The Church Of Ireland
Press Release

PR 03/2000 - 2 March 2000

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr George Carey will visit Armagh on 17 and 18 March 2000 at the invitation of Archbishop Robin Eames to deliver the main address at a Church of Ireland Conference.  On the evening of St Patrick’s Day, 17 March, Dr Carey will preach at evensong in St Patrick’s Cathedral at 8 p.m. before attending the day long Conference in the new theatre in Armagh on the following day.

The Conference which will be attended by bishops, clergy and laity from throughout the Church of Ireland will have the theme ‘Into the New Millennium’ and will seek to discuss the way ahead for the Church of Ireland.  This event is being hosted by the Diocese of Armagh and leaders of the main Christian denominations will also take part.

Archbishop Eames said:

“It is appropriate that we hold this Conference on St Patrick’s weekend here in Armagh.  At the beginning of a new millennium we will pray, worship and listen to each other as we seek God’s will for our Church.  Ireland is changing in many ways and there are important questions to be asked about the role of the Church.  In particular we must plan ahead for our young people who are not only the next generation in the Church of Ireland, but also a vital part of the Church today.”

On Sunday morning, 19 March, Dr Carey will preach in Belfast Cathedral.