Charities could help Irish government stop cuts; €4.7m for cousins who were raped by 'evil' choirmaster; Don’t become complacent about peace in NI; Belfast hosts international conference on suicide
The Church of Ireland got it right when the decision was taken by General Synod that women could be ordained to the priesthood, in that from the outset it was stated clearly that ordination also would open the way to consecration as a bishop. There was no mention of sexual equality. From the outset it was the equality of priesthood.
The Archbishop of Wales hopes to ordain a woman before long, and the editor of The Church of Ireland Gazette says it it not far off in Ireland and queries Masonic role in appointments
Seven links to today’s reports and comment: Reaction in parliament - C of E resembles a sect; Parliamentary sketch - C of E to debate shortage of women in Cameron’s cabinet?; implications for gay marriage debate
Links to ten of the best reports on various aspects of the Synod’s decision
Belfast born CS Lewis whose grandfather was rector of St Mark’s, Dundela, is to be honoured with a plaque at Poet’s Corner in Westminster Abbey. Links to the BBC news report and article by Ulster born academic and writer Alister McGrath in today’s Daily Telegraph follow.
Dr Rowan Williams received two standing ovations from General Synod yesterday in appreciation of his service to the Church and nation as Archbishop of Canterbury.
The vote on women bishops in the Church of England yesterday has met with a mixed response from evangelicals.
Following an emergency meeting of the House of Bishops this morning, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams delivered the Presidential Statement to General Synod, in which he called on members to 'attend to one another...to give to one another the care that we need'. An audio file of the Archbishop's Presidential Statement to General Synod is available in its entirety here.
As bemusement surrounds the Church of England from outside, and wounds grow from within, the pressure is now on its leaders to act positively after yesterday's painfully narrow vote failing to approve women bishops.
C of E synod vote on women bishops fails by 6 lay votes; Archbishop designate speaks on favour of women bishops; The Top 10 Press reports and reactions with links to sources
Israel & Gaza, Sudan and Iraq are difficult places at present. The Congo Church Association has requested a special week of prayer - see resources here. The Church in Zimbabwe is able to return to its buildings following court ruling. Reports and links follow.
A short review of business conducted yesterday (Monday 19th).
Belfast priest no case to answer; Irish born C of E canon sentenced; Belfast journo approves new ABC; Stations of cross vandalised; Cremation costs to rise; Archbishop Martin defends Irish record on pregnancy
Christians meet to pray for the BBC - there is a lot of anger about; Student Cristian Movement to focus on activism and liberation; 1,000+ petition favours women bishops - review of press comment
The press has plenty to say today on the forthcoming debate at the C of E’s General Synod in London. Introductions and links to 7 major media reports.
There is an international flavour to the lead reports today highlighting C of I links to Egypt, North America and Sweden. Also - Media review
Warning from Catholic bishops to Conservatives on marriage; Bishop Welby’s support for women bishops examined; Pre-General Synod review; Interfaith week challenge to stereotyping; Purpose of cathedrals reviewed
Six reports on church life and media review including interview with the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, who will hold his first Presidency Seminar today, where the Being Young and Irish 2012 report will be discussed.
Tearfund Partner Church is a Good Neighbour; Os Guinness - Public Lecture in The Hub Belfast; “Soul Sisters” series at TCD; Discovery Anniversary Service; Parish Vision Day
Women bishops - too close to call; As Synod vote nears, both sides slug it out online; New archbishop is ‘a good friend’ to Jews; C of E - Assisted dying proposals rejected as too damaging: Media review
Church’s role to serve, not to dominate - Archbishop elect; Future of C of I College of Education; Relaunch of Anglican World magazine; Dublin installation; Media review - NI teenage suicide; Termination would have saved mother’s life; Ramelton
C of E Child protection statement following arrest of clergy; Light a candle and say a prayer this Sunday for road traffic victims; Contemporary art plans for churches impress judges; Archbishop praises youth leaders; BRFs Bible reading apps reach 100000 downloads; New General Secretary for Scottish Catholics
| New Christian Heritage Trail in Londonderry; Armagh organ recital; Publication on church buildings; Galway interest in C of I records |
| Social media impact on women bishops vote; Church care home drug scandal; Bishop Welby on banks; Pope’s welcome for new Archbishop; New church debt centres open |
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The BBC and local press in England and Ireland reported that “a Norfolk vicar has resigned due to “a campaign focused on a matter from his past”. The vicar was former C of I cleric, Rev Willi Stewart. “Dialogue Ireland” describes itself as “an independent trust that works to promote awareness and understanding of New Religious Movements and cultism in Ireland.” The Director of Dialogue Ireland is Mike Garde.
Parish gives Family Time Books to local Primary Schools; Refreshing Worship; Luther Oratorio; Connor clergy conference; Media review - Death of well respected Belfast ecumenist
The former Archbishop of Dublin in a press release states that he consistently refused to give the Revd William Stewart clearance to apply for any further ministry in Ireland or overseas.
News reports continued over the week-end concerning the resignation of former C of I cleric William Stewart from his parish post in the C of E. Mr Stewart headed the CORE project in inner church work in Dublin before he appeared in a Dublin court accused of inappropriate sexual behaviour with a younger man, to which he pleaded guilty. A Dublin based web site has continued to comment upon the situation.