Day 1
Business Continues on Day One of General Synod 2017
The opening session of General Synod 2017 continues in the South Court Hotel, Limerick. The Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland welcomed members of Synod and the Synod’s ecumenical guests.
Guests this year include the Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon. Archbishop Clarke welcomed Bishop Brendan Leahy, the Bishop of Limerick, the Very Revd Dr Ian McNie of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Mr Trevor Elliott of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the Revd Bill Mullally President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, Ms Gillian Kingston of the Methodist Church in Ireland, the Revd Stephen Trott of the Church of England, the Rt Revd Christopher Wilson of the Non Subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland, Dr Nocola Brady and Dr Damien Jackson of the Irish Council of Churches, the Revd Dr Livingingstone Thompson of the Moravian Church in Britain and Ireland, and Major Stuart Dicker of the Salvation Army.
The Mayor addressed Synod and welcomed Synod members to Limerick, in particular Archbishop Clarke and thanked Bishop Kearon for hosting the Synod in Limerick. He said Synod was an exciting time, with members debating bills, considering a range of topics. “Your deliberations will form the basis of how the church continues its journey. You must be commended for the amount of time you have given to the church. I’m delighted you have decided to host Synod here and have provided a spring in the step of parishes along the west coast,” he said.
The Archdeacon of Belfast made procedural announcements. Archbishop Clarke nominated Mr Lyndon McCann as his assessor. Mrs Hazel Corrigan was nominated and for the post of Lay Honorary Secretary was duly elected.
The Archdeacon of Belfast and Mr Ken Gibson moved Motions No 1 and 2 on procedure.
General Synod has now broken for lunch and will resume at 2.00 pm.