For further information please contact:

Karen Bushby
Connor Diocesan Communications Officer

Tel: 028 4066 0798
Mob: 07766 103880
E–Mail: Connor DCO
Web: www.connor.anglican.org

Clergy who attended the Institution in St John’s, Malone
© Arthur Macartney

Robert, who was previously Dean of Clonmanoise and Incumbent of Trim, in the Diocese of Meath, is a native of County Carlow.

He was ordained in the Diocese of Down and Dromore, where he spent 10 years, first as a curate in Banbridge, then as a curate in Bangor Abbey, before moving to Rathfriland and Ballyward as rector.

In 1989 Robert moved to the Diocese of Connor where he was rector of St Polycarp’s and Finaghy until 1993, and later rector of All Saint’s, Craigyhill and St Patrick’s Cairncastle, also Diocese of Connor.

In 2002 he was appointed Dean of Clonmanoise in the Diocese of Meath, and was Dean at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Trim, and rector of St James, Athboy.

Robert is married to Alison who comes from Larne, County Antrim.

At St John’s he succeeds the Very Rev John Mann who is now Dean of Belfast.

For further information please contact:

Karen Bushby
Connor Diocesan Communications Officer

Tel: 028 4066 0798
Mob: 07766 103880
E–Mail: Connor DCO
Web: www.connor.anglican.org

The competition was run by the Church of Ireland Press Office but externally and professionally judged. There was praise to all the entrants for their efforts in communicating within their own contexts in each category, with clear evidence of communication work of a very high standard across the island. Constructive feedback is available for all entrants – please get in touch with the Church of Ireland’s Press Officer, Paul Harron.

In the Parish magazines/newsletters category, there were many entries in various different formats: some were straightforward monthlies, modestly produced, while others were produced quarterly and very professionally designed and produced.

• First prize: Shankill Parish Church, Lurgan: ‘FOCUS’
  This magazine is in its infancy, having so far produced issues for Christmas and Easter (with these well tied–in to those seasons); however, it stands out as an exciting initiative and a superior product. The quality of design and production is exceptional, happily matched by very strong content drawn from a variety of sources with good photos. The focus on people’s stories is exemplary and the content and design will cleverly appeal to all age groups. It is always good to hear the stories of people’s lives before reading their obituaries! This magazine meets the needs of the church community but also shows evidence of wider community engagement and should prove to be a strong outreach tool.
   
• Runner Up: Celbridge & Straffan with Newcastle–Lyons: CSNL News
  Here is a very modestly produced bi–monthly magazine which does its job most effectively. While the design and layout could be enhanced in some ways, there are very good editorial ideas and a strong sense of enthusiasm about the parish. Most importantly, the structure works, with good content and with a strong sense of looking forward rather than just back over events. Pictures on the front cover all correspond to stories inside and focus on people and the stuff of life. If it came through the door it would be easy to pick up, read and get a good sense of parish life – it would also encourage the reader to get involved in church life.

In the Diocesan magazines category –

• First Prize: Connor Diocese’s Connor Connections
  This is designed and produced to an excellent standard with a very good use of pictures and well written articles. The cover is effective – cleanly designed with a strong title and clear and striking cover image. Most importantly, the magazine is very much centred on the people of the diocese, capturing a sense of a ‘diocesan family’. Overall, it has been very well edited and enjoys strong headlines and interesting stories and features.
   
• Runner Up: Derry & Raphoe Dioceses’ N:Vision
  The magazine continues to be a really top quality, attractive publication which is well designed, colourful and lively in feel. The parish–by–parish round–ups help to foster diocesan news interests but are balanced by articles on a wide range of faith–focused themes.

In the ‘Other’ organizations Printed Publications category –

• First place goes to In Touch with Connor Diocese Mothers’ Union
  This magazine sustains its strong position, doing just what it should. It packs a lot of information in, uses all the space fully and imaginatively and is clearly produced by people who have an eye for a story. It is a zesty and enthusiastic publication in which text and images relate exceptionally well.
• Runner Up: CMSI for its In Mission magazine.
  This is an attractive and informative magazine: a good size, readable and colourful with useful material which works well as a useful way of keeping supported up to date. An accompanying prayer diary is smartly produced and well laid out, consistent with the image of the main publication.

In the Websites category the external judges looked for innovation, freshness, quality of design and layout and outreach potential. The standard of entries was notably very good with strong entries from a number of parishes, dioceses and organisations.

In the Parish websites category –

• First place: Lisburn Cathedral
  This website (www.lisburncathedral.org) impressed both visually and in its content which was up–to–date and with clear staff and vestry information. The menu stays helpfully on the screen for ease of use and there are regular blog postings and podcasts. The front page is clean, strong and colourful without being overly busy.
   
• Runner Up: Holywood Parish
  This parish website (www.holywoodparishchurch.co.uk), previously successful in this competition (winner last year), continues to be a great site. It is colourful, up–to–date and includes a good ‘I’m new here’ feature, tweets and good pictures. Another advantage is that the user doesn’t have to scroll down the page unnecessarily.
   
• Highly Commended: Willowfield Parish
  In recognition of the stiff competition in this category, it was felt that a Highly Commended prize was also required, which goes to Willowfield Parish Church, Belfast for its site www.willowfieldchurch.co.uk. This site is very good, with easy and effective navigation and strong use of pictures.

In the Diocesan websites category –

• First place: Down & Dromore
  The Down & Dromore diocesan website works extremely well, giving a good impression of lively diocesan activity while being informative, engaging, unstuffy and – crucially – current. Its highly impressive variety of content is cleanly presented.  www.down.anglican.org 
   
• Runner Up: Dublin & Glendalough
  This site is informative and colourful with good up–to–date information about upcoming events as well as lots of recent news and images. The prayer cycle and links to parishes were felt to be effective, the latter especially so for visitors who might want to find a church to attend in the diocesan area. www.dublin.anglican.org

In the ‘Other’ affiliated organizations website category –

• Equal First place: Down & Dromore Youth
• Equal First place: St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin

Down & Dromore Youth’s website (www.ddyc.co.uk) is informative, useful and friendly in appearance in a way which will appeal especially to its target audience – with lots of colourful icons and links.

The website for St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin (www.stpatrickscathedral.ie) is handsome – just what one would expect of a large cathedral wishing to appeal to various audiences from those interested in worship and music to tourist visitors and those interested in Christian heritage. The colour palette and simple arrangement of content is elegantly handled. A particularly notable and innovative feature is the live link to Sunday services.

• Highly Commended: St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork

This site (www.cathedral.cork.anglican.org) is bright, engaging and welcoming with current information on services and events which will appeal to worhsippers and cathedral visitors alike. The welcome video is a useful introduction to the life and history of St Fin Barre’s.

Finally, the 2012 competition again invited entries for the most innovative use of ‘social media’ over and beyond websites. Here, the competition was looking to see how churches, church organizations and members engaged with the manifold developments in social networking. Reflecting increased activity in this arena, we have first, second and highly commended awards:

• First Place: The Dock
  The Dock Church in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter does an excellent job in bringing together website, facebook, blog and flickr with lots of great images and video clips. It is an enticing way into engaging with this venture, overflowing with energy and enthusiasm. The posts to the blog are regular and the other elements have frequent updates.  www.thedockchurch.org
   
• Runner–up: The Good Book Shop, Belfast
  Here is a church–connected business which is making commendable efforts to build up a community of book–buyers in a challenging market. The link–up between website, facebook and twitter is well done and savvy.  www.goodbookshop.com
   
• Highly commended: Holy Trinity Rathmines, Dublin
  This church community has linked up all its social media to strong effect. The look of the various channels of communication is good, with an appeal which will work for all ages.  www.htrinity.ie

The full list of winners is as follows:

Communications Competition Winners:
Parish Magazines/Newsletters
Winner: Shankill Parish, Lurgan – ‘FOCUS’
Runner Up: Celbridge & Straffan with Newcastle–Lyons: ‘CSNL News’

Diocesan Magazines
Winner: Connor Connections (Connor)
Runner Up: N:Vision (Derry & Raphoe)

Other Organizations Magazines
Winner: In Touch with Connor Mothers’ Union
Runner Up: CMS In Mission

Parish Websites
Winner: Lisburn Cathedral (Connor)
Runner Up: Holywood Parish (Down & Dromore)
Highly Commended: Willowfield Parish (Down & Dromore)

Diocesan Websites
First Place: Down & Dromore
Runner Up: Dublin & Glendalough

Other Organisations Websites
Joint First: Down & Dromore Youth
Joint First: St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin
Highly Commended: St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork

Social Media
Winner: The Dock, Titanic Quarter
Runner Up: The Good Book Shop, Belfast
Highly Commended: Holy Trinity, Rathmines, Dublin

Con Houlihan, Píobaire, Eleanor Prestage,  paróiste Naomh Séamas, Canónach George Salter agus Eric Prestage,  Bardach na hEaglaise, taobh amuigh do Theampeall Naomh Séamas (Eaglais na hÉireann) tar éis seirbhíse i nGaeilge i rith Féile na Bealtaine.  
Con Houlihan, piper, Eleanor, parishioner, Canon George Salter and Eric Prestage, Church Warden, outside St. James’s Church, An Daingean after the service in Irish during Féile na Bealtaine, 6 May.



Comhartha nua i nGaeilge taobh amuigh den Séipéal  ionas go mbeidh fhios ag gach duine go bhfuil ‘fáilte’ ann do Gaeilge i dTeampall Naomh Séamas.
New sign erected in Irish outside St. James’s Church, An Daingean to show that there is a ‘cead míle fáilte’ to the language.  

 

An tUrr Máirt Hanley, threoraí ar shiúlóid oidhreachta agus spioradálta  ó Chill Maoilchéadair, Co. Chiarraí:  .  Bhí suas go 50 duine ann agus bhí an aimsire go foirfe.  Lean an siúlóid chun fada le Riasc agus bhí sólaistí breá againn i dTig Bhric   
Rev. Máirt Hanley, leading the heritage and spiritual walk from Kilmalkedar, Co. Kerry.  Up to 50 people participated in the event and the weather stayed good.  The walk ended up in Riasc with welcomed refreshments in Tig Bhric.  

The General Synod affirms that:

The Church of Ireland, mindful of the Preamble and Declaration, believes and accepts the Holy Scriptures as revealing all things necessary for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ;

The Church of Ireland continues to uphold its teaching that marriage is part of God’s creation and a holy mystery in which one man and one woman become one flesh, as provided for in Canon 31:

‘The Church of Ireland affirms, according to our Lord’s teaching that marriage is in its purpose a union permanent and life–long, for better or worse, till death do them part, of one man with one woman, to the exclusion of all others on either side, for the procreation and nurture of children, for the hallowing and right direction of the natural instincts and affections, and for the mutual society, help and comfort which the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity.’

The Church of Ireland recognises for itself and of itself, no other understanding of marriage than that provided for in the totality of Canon 31. The Churchof Ireland teaches therefore that faithfulness within marriage is the only normative context for sexual intercourse. Members of the Church of Ireland are required by the Catechism to keep their bodies in ‘temperance, soberness and chastity’. Clergy are called in the Ordinal to be ‘wholesome examples and patterns to the flock of Jesus Christ’.

The Church of Ireland welcomes all people to be members of the Church. It is acknowledged, however, that members of the Church have at times hurt and wounded people by words and actions, in relation to human sexuality.

Therefore, in order that the Church of Ireland is experienced as a ‘safe place’ and enabled in its reflection, the Church of Ireland affirms:

A continuing commitment to love our neighbour, and opposition to all unbiblical and uncharitable actions and attitudes in respect of human sexuality from whatever perspective, including bigotry, hurtful words or actions, and demeaning or damaging language;

A willingness to increase our awareness of the complex issues regarding human sexuality;

A determination to welcome and to make disciples of all people.

The Church of Ireland is mindful that for all who believe ‘there is no distinction’ and that ‘all have sinned and come short of the glory of God’ (Romans 3:22–23) and are in need of God’s grace and mercy. We seek to be a community modelled on God’s love for the world as revealed in Jesus Christ. We wish that all members of the Church, through the teaching of the scriptures, the nourishment of the sacraments, and the prayerful and pastoral support of a Christian community will fulfil their unique contribution to God’s purposes for our world.

The General Synod requests the Standing Committee to progress work on the issue of Human Sexuality in the Context of Christian Belief and also to bring a proposal to General Synod 2013 for the formation of a Select Committee with terms of reference including reporting procedures

For further information please contact:
Church of Ireland Press Office Church of Ireland House 61–67 Donegall Street Belfast BT1 2QH Tel: (028) 9082 8880 (from NI) Tel: (048) 9082 8880 (from RoI) Fax (028) 9032 3554 E–mail: Press Office
Paul Harron: (duty phone) +44 (0)7787 881582 Janet Maxwell: (duty phone) +353 (0) 87 948 4412  www.ireland.anglican.org/news

Next Thursday serving and retired members of staff of the Representative Church Body will meet in Delgany for their annual golf outing. This event was inaugurated in 1926 making the RB Golf Society one of the oldest of its type in Ireland. It was the brainchild of George Butler, then Secretary of the RCB. Having entered the RCB as a junior clerk, he had worked his way up through the ranks of the organisation and clearly had a sense of the value of social activity to break down the barriers between staff and management.

However, the event was given an added significance when Butler’s son, Leslie, who like his father had joined the staff of the RCB as a junior clerk, was killed in an air crash in Malta in 1941 when serving with the RAF. The staff of the RCB chose to remember him by presenting a trophy for the annual golf outing and since then the LB Cup has been keenly contested at Delgany Golf Club each Ascension Day.

This poignant story is the subject of the May Archive of the Month on the Church of Ireland website at www.ireland.anglican.org/library/archive.

This evening (Saturday) Christian Aid and Trócaire “Colours of the World” concert featuring the ecumenical Voices Together Choir from Northern Ireland and Villiers School Choir will be held in St Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick at 7.30pm. Admission is free but donations for world development will be welcome!

Tomorrow (Sunday) morning the Bishop of Cork will preside at the Sea Sunday Service in St Multose’s Church, Kinsale. Begun 21 years ago by the rector, Canon David Williams, Sea Sunday has developed into a major annual event in the life of the town. In the evening the Archbishop of Dublin will preach at the GFS service in Athy while in St Mary’s Church, Inistigue there will be a Hymn Festival with the Dean of Cashel at the organ.

Changing Attitude Ireland will be holding services tomorrow (Sunday) to mark IDAHO, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. In Cork, Clive Davis will speak in St Anne’s, Shandon at 11am while in Dublin the Revd Sandra Pragnell will speak in Christ ChurchCathedral at 3.30pm. There will be a service for the first time in St. Columb’s Cathedral, Derry, at 4pm with speaker Paul Rowlandson while Waterfordwill alsobe hosting an IDAHO service for the first time at 7.30pm inChrist Church Cathedral where the speaker will be the Bishop of Cashel and Ossory. The Limerick service will be in St. Mary’s Cathedral at 7pm and the speaker will be the Revd. Jane Galbraith. On IDAHO Day, which is next Thursday, there will be the launch, in St George’s Church, Belfast, at 4pm, of a parish ‘welcome leaflet’ designed for use with LGBT persons.  

On Monday evening in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, Bro. David Jardine, Director of the International Divine Healing Ministries, will lead a special service for those suffering from dementia, while in Cashel Cathedral on Tuesday there will be lunchtime concert by the Lulea Youth Orchestra with a tour of the Bolton Library and a retiring collection in aid of the Library.

The Spanish Ambassador will pay a courtesy visit to h Archbishop of Dublin on Tuesday and on Wednesday Dr Jackson will participate in the 1916 Commemoration Ceremony at Arbour Hill.

The Clogher Mothers’ Union Festival Service will be held on Friday evening in Donacavey parish church where the preacher will be the Bishop of Clogher.

Church of Ireland Notes from ‘The Irish Times’

Dr Alastair McIntosh – Fellow of the Centre for Human Ecology, Glasgow, Honorary Fellow of the Schumacher Society and Visiting Professor of Human Ecology at the University of Strathclyde. His books include Rekindling Community: Connecting People, Environment and Spirituality.

Rev Peter Owen–Jones – Anglican clergyman, author and television presenter. His 2009 BBC documentary, How to Live a Simple Life, saw him turn his back on consumerism to follow in the footsteps of St Francis.

Dr Anne Primavesi – Fellow of the Centre for the Interdisciplinary Study of Religion, Birkbeck College, University of London. A systematic theologian focussing on ecology, her books include Cultivating Unity within the Biodiversity of God.

Prof Stephen Williams – Professor of Systematic Theology at Union Theological College, Belfast. He has published in different areas in biblical studies, theology and intellectual history, including Revelation and Reconciliation: a Window on Modernity.
 
Workshop topics will include God’s Creation and poetry, Celtic spirituality, ecology and the eucharist, ethical investments, ecology and the economy, climate change, how to become an eco–congregation and helping children and young people nurture respect for the earth.

Workshop facilitators will include Dr Una Agnew SSL, Rev Grace Clunie, Robert Cochran, Mary Kate Hagan RSM, Alex Hill, Hugh O’Donnell SDB, Tony Weekes and Fitzroy Presbyterian Caring for Creation Group as well as Dr Alastair McIntosh and Rev Peter Owen–Jones.

ECI chairperson, Sr Catherine Brennan, looks forward to welcoming a broad section of people to the conference from both north and south of the border. “The stark sign of our time is a planet in peril at our hands and it is poor people who suffer most from environmental impoverishment,” she says. “Commitment to the poor and commitment to the well–being of life on this planet must go together as two inter–related dimensions of the one Christian vocation.

“The great incomprehensible mystery of our transcendent God is also the dynamic Spirit at the heart of the natural world and its evolution. When people begin to think about God in relation to this world, it leads to a whole new approach in theology, biblical studies and everyday spirituality.”

Participants are welcome to attend all, or part, of the conference. See http://ecocongregationireland.com/archives/3349 for further details and to download a booking form (also available here. There will also be a public lecture followed by an open forum at 8pm on the Friday evening (September 14).

ECI is an ecumenical project that encourages churches, communities and individuals to adopt an eco–friendly approach to worship, lifestyle, property and finance management, community outreach and contact with the developing world.

It was initiated in 2005 by the Church in Society Forum, a standing committee of the Irish Inter–Church Meeting, in co–operation with the Roman Catholic, Church of Ireland, Methodist and Presbyterian churches and the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Ireland.

For further information please contact:
Church of Ireland Press Office Church of Ireland House 61–67 Donegall Street Belfast BT1 2QH Tel: (028) 9082 8880 (from NI) Tel: (048) 9082 8880 (from RoI) Fax (028) 9032 3554 E–mail: Press Office
Paul Harron: (duty phone) +44 (0)7787 881582 Janet Maxwell: (duty phone) +353 (0) 87 948 4412  www.ireland.anglican.org/news

Jasper will build on Summer Madness’ successful reputation in Ireland and beyond as he works to inspire thousands of young people and young adults to engage with mission.

Before training with Church Army as a Pioneer Evangelist, Jasper was a Youth Worker in inner east Belfast for seven years where he pioneered a variety of youth initiatives that saw real fruit grow in many young peoples’ lives who would previously never have set foot in a church.

Jasper said: “I am so excited about this post – I have had to reign myself in a bit and not get too carried away! How do young people and young adults share their faith with their friends today? Can we help them with this? Encourage them with this? Equip them in this? How can we support the local church to do this better and more intentionally?

“I am convinced God is longing for us to share him more openly with each other, and more openly with people who don’t yet know him. I hope and pray that this post will have a key role in working alongside lots of other youth organisations who are passionate to reach young people and young adults for Jesus all over Ireland.”

Mark Russell, Church Army Chief Executive, said: “Jasper is a gifted leader and Evangelist and I’m thrilled his considerable gifts will be used in this strategic new role. He is passionate about raising up a new generation of young people committed to reaching their generation for Christ, and I’m delighted Church Army is working in partnership with Summer Madness.”

John Kee, Summer Madness Chief Executive, said: “I am very excited to have Jasper working alongside us and am looking forward to what God will be doing in this new chapter of the story of Summer Madness”.

Summer Madness this year has taken a big step of faith and moved from Belfast to Glenarm Castle Estate on the Antrim Coast. Jasper will be joined on stage this year by Shane Claiborne, Duffy Robbins, Mike Pilavachi, Rend Collective and many other speakers and worship leaders. Summer Madness this year runs from Friday 29th June to Tuesday 3rd July.

ENDS

For further information please contact:
Church of Ireland Press Office Church of Ireland House 61–67 Donegall Street Belfast BT1 2QH Tel: (028) 9082 8880 (from NI) Tel: (048) 9082 8880 (from RoI) Fax (028) 9032 3554 E–mail: Press Office
Paul Harron: (duty phone) +44 (0)7787 881582 Janet Maxwell: (duty phone) +353 (0) 87 948 4412  www.ireland.anglican.org/news