The Church of Ireland today announced plans to deal positively with differences both within the church and in society.
In a new initiative, the church has set up a committee to respond to lessons learned from a scoping study of members’ attitudes to sectarianism and living with differences.
The study entitled ‘The Hard Gospel’, published last year, was one of the most comprehensive pieces of research yet attempted into one church or denomination in Ireland.
Archdeacon David Chillingworth, rector of Seagoe Parish, Portadown, and a member of the church’s Sectarianism Education Project Committee which has been responsible for planning this new initiative, said, “Dealing creatively with sectarianism and with other forms of difference requires faith, courage, generosity, knowledge and skill. It is our view that the Church of Ireland and other churches in Ireland should be ready and able to address sectarianism. We believe that this is of fundamental importance to the future of Ireland and of Christianity in Ireland.”
The new committee, to be known as ‘The Hard Gospel Committee’ (HGC), will begin its work by examining responses to the scoping study from the twelve Church of Ireland Diocesan Synods and from Boards and Committees, with a view to developing a strategic vision.
Meanwhile material has been issued to clergy and parishes linking the main themes of ‘The Hard Gospel’ with appropriate scripture studies.
The HGC will consist of twelve members and will form two sub-committees to address central issues and to engage with clergy and laity at diocesan and parish level.
The church’s Standing Committee has appointed the following members to serve on the HGC up to 31 January 2007: Mrs Joan Bruton, Diocese of Meath and Kildare; Archdeacon David Chillingworth, Diocese of Down and Dromore; the Revd Eileen Cremin, Diocese of Cork, Cloyne & Ross; the Revd Kenny Hall, Diocese of Armagh; Ms Ruth Handy, Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough; the Revd Michael Parker, Diocese of Down and Dromore; the Revd Earl Storey, Diocese of Derry and Raphoe; Ms Kate Turner, Diocese of Connor; Mrs Elaine Way, Diocese of Derry and Raphoe; the Revd Canon Trevor Williams, Diocese of Connor; Lady Sheil, Nominee of the Honorary Secretaries; and a Nominee of the House of Bishops still to be chosen.