Bishop of Tuam on Human Sexuality; Derry Lecture with Living History; Children meet Paralympics star; Big Belfast Breakfasts; Parish secretary vacancy
Bishop of Tuam on Human Sexuality
The Bishop of Tuam concluded his diocesan synod address last week with the following remarks on ‘Human Sexuality in the context of Christian Belief’.
The Right Revd Patrick Rooke said, “I cannot begin to guess how many hours I have spent in the last twelve months discussing this. We live at a time of great change. Attitudes and practices that were for so long hushed–up, are now honestly and openly discussed. Uncomfortable though this may be, I welcome many of the changes that have resulted. In terms of gay and lesbian people, they now have rights for too long denied to them. The legalising of civil partnerships for same–sex couples entitles them to loving relationships that are legally, socially and economically secure.
“The Resolution passed at the General Synod in May states clearly that as an inclusive Church; ‘the Church of Ireland welcomes all people to be members of the Church.’ All, regardless of sexual orientation, are loved and valued by God and we should do likewise. While there is consensus on this, there is evidence that many, perhaps a majority of our members, oppose a re–defining of marriage to include gay and lesbian couples. Like it or not, clergy in such ‘sexually active’ same–sex relationships also present many Church of Ireland members with a moral dilemma.
“At the Conference in Co Cavan earlier in the year, General Synod members began addressing these issues. The conference itself was a success in terms of dialogue and listening. The debates at General Synod saw a hardening of attitudes. Debate and dialogue, however, are two different things – in debate participants seek to win; in dialogue they take part in an attempt to understand. Whether one agreed with it or not, the positive outcome of the Synod Resolution is that the Church has committed to a period of on–going dialogue on these issues. I welcome this. In this Diocese we know what it is to be in a minority, hence we need to hear and respond to the stories of those who are from a minority sexual orientation. Indeed that process will also need to involve dialogue with those whose interpretation of the Bible might be quite different from our own.
“The Standing Committee is currently developing a strategy for this dialogue. I expect, as clergy and leading members of the laity, diocesan synodspeople will be the focus for it and I ask that in this Diocese, you will embrace the opportunities offered through that process to inform yourselves on the issues and the thinking behind the different perspectives. Only then, should we come to our own conclusions and thereby, be in a position to assist our Church in discerning the way ahead. Again, in this too, I emphasise, that how the majority treats and deals with the minority, will say more about that majority than it does of the minority.
“In conclusion, I remind you that minorities will always feel threatened by the majority, unless that majority is prepared to engage with them. Agreement may not result but there is integrity in articulating our story as there is in hearing the story of others. As a minority in the West, we crave that respect. Equally, we must not wallow in our insecurity and fear. Our call is to mission, not survival. So let us, with heads held high, meet the challenge and, when challenged by others who themselves are a minority, ‘do unto them as we would have others do unto us’.”
Derry Lecture with Living History
Professor Kevin Whelan Director, from the Dublin Centre of the University of Notre Dame, will deliver a lecture at 7.30 pm: ―Revolutionary Times – Derry in the context of events in the rest of Ulster, America and France at the end of the 18th Century.
The lecture will be preceded by a theatrical vignette involving the Earl Bishop‘s secretary and the Dean. Refreshments and music will be provided afterwards in the former Bishop‘s Palace. The admission is free but tickets must be obtained in advance from the Playhouse Theatre Booking Office on 028 71 268027.
Cairncastle children meet Paralympics star
Children at Cairncastle Primary School were thrilled to meet Paralympian swimming double gold medallist Dianne McMillan when she visited their school assembly along with local Church of Ireland minister the Rev Roger Thompson.
Dressed in her Olympics Torch Relay tracksuit, Dianne talked about her sporting career which began at Larne Swimming Club when she was aged five and progressed to her becoming a Paralympic double gold medallist. Aged 16 she won two gold, one silver and two bronze medals at the 1988 Seoul Games, followed by a bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Games.
Dianne explained to the children about her disability – she is a below the knee amputee – showing them the prosthetic leg she uses for running, and how she had to work really hard at her training to achieve success as a swimmer. She also showed them the Olympic torch she carried through Carnlough during the torch relay back in June. Dianne encouraged all children to participate in sport because it helps you keep fit and healthy, it helps you make good friends and it teaches you self–discipline. Dianne finished by answering the children’s questions, and everyone had a chance to hold the torch. Roger, rector of St Patrick’s, Cairncastle with All Saints’, Craigyhill, said: “It was really good of Dianne to make time to come along for the assembly. The children really enjoyed meeting her and hearing all about the Paralympics – they even gave her a spontaneous round of applause at the end!”
Big Breakfast in St Mary’s and St Mark’s
The parishes of St Mark’s, Ballysillan, and St Mary and Holy Redeemer, Crumlin Road, Belfast, will be propping up local cholesterol levels with two mouthwatering Big Breakfast events. St Mary’s will be hosting the first Big Breakfast from 9am–12noon on Saturday October 6, when an Ulster fry, cereal, toast and tea and coffee will be on the menu. Top cooks in the two parishes will then be serving up a similarly delicious meal in St Mark’s on Saturday October 20, from 9.30am–12.30pm. All are welcome to relax and enjoy some a delicious fresh fry at either event (or both!). The cost is £4 per person, and all proceeds will go into church funds.
Vacancy for a Parish Secretary
The Select Vestry of Bangor Abbey is seeking to appoint a Parish Secretary to provide support to the Rector, parish office and parishioners.
Salary: Depending on level of experience
Working hours: Monday to Friday: 10am to 1.00pm (15 hrs week)
This is a three year fixed term appointment (with potential for renewal)
Duties will mainly fall into the following areas: secretarial/administrative support to the Rector; maintenance of parish records; operation of the parish computer system and management of the parish office.
An application form and detailed job description may be requested by email from the following address: bangorabbeyparish@gmail.com
Completed applications must be received by 12.00noon on Friday 19, October
The parish of Bangor Abbey is an equal opportunities employer and applications will be considered strictly on the basis of merit. Any offer of employment will be subject to the satisfactory completion of Access NI checks.