Irish Times Notes
Church of Ireland Notes from ‘The Irish Times’
Autumn Issue of Search
The autumn issue of the Church of Ireland journal, Search, edited by Canon Ginnie Kennerley, will reach subscribers shortly.
The late summer was dominated for many church people, both in and beyond the Anglican Communion, by the question, “Will this Lambeth Conference see the break–up of the Anglican Communion as we know it?” Breakaway threats from the traditionalist side of the communion against the churches which are more open to new insights had become increasingly intense since the foundation of Gafcon and the Anglican Church of North America. Would this be the time when a definitive split would come about? And if so, would that mean a split in the Church of Ireland? As you will read in this issue, those fears were not realised, but the challenges remain. Archbishop John McDowell and Bishop Michael Burrows reflect on these issues.
Concern for the climate emergency now seems to be the uniting preoccupation of the Communion, so Canon Andrew Orr, chair of Eco Congregation Ireland, contributes a reflection on climate friendly initiatives in the local church and the impact these can have on the wider society and our future. Inspiring worship offers a spur to such activity, and to this end Mark Duley shares his experience of providing the indefinable yet powerful musical element of liturgy. And in tune with this global view of our responsibilities, Archbishop Michael Jackson considers how we can worship along with people of other religious traditions around the world, growing in mutual respect and openness to fresh insights into our sacred scriptures.
On the home front, there has been increasing anxiety of late about healthy structures for decision–making in the Church of Ireland and the recognition of the laity as spiritually gifted members of the body of Christ. William Olhausen provides theological reflections on governance in today’s church.
Finally looking back a full century to the Civil War, two noted historians, Brian M. Walker and Ian d’Alton reflect on how the challenges of those times may impact us today. A Liturgica pondering “The Lord be with you” and a selection of book reviews bring this autumn edition to a close.
Those who wish to subscribe to Search or wish to order separate copies should contact the Honorary Treasurer, Michal Denton, at subscriptions@searchjournal.ireland.anglican.org
Tomorrow (Sunday) at 2.15pm, on the RTÉ News Channel, there will be a service from the Church of Saint Brendan the Navigator, Kilmocomogue, in Bantry, where the rector is Canon Paul Willoughby.
Tomorrow (Sunday) there will be a service in the Church of Saint Anne, Shandon, to mark the tercentenary of the commencement of building of the church. The preacher will be the Canon Paula Gooder, Canon Chancellor of St Paul’s cathedral, London. Dr Gooder will also speak at the Cork, Cloyne & Ross Clergy Symposium will be held in Rosscarbery from Monday until Wednesday.
On Monday at 10.15am Morning Service on the occasion of the commencement of the Michaelamas Law Term will be held in St Michan’s church, Dublin, where the preacher will be the Bishop of Clogher, Dr Ian Ellis.
In St Mary’s cathedral, Limerick, on Tuesday at 1.15pm there will be a lunchtime concert by pianist, Connor Willcox, who will play music by Mendelssohn and Liszt. In Taney Parish Centre the Archbishop of Dublin will preside at the Dublin & Glendalough’s Diocese Synods while on Thursday he will preach at Evensong, at 5.15pm, in Trinity College Chapel.
Choral Compline, a short service of Evening Prayer, will resume at Sandford Parish Church, Ranelagh, on Friday at 6pm.
Published in the Saturday edition of The Irish Times