

had quite a number of acquaintances, he hadn’t, as yet, made any real friends and old friends from before his navy days had either moved away or moved on.

Not that he was lonely or bored, what with ten-nis, naval research and his work in St Saviour’s, but he enjoyed the free

and easy conversations with Annabel. He realised that it wasn’t just her good looks that had made them an item at school.

And Annabel was enjoy-ing herself too: not just Nigel’s company, but also the fact that Anthony might often see her car parked in the Ashurst driveway and know she was there. And she knew his imagination would be working overtime - and that he could do nothing about it. She enjoyed the knowledge of his inner torment.

But she also knew that she shouldn’t rush things with Nigel. He was only two years widowed and from his conversations, she knew that his had been a happy marriage, even if his in-laws were too overwhelming. It was to get away from their claustrophobic presence and to be himself that he had moved back to Ireland.

But Annabel had plans for the future and she would lay the ground care-fully. She was determined that she would have more than just revenge.

In the meantime, Nigel was enjoying her com-pany. Annabel was always dressed immac-ulately and she could see Nigel cast an admir-ing glance her way. And now and again, while talking, she would lay her hand on his arm. He never flinched: in

her mind, a good sign, surely.

Much as Annabel would have liked it, there was no possibility of going out to a restaurant for a meal or an outing to the theatre: that would certainly get tongues wagging - and frighten Nigel off.

‘Softly, softly, catchee monkey” was her mantra - for the moment.

By Ted Woods

‘ … she would get even with him; there could be nothing surer; the time and the occasion

would be of her choosing’

Page 11: Hard Gospel Gazette

By the Book12 - FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2009 CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE

It’s not often that you see a new word enter the English language before your very eyes. Perhaps

you would not expect the august journal that you are currently read-ing to be at the vanguard of develop-ments in etymology. Yet that is what happened earlier in the year.

I was struck when I came across a word that I had rarely seen in print before. The word is ‘Christophobic’ (or the somewhat less euphonic ‘Christianophobic’). I was great-ly surprised when I saw the word used and the concept described in a number of divergent contexts in a short space of time, one of them being the Gazette.

Avid Gazette readers will be able to cast their minds back to a report entitled ‘English Christian care home loses funding over “gay rights”.’ (Gazette, 23rd January 2009, page 16). The article explained that Brighton and Hove City Council had withdrawn funding to the home because the home declined to ask its geriatric residents every three months about their sex-ual orientation, to use homosexual imagery in its promotional literature and to show a presentation on ‘gay rights’ to staff.

Irish Senator David Norris responded in a letter deprecating “this inappropriate, insensitive and bullying attitude.” (Gazette, 6th February 2009, Letters, page 8). The good Senator followed this up by writing to and negotiating directly with the Council - and managed to restore the grant to the elderly folk.

This situation prompted a Gazette reader to respond in a letter enti-tled ‘Christian consciousness today’ (Letters, 27th February 2009, page 7) which instanced a number of other situations in Britain where Christians had “run foul of the authorities” by

doing things like praying for other people. The writer quoted the former British government min-ister, Ann Widdecombe, who was reported in the Daily Mail as say-ing: “There is now daily evidence of Christianophobia in this country …” Archbishop John Sentamu was also quoted in the letter as saying that in Britain the freedom of diver-sity seemed to belong to almost eve-ryone but those who had faith in Christ.

At the same time, my attention was captured when I read the address given by the Australian Roman Catholic Archbishop George Pell to the Oxford University Newman Society (‘Varieties of Intolerance’, 6th March 2009). Pell was speaking in England, but he described the emergence of an intolerant secular

liberalism in Australia. He argued that there was a “… one-sidedness about discrimination and vilifica-tion. Opposition to same-sex mar-riage is a form of homophobia, and therefore bad; but Christianophobic blacklisting and intimidation is passed over in silence.”

Pell references a Time magazine article entitled ‘What happens if you’re on Gay Rights “Enemies List”’ (Saturday 15th November 2008). Individuals and businesses support-ing the overturn of Proposition 8, the ‘gay marriage’ statute in California, have been targeted and vilified by homosexual activists. The Time arti-cle alleged that African Americans, 70% of whom supported the over-turn of Proposition 8, have become a special target.

So, in late 2008 and early 2009, a Roman Catholic bishop from Australia, an Anglican archbishop from Britain, an article in the Daily Mail newspaper, a quote from a former British government minister, a series of articles in the Church of Ireland Gazette and an article in Time magazine either documented the emergence of Christophobia or directly used the term to describe events. A new word had entered our language to describe a new reality.

Do we need a new word? What is wrong with the word that would nor-mally be used - that is, persecution? Apparently, the distinctive nature of Christophobia is that it is political in form and acts in the guise of freedom and tolerance. It is also distinctive from the persecution with which the people of God are historically famil-

iar because much of it comes from within the Church itself. In a situ-ation that is distinctive from New Testament times, in some cases, it is the leaders of the Church of Christ who are leading the charge

against the truth of the Gospel.Some Christian writers have sug-

gested that for the Church in the West, the 1st century and the 21st century will increasingly look simi-lar. As we move into Christophobic times, those passages of the New Testament that once seemed so for-eign - the ones that teach on per-secution - suddenly seem relevant to us.

The Apostle Peter writes: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were hap-pening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ … If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” (1 Peter 4: 12-14).

Edward Vaughan

Christophobia - a new form of persecution?

A new word had entered our language to describe a new reality’

Page 12: Hard Gospel Gazette

MusingsCHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2009 - 13

Bully off

I was hosting a ‘Gatsby’ party and was searching for something to wear. My

sixth form class had inveigled me into this and it seemed to me that an inordinate amount of time had gone into discus-sion about outfits in those last few school days, when we really ought to have been focusing on assessment objectives and the like. (The boys, I may add, were even more animated than the girls in their preparations.)

Anyway, it was the day of the event: everything was ready; house festooned in gold and silver balloons; and I was wondering what Archbishop Richard Robinson would be thinking about it all. What was I going to put on with this ‘flapper’ dress? Then I had an inspiration: my mother’s fox fur - ancient and totally incorrect, of course, but ideal to evoke the atmosphere and glamour of the 1920s.

Yes, there it was at the back of the wardrobe, a relic from the last murder mystery, and I delved into the blue plastic bag. I shook it out from a second inner plastic bag and its smell conjured up memories of par-ents dressed up to go out, my mother in a blue dress and red lipstick.

But what had really grabbed my attention in that moment was not the fur itself, but that second plastic bag from which it emerged. Unmistakeable; I was back in the first form at grammar school - for this was

the ‘Spalding’ plastic bag which had contained my maroon hockey bag, bought in the Athletic Stores in Belfast more years ago than I care to reveal.

It is strange how one’s mind can be transposed by so trivial an item - all the longings and dreams and disappointments of childhood evoked in an instant.

For some unknown rea-son, it had been fashionable for a while for the girls in our school to carry their school books around in hockey bags. I suspect we were not meant to do it, but, naturally, every-one did. For a long time, I had desperately wanted a hockey

bag, but had had to make do without one. Children are cruel and the girls in my class were no exception; daughters of wealthy Belfast business-men, many were privileged in their upbringing and lifestyle. There was a lot of talk about the number of telephones in the house and cocktail parties. As the daughter of a Church of Ireland curate, I could not compete.

One day, my mother brought me home a present. She knew how much I had wanted it and she was pleased because she knew how pleased I would be. In my excitement, I pulled it out from the bag, the ‘Spalding’

plastic bag, and I can still recall the disappointment. It was the cheaper version of the hockey bag, the one without the front pockets. I didn’t want this one; I needed the one with the pock-ets - but my mother was so delighted …

I was wandering round a pro-vincial town the other day and I was looking a mess. I knew I was looking a mess: no make-up, hair windswept, scruffy clothes. An elegantly-dressed woman approached me and I immediately recognised her as the prettiest, trend-setter from our first form class: the one who always looked right; the one who had the best gear;

who flirted eas-ily with the boys; and who was popular and great fun. Here she was, all these years later, warm and charm-

ing, full of chat about past and present. And here I was, feeling twelve years old again, with all its awkwardness and inadequa-cy. Do we ever really move on, I wonder? ‘You’re always twelve in your head,’ ‘they’ say, and maybe ‘they’ are right.

Well, the ‘Gatsby’ party was a success; my students looked wonderful and I trust as much effort is going into their revision now, as the day of the examina-tion approaches.

Meanwhile, I have made a mental note to myself: ‘Always, always remember to put your lipstick on before you go out; you never know who you’ll meet.’

Alison Rooke

‘You’re always twelve in your head’

Page 13: Hard Gospel Gazette

Advertising14 - FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2009 CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE

WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2009at 7.45pm

BELFAST CATHEDRAL CHOIRandCATHEDRAL VOICES

The Seventh AnnualSummer Concert

with music byVictoria, Leighton, Harrisand Philip Stopford

Philip Stopford, Director of MusicIan Barber, Assistant Organist

ST ANNE’S CATHEDRAL,DONEGALL STREET, BELFAST

Tickets £10 (students £5)including refreshmentswww.belfastcathedral.org

Ballisodare Group of Parishes (Tuam, Killala and Achonry)

RectorThe Ballisodare Group of Parishes (Ballisodare, Collooney and Ballymote) will become vacant in early August due to retirement. Located in the centre of Co. Sligo, the parish extends from the Atlantic coastline to the Roscommon border, though the majority of the parishioners live in a compact area that is well served by the three churches.

We are seeking an incumbent who will continue the strong pastoral ministry of recent years and encourage a practical vision for Church and community in the future. The incumbent will also have many opportunities to take an active part in wider diocesan life.

There is a fine, modern rectory in Ballisodare; a Church of Ireland primary school (Collooney); and second-level schools in Sligo town, including Sligo Grammar School. There is easy access to all transport networks.

Requests for further information are invited and should be addressed to:

The Diocesan Secretary,Stonehall House,

Ballisodare,Co. Sligo.

Tel. +353 71 9167280Fax: +353 71 9130264

Email: [email protected]

Closing date for expressions of interest or formal applications: 31st July 2009.

Aughaval (Westport) Group of Parishes (Tuam, Killala and Achonry)

RectorThe extensive Aughaval Group of Parishes will become vacant at the end of July 2009. Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, it is centered around Westport (main church) and includes three other churches in Turlough, Castlebar and Achill Island.

We are seeking an ecumenically-minded and energetic incumbent who will enjoy a varied ministry among the 200 church families and the wider community. The incumbent will also be chaplain to various hospitals and take an active part in wider diocesan life.

There is a fine, modern rectory; a Church of Ireland primary school; and second-level schools in Westport town. There is easy access to all transport networks.

Requests for further information are invited and should be addressed to:

The Diocesan Secretary,Stonehall House,

Ballisodare,Co. Sligo.

Tel. +353 71 9167280Fax: +353 71 9130264

Email: [email protected]

Closing date for expressions of interest or formal applications: 31st July 2009.

St Philip and St James,Holywood

ParishTwo clergy appointments to our team

Leader of Ministryto co-ordinate all areas of the ministry, including

discipleship, worship and community. This person will be a ‘team player’, organised and able to

lead themselves and others.

Leader of Discipleshipto lead the teams involved in children, youth and adult discipleship. This person will have

acknowledged teaching skills and energy and enthusiasm for others, especially children and

young people.

House, stipend and generous benefits.All clergy share pastoral duties.

The Revd Roger Elks, 028 9042 2069,[email protected]

www.holywoodparishchurch.co.uk

Page 14: Hard Gospel Gazette

AdvertisingCHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2009 - 15

AUDIO PROMOTIONSChurch AV Specialists

- PA systems- Loop systems- Projectors and screens- Installation and repairs

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THE ADELAIDE HOSPITAL SOCIETYdepends upon your support.

An Adelaide tradition of nursing care from the time of Florence Nightingale.

A bequest to The Adelaide Hospital Society will make possible the future progress of the famous Adelaide School of Nursing - the national centre

for nursing training for candidates from the Protestant community.

THE ADELAIDE HOSPITAL SOCIETYguarantees that the Adelaide medicaltradition will flourish in the future.

Write or phone for brochure,forms for bequests and details to:

The Director,The Adelaide Hospital Society,The Adelaide & Meath Hospital,Tallaght,DUBLIN 24Tel: (01) 4142071 or (01) 4142072Fax: (01) 4142070

WESLEY COLLEGE, DUBLINAccommodation Available

Accommodation with full board and salary is available during term in exchange for light residential duties in Embury and Epworth Houses. The positions are best suited for those at 3rd level in at least second year, pursuing further education or training. An enjoyment of boarding at school or relevant experience in parish youth work is an advantage.

The College’s prime location is served by major bus routes and the Luas.

A letter of application containing C.V. and two references to arrive not later than 26th June should be forwarded to:Canon R.C. Reed, Wesley College, Ballinteer, Dublin 16email: [email protected]; www.wesleycollege.ie

FORESTLODGE BED AND BREAKFAST: Hornhead, Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal. Tel. Jean Scott. Code for N.I. (00353) 0749135104. Website: www.forestlodgedonegal.com. Email: [email protected].

GRASS MAINTENANCE: WILLIAM CUTHBERTSON CONTRACTS: Now taking orders for grass maintenance of graveyards, rectory grounds, sports pitches, etc. For free estimates, contact William, tel. 028 8953 1232, or mob. 07799 816691.

HOLIDAY HOUSE TO LET: Knightstown, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry. Three bedrooms (sleeps six). Tranquil surroundings. Beautiful sea views. Tel. 00 353 87 2466782 or email: [email protected].

TO LET FERMANAGH LAKELAND: Luxury holiday cottage set in the quiet village of Lisbellaw, with garden and parking. For further information, tel. 029 6638 7608, mob. 07759 393411 or visit: www.whatfermanagh.co.uk.

WANTED - OLD AND SECONDHAND BOOKS: Theology, Church history, Bible commentaries, Irish interest, etc. Good prices paid for libraries and smaller lots. Will travel to collect. Phone John Gowan, 028 6634 1239, or fax. 028 6634 1844.

LOOP SYSTEMS

FOR HEARING

AID USERS

supplied and installed; for more information,

please contact:

HAPPY HEARING CavanTel. 049 4371444 or

087 6860663Code for NI (00353 49 or 87)

CHURCH FURNITURE:

made and restored, Billy McCormick.

Phone: Saintfield 9751 9226.

Pr Roofing• Roofing and property maintenance specialists• All Property Repairs• Slating Tiling Flat Roofs• Leadwork Pointing PVC Fascia• Gutters Renewed, Powerwashing• All Joinery Work Undertaken• Also gardening services available• Work Guaranteed, Free Estimates• Registered Contractor

39 Ponsonby AvenueBelfast

Tel. 028 9075 4636Mob. 07890 918 521

requires an Organist/Choir LeaderOne Sunday morning service at 10.00am and

other occasional services, plus regular choir practices.

Conacher organ.

Remuneration and conditions by negotiation.

Applications and enquiries to:

Canon Robert Howard, Annahilt Rectory,

15 Ballykeel Road, Hillsborough, Co. Down BT26 6DB.

Tel: 028 9263 8218.

Email: [email protected]

Church of the Ascension, Annahilt (near Hillsborough), Co. Down, BT26 6NE

A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY THROUGH THE HOLY LAND

with the Revd David Humphries and Canon David Brown

4th - 14th May 2010This comprehensive 11-day pilgrimage to Jerusalem

and the Galilee departs annually to see the places and meet the people.

For brochure and further details, contact:The Revd David Humphries,

St Molua’s Rectory, 3 Rosepark, Belfast BT5 7RG(Tel. 028 9048 2292).

Page 15: Hard Gospel Gazette

By Gordon Graham

More than 50 mem-bers and support-ers of the Church

of Ireland ‘think tank’, Catalyst, gathered recently at Belfast’s Linenhall Library for the launch of the group’s Pamphlet 15, God and Science.

The Bishop of Tuam, Killala and Achonry, the Rt Revd Richard Henderson, was introduced by Catalyst Chair, Canon Charles Kenny.

Addressing the pamphlet’s authors - retired Archbishop Donald Caird, and Queen’s Professors Roddy Cowie, Peter Bowler and Norman Nevins - and RE teachers, clergy and laypeople present, Bishop Henderson referred back to his early science train-ing at Oxford and his work as a then agnostic experimental scientist, tracing the spheres of science and religion. He related how great insight and wisdom could be acquired by experiencing the truths available in both.

Suggesting that the Church as a body might well and prof-itably utilize as metaphor the biological basis for evolution, Bishop Henderson pointed out that, in species repro-duction, it was important to pass on the central con-tinuing characteristics which preserved what had given health in times past, but to welcome the introduction of the apparent rogue genes

which allowed for adaptation and change to meet the chal-lenges of a constantly chang-ing environment.

(God and Science is avail-able for £2 plus postage from [email protected], but the supply is limited.)

News Extra16 - FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2009 CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE

size, nature and culture of the Church of Ireland as an insti-tution results in a slow pace of organisational change. For example, it has taken the full three years of the project for the beginnings of change in structures, policies and prac-tices to become apparent.

“In spite of substantial time and resources being invested in research, discus-sion, committees and publi-cations, the ‘Diversity Audit’ and ‘Hard Gospel Impact Framework’ have produced

limited change to date. Their success can only be meas-ured in terms of any change that actually takes place in the future.”

The report indicates that another challenge for the HGP was that it attempted to change aspects of the organi-sational culture of the Church, while, at the same time, being part of that culture, adding that “if one of the blocks to organisational change within an institution is the ‘commit-tee culture’, then running a

project by that group proc-ess is unlikely to substantially change the culture”.

Macaulay Associates go on to say that the long-term impact of the HGP will be reduced if the recommenda-tions for the future are “lost in committee”.

They conclude their inde-pendent evaluation by saying that “the Church of Ireland should put in place the nec-essary structures, strategies and resources to continue its Hard Gospel process as

a long-term, mainstream initiative within the Church that will create both internal change and practical action in local communities on diversity issues”.

Following the expiry of the HGP’s three-year term, the Church of Ireland put in place a Hard Gospel Implementation Group, chaired by the Bishop of Limerick and Killaloe, the Rt Revd Trevor Williams.

Hard Gospel Project - achievementsand challenges highlighted (from page 1)

Catalyst launches timely pamphlet

In a further statement to the Gazette on the Government’s cutting of

funding to Protestant schools in the Republic, Fine Gael Senator John Paul Phelan has said that the decision amounts to an attack on education itself.

He said: “We have to endure homilies from the Taoiseach and others on the smart econ-omy, while they make cuts that will substantially impact on the range and quality of edu-cation that excellent schools, such as Kilkenny College, in my own county provide. As sub-ject choice falls, class sizes will rise and special needs help will disappear. This is rank hypoc-risy. It will permanently disad-vantage a tranche of students who are now in school and are the butt of this short-sighted policy.”

Senator Phelan also said the cut was “discriminatory”, adding: “It is nonsense on stilts to compare the Church of Ireland schools to other fee paying schools. Every other minister of education since the foundation of the state has understood this. The Church of Ireland community is wide-ly dispersed throughout the country and only a small part outside of Dublin can access Church schools in their own locality.”

He said the issue was about recognising the constitutional rights of the Protestant com-

munity to educate its children in schools that reflect its ethos.

He commented: “The great bulk of the children attending schools need to be subsidised. They could not otherwise go to a Church of Ireland school. The minister can prevaricate all he likes, the practical out-come of these cuts will be to deny many parents their right in law to educate their children in a school of their faith.”

The Senator said that, hav-ing “squandered billions”, the Government was trying to slash and burn its way to recovery, adding: “All it will do in fact is inflict long-term harm on the education of children, when we know that education will be vital in our recovery. To add insult to injury, this petty act demonstrates that this admin-istration has no understand-ing of what it means to create a pluralist Ireland. Or worse, they just don’t care.” (Earlier Gazette report, 22nd May)

Senator voices devastatingcriticism of Government’s cutsin Protestant schools funding

Senator Phelan

The Ven. Richard E. Dadswell, Rector of the Ballisodare Group of Parishes, Diocese of Achonry, and Archdeacon of Killala and Achonry; 6th August 2009.

RETiREmEnT

The Revd Roger Cooke, Rector of Musselburgh, Diocese of Edinburgh, to be Rector of Coleraine, Diocese of Connor.

APPOinTmEnT

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