1. The
General Synod of the Church of Ireland recognises that from time to
time confusion and controversy have attended the flying of flags on
church buildings or within the grounds of church buildings. This
Synod therefore resolves that the only flags specifically authorised
to be flown on church buildings or within the church grounds of the
Church of Ireland are the cross of St Patrick or, alternatively, the
flag of the Anglican Communion bearing the emblem of the Compassrose.
Such flags are authorised to be flown only on Holy Days and during
the Octaves of Christmas, Easter, the Ascension of Our Lord and
Pentecost, and on any other such day as may be recognised locally as
the Dedication Day of the particular church building. Any other flag
flown at any other time is not specifically authorised by this
Church.
2. The General Synod of the Church of Ireland adopts
the following declaration with regard to its understanding
of the historic formularies of the Church of Ireland:
Declaration:
The Church of Ireland is part of the one, holy, catholic,
and apostolic Church, worshipping the one true God, Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit. It professes the faith uniquely revealed
in the Holy Scriptures and set forth in the catholic creeds:
which faith the Church is called upon to proclaim afresh
in each generation. Led by the Holy Spirit, it has borne
witness to Christian truth in its historic formularies,
the Thirty-nine Articles of Religion, the Book of Common
Prayer, the Ordering of Bishops, Priests and Deacons and
the Declaration prefixed to the Statutes of the Church
of Ireland (1870).
These historic formularies are a definition of the faith
as proclaimed by the Church of Ireland, and thus form an
important part of the inheritance through which this Church
has been formed in its faith and witness to this day. The
formularies that have been passed on are part of a living
tradition that today must face new challenges and grasp
fresh opportunities.
Historic documents often stem from periods of deep separation
between Christian Churches. Whilst, in spite of a real
degree of convergence, distinct differences remain, negative
statements towards other Christians should not be seen
as representing the spirit of this Church today.
The Church of Ireland affirms all in its tradition that
witnesses to the truth of the Gospel. It regrets that words
written in another age and in a different context should
be used in a manner hurtful to or antagonistic towards
other Christians.
The Church of Ireland seeks the visible unity of the Church.
In working towards that goal this Church is committed to
reaching out towards other Churches in a spirit of humility
and love, that together all Christians may grow towards
unity in life and mission to the glory of God.
3. This
Synod fully endorses the efforts of the Archbishop of Armagh,
the Diocese of Armagh and the Standing Committee of the
General Synod of the Church of Ireland in their attempts
to resolve the crisis at Drumcree. It calls upon the Rector
and Select Vestry of Drumcree to endorse the pledges called
for by the Archbishop of Armagh in respect of the conduct
of those attending the annual parade by lodges of the Orange
Order to Drumcree Parish Church. The pledges are as follows:
