Diocesan Growth Forum; €15,000 given to Swaziland Farm by Limerick; Tuam changes; Media review
Diocesan Growth Forum
The second Diocesan Growth Forum takes place on Saturday October 6 in the High School, Rathgar. Up to 300 clergy and laity from across the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough will come together to address the challenges faced by the church. The second Diocesan Growth Forum will continue the process begun at the inaugural event which took place in April examining the opportunities for fresh expressions of church which exist in the diocese.
The Diocesan Growth Committee is organising the event in response to the enormous social, cultural, economic and political changes which have taken place in the dioceses. These changes have created both challenges and opportunities for the Church of Ireland and, along with a shifting religious landscape, have resulted in a new unchurched generation emerging.
Discussions will aim to address questions on the nature of the church’s mission and on how clergy and laity can effectively engage with members of the community outside the confines of their existing congregations. The forum will also create a space for people to engage with such questions as well as to reflect on how others are tackling the challenges and creating opportunities.
Director of Church Army’s research unit, George Lings, will once again lead the discussion. From within the dioceses, Revd Canon Neil McEndoo and Revd Rob Jones from Rathmines and Revd Roly Heaney, rector of Redcross will highlight their experiences of change within their parishes. Revd Adrian McCartney, director of Boring Wells in Belfast and Revd Jackie Belfield, a Methodist minister from Warrington will also address the forum.
€15,000 given to Swaziland Farm by Limerick
Archdeacon Wayne Carney, chair of the Limerick and Killaloe Diocesan Board of Mission recently presented a cheque for € 15,000 to USPG for the Luyengo Farm project which the dioceses have been supporting. A spokesperson commented, “This marks a huge achievement on the part of our diocese, and the good news is that the farm has already started producing, It still, however, leaves us with a little bit more to do if we are to meet our committment of raising € 40,000 for this project. We should not, however, be daunted by the challenge of fulfilling our committment. One more big effort will see us achieve our goal.
“We should all be aware of the statistics. With over 40 percent of the population of Swaziland HIV positive every person in the country is either infected or affected by this terrible plague. There is massive poverty and unenployment in Swaziland which makes even recesssion hit Ireland look like a land of boundless opportunity.”
Tuam changes
The diocesan synod of Tuam Killala and Achonry took place in Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Tuam on Saturday 29th September 2012. During Synod, the first steps were taken to harmonise the Cathedral Chapters of Killala and Achonry, and Tuam.
It was ‘The Synod of Launches’ as it comprised the ‘stepping off point’ of the All New Tidings ( the Diocesan Magazine of TKA ), TKA Website, the three-year Overseas Support Project ( MABWENI ) in partnership with Bishops Appeal and CMS, and a new Diocesan Directory.
THe Revd Albert Hempenstall spoke about the work of Protestant Aid and Revd Paul Hoey spoke on outreach during which he encouraged the parishes of TKA to embrace Back to Church Sunday.
MEDIA REVIEW
More truancy in Protestant areas
Figures show that the problem of absenteeism from post primary schools is concentrated in Protestant areas in Northern Ireland, an MLA has said.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19796833
Gay vote
The Northern Ireland Assembly rejects reform of same sex marriage.
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/local/assembly-rejects-gay-marriage-motion-1-4322185
Children’s referendum
Archbishop Martin backs referendum
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/archbishop-diarmuid-martin-the-most-senior-cleric-to-back-childrens-referendum-3245595.html
Vatican silence priest
Priest tells of negotiations with Vatican but presses ahead with his campaign to reform the church.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/priest-not-silenced-on-church-future-209407.html