The Annual Meeting of the Diocesan Synod of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh took place this Saturday 14^th October in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. The day’s proceedings began with a celebration of Holy Communion in St George’s Church. In his sermon, based on the third chapter of Philippians,  Bishop Ferran Glenfield spoke of the Apostle Paul’s ambition and desire for the Greek church – that they know Jesus and make Jesus known.  He encouraged the congregation to keep focused on this goal and to put Jesus at the heart of all our relationships – our relationship with God and our relationships with one another and to deepen and develop these relationships by the Spirit. Following the service, the Synod moved to the nearby Bush Hotel to continue with the day’s proceedings.

At the beginning of his Presidental Address to the Synod, Bishop Ferran held a moment’s silence for Irene Graham, David Reilly and George Taylor.

In his address, the Bishop spoke of the many challenges the Diocese is facing – COVID 19 has adversely affected church attendance and there is a growth of nominalism in the church. There are strong financial currents of rocketing prices and high rates of borrowing which are a cause for concern. Globally, the threat of the climate crisis is real. The world’s atmosphere and oceans are heating up and we cannot dismiss the potential risks that arise from global warming.

Nevertheless, the Bishop’s address was full of encouragement. Although three church communities across our Diocese have closed in the wake of Covid, a new church community has arisen in the wake of the pandemic, ReCentre in Sligo which is taking steps to be a viable and sustainable community. It is a model which we in the Diocese and in the Church of Ireland need to embrace and encourage.

Despite the concerning financial outlook the Bishop commended the generosity of so many people who contribute to the life of the church. He also highlighted the, often unseen, work of organisations such as Protestant Aid and the various child-care societies across the Diocese whose interventions can be life changing for families and individuals who are struggling.

Bishop Ferran thanked all those hard at work in the diocese – in administration, finance and property, in safe-guarding, in parishes and on diocesan committees. This year, he particularly highlighted the work done by the principals, teachers, support staff and Boards of Management in the schools across the Diocese.  

Since our last Synod we have lost key people in the diocese – George Taylor, Evelyn Stafford and Dorothy Gillespie whose loss we mourn. Archdeacon Craig McCauley has also left the Diocese after two decades of exemplary work and is much missed. Bishop Ferran said the Diocese has an invaluable crew of clergy who care for people and preach the word of life by their words and lifestyle. Since last year’s Synod, we have welcomed two young clerics and their families to the ordained ministry – Revd. Sam Peilow and Revd. Luke Pratt. We are also greatly encouraged by those training for ordained ministry – Faith Sithole from Virginia and Joshua Pringle from Bailieborough. There are also currently around 20 readers currently in training under the tutelage of Revd. Nick Jones and we look forward to commissioning them for service in 2024.

Bishop Ferran, noted the signs of recovery in our engagement with children and young people in the Diocese. He particularly highlighted the reach of Youth Alpha in secondary schools in Longford and Sligo. He also noted that the Diocese is actively seeking a schools’ worker in Longford and a school chaplain in Cavan – two really positive developments.

In his address, Bishop Ferran spoke of the climate crisis reminding us that the biblical witness is that the earth is the Lord’s, not ours, nor future generations. He said that Christians should be at the forefront of caring for creation – real and sustainable change happens from the ground up and we should all be agents of that change.

Ending his address, Bishop Ferran noted that our Diocese is connected to people and lands far from our shore. He remarked on the mission trips to the Philippines and the DRC led this year by Revd. Steve Frost and Canon Patrick Bamber. He also noted that Sunday by Sunday and in our schools growing numbers of people from across the world have found a home with us. The Bishop rejoiced in this and said that it is lovely to see people from different places take roles in the life of the church.

Following the Presidential address, Synod heard greetings from the Bishop of Kilmore, Martin Hayes, who spoke on the Irish Catholic Church’s journey towards synodality, the importance of faith, reaching out to young people, being in touch with the real needs of people and of encouraging participation in the life of the church. The Bishop of Elphin, Kevin Doran spoke of the importance of introducing younger generations to Jesus and of the value of Christian Chaplaincy in carrying the message of the gospel to others. Bishop Paul Connell, who was attending the KEA Synod for the first time, mentioned the 100^th anniversary of the Irish Council of Churches and the 50^th anniversary of the Ballymascanlon Talks. He said that ecumenism works best when it is operating on the ground and thanked the Diocese for making St George’s available to St Mary’s during its refurbishment. Revd. David Clarke brought greetings from the Presbyterian Church in Sligo.

Ann Howard, the Mothers’ Union Diocesan President gave a wonderful report on the activities of the Mothers’ Union in the past year and encouraged parishes that do not currently have Mothers’ Union groups to get involved. Geoff Scargill spoke about the work of Protestant Aid, reminding those present that help is available to those who need it.

Revd. Ian Linton from the Church of Ireland Marriage council introduced a video on the work of the Marriage Council and informed the Synod of the supports and funding available for marriage support and enrichment. Hannah O’Neill gave an encouraging and challenging report on youth and children’s work in our Diocese. Rachael Murphy from the  Church of Ireland Board for Ministry with Children and Families highlighted some of the resources that they have made available. Stephen McElhinney from SAMS, Michael Briggs from Christian Aid, Linda Abwa from CMSI and Sean Copeland from Tearfund spoke of the work that their organisations are doing around the world.

The book of Diocesan Reports including a Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2022 is available HERE.

Bishop Ferran Glenfield’s Presidential Address in available HERE.

With your generous help, Bishops’ Appeal has been supporting Habitat for Humanity’s response to the war in Ukraine from the early days of the war.

We hope that this video, kindly provided by Habitat, will show the difference that your prayerful and practical support has made to families and individuals who are now building a new life.

Parishes are very welcome to show this video in services and other activities.  It can be downloaded from the following page on our Vimeo website: https://vimeo.com/873705717

Bishops’ Appeal is the Church of Ireland’s World Aid and Development Programme. It was set up by the Bishops of the Church in 1972 in response to the commands in the Bible to bring good news to the poor and relief to the suffering.

A registered charity in the Republic of Ireland (20019068) and in Northern Ireland (101325).

Bishops’ Appeal for World Aid and Development has launched a disaster appeal in response to the catastrophic flooding in Libya. The floods, which were triggered by a Mediterranean storm, were focused on the city of Derna where almost 4,000 people are known to have died and over 9,000 are missing after torrents of rain and debris swept away entire districts. 

Some 37,000 people in flood-affected areas have been displaced by the storm. The huge number displaced highlights the immediate humanitarian need for survivors now (facing needs of clean water, food, shelter, utensils and clothing), and into the coming months and years (rebuilding, reuniting, finding a safe place to call home). 

Support on the ground 

This disaster has hit a country that already had a very complicated political situation, with power struggles leading to two opposing governments within Libya, and this has compounded the challenge of getting aid and support into the country. 

The Bishops’ Appeal will be channelling all funds through Christian Aid who are working with Dan Church Aid (DCA), its ACT Alliance partner, who have had an established presence in Libya since 2011, providing a confidence that those on the ground have a clear understanding of the situation and how money raised in our parishes can be used most effectively. We are grateful for the confidence that this gives us that all money raised will be used to benefit those in greatest need. 

DCA is providing medical support, helping to establish shelters to host homeless families, and distributing basic items such as blankets and bedding, sanitation and hygiene items and other essentials to these people who have lost everything. 

Endorsement from Archbishops 

Calling for support for the appeal, Archbishop John McDowell remarked: “I wish to thank those involved in Bishops’ Appeal for their prompt reaction in making this provision and would encourage the members of the Church of Ireland to continue to give generously.” 

Archbishop Michael Jackson added: “The plight of children, women and men in Libya is unthinkable. It is also a reality.  Members of the Church of Ireland working through Bishops’ Appeal have always been generous in responding to devastation and need.  I encourage you to pray for and to contribute to this appeal.” 

How you can help 

The Bishops’ Appeal has already released £10,000 in Emergency Aid from its reserves (currently equivalent to €11,500), and all monies raised by this appeal across the Church of Ireland will be additional funds to help with the disaster relief. 

Parishes are asked to collect funds for this appeal for the next few weeks, and send all donations directly to Bishops’ Appeal, Church of Ireland House, Rathmines, Dublin 6, D07 CF67. 

The Bishops’ Appeal is registered as a charity in Northern Ireland (101325) and in the Republic of Ireland (20019068), and those wishing to give with additional Gift Aid, or Tax Relief on gifts over €250, will find the relevant information – along with an option to give online – at this link: https://bishopsappeal.ireland.anglican.org/give  

For further information about Dan Church Aid, please visit www.danchurchaid.org. The ACT Alliance is a network of 146 church-based member organisations working in long-term development, advocacy and humanitarian assistance in 127 countries around the world. Readers can find out more about its website: www.actalliance.org  

Next week Mothers’ Union host two ground breaking ‘Changing The Story ‘ Conferences. With 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men affected in Ireland, domestic abuse is endemic in our communities.

So often this issue has been brushed under the carpet.  ‘Changing The Story’ seeks to explore why and how we, as a church people, can work together to become safer and supportive compassionate communities.

Together with church leaders, partners and professionals, we are particularly pleased to welcome two well known keynote speakers in this field, Bekah Legg, Restored, and Rev Dr Helen Paynter, theologian and author.

The conferences are open to individuals and groups from all denominations and churches. Small steps make a difference –  let’s work together to change this story and create safe spaces for all.

Tickets are still available through Eventbrite …. book yours today……

Friday 15^th September in Seagoe Parish Centre, Portadown, BT63 5HS
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/changing-the-story-conference-tickets-632693281637

Saturday 16^th September in Kilternan Parish Centre, Dublin, D18 ET99
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/changing-the-story-conference-dublin-tickets-637371995797

Quotes from church leaders:

‘The home should be a place of safety, security and love and the very centre of family life.  Domestic abuse therefore attacks the very heart and essence of the family and should never be tolerated.  As Christians, and members of the wider Church family, we need to offer a safe place for those facing abuse, and offer them protection, understanding and unconditional love.’
Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh 2012-2020

 ‘How terrible must it be to be afraid when you hear a key in the door. How demoralising must it be to live your life in the home you have created against the dark background of control and belittlement. Yet, this is the reality in many homes across Ireland today as 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men live the terror of walking a journey with abuse.’

A civilised and compassionate society should do everything in its power to root out domestic abuse. And every Christian should help where they can.’
The Most Revd John McDowell, Archbishop of Armagh

‘Domestic abuse is all the more devastating because so often it is invisible except to the person who suffers and to the person who does violence to that person. The light goes out on life itself through the stripping out of personality, dignity and humanity itself. Domestic abuse is not an accident; it is a deliberate act of cruelty.’
The Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin & Glendalough

“One of the most important things that churches, and communities of faith can do is to stand up and speak out for justice and dignity for all.”
The Right Rev. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury