Day 4
Synod Hears of Council for Mission Developments
The Council for Mission outlined the work they have undertaken during the year for members of General Synod meeting online this evening (Thursday May 16).
The Revd William Jeffrey (Clogher) proposed the report and brought news of two projects which supported overseas mission partners coming to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
The Council for Mission contributed to a global mission partner project in Derryvolgie
Parish, Connor Diocese, in partnership with SAMS. The project which was entitled “Global Made Local” aimed to foster cross–cultural connections and promote missional thinking within the context of a changing Ireland – North and South. The council also supported a visit – currently taking place – to Ireland (North and South) for the Revd Arsene Mafurebe from Gitega, Burundi.
Additionally, the Council for Mission supported a Mission Evening held in the newly formed United Dioceses of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe. A new bursary in partnership with the Association of Missionary Societies to support ordinands from the Theological Institute who chose to go overseas as part of their placements has been agreed.
Mr Jeffrey announced that Council for Mission was launching a new Podcasts initiative entitled, ‘Mission Matters – A Church of Ireland Council for Mission Podcast.’ They have commissioned Stephen Fletcher (Communications Officer from Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe) to produce six short podcasts to encourage and facilitate mission across the church with stories based around the five marks and contributors from this island and further afield.
The first two podcasts are ready and will be on the Council for Mission Facebook page, Church of Ireland website and the usual podcast providers. He urged members to listen and subscribe.
He added that it was important not to turn any innocent baby away.
The report was seconded by the Revd Jonathan McFarland. He said the council had valued the connections with various mission agencies and appreciated the connection of global and local. He said there were fruitful global partnerships flourishing in Derry and Raphoe. He looked forward to the introduction of Pioneer Ministry and welcomed the introduction of podcasts and looked for more similar work.
Speaking to the report Bishop Pat Storey noted the omission of the Meath and Kildare representative Kelley Birmingham.
The Revd James Boyd thanked the Council for Mission for their bursary for the Global Made Local initiative in his parish.
The membership motion for the Council for Mission was carried.