Diocesan News
Bishop says community needs to know that churches are open and ready to welcome people back
The Clogher Diocesan Synod was held in St Macartin’s Cathedral Hall, Enniskillen, on Thursday, 29th September.
The Synod commenced with A Service of Holy Communion in St. Macartin’s Cathedral.
The Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd Dr Ian Ellis, presided at his first Synod in person since his election as bishop.
In his presidential address, Bishop Ellis said the church is now on the reconstruction phase as it rebuilds from the Coronavirus pandemic.
He told parish representatives attending: “We had good safety reasons for holding back from offering our full programme of activities in parish life, but, now is the time to open the doors of our halls and all our organisations to restart and hopefully flourish again. Now is the time to make some noise to tell the community that churches are open, and that we want to welcome people in.”
He encouraged those involved in parishes to be as creative as they can to reach into parish communities and help parishioners reconnect with church life, saying it will take effort and grace and leading of the Holy Spirit.
Looking back over his first 18 months as bishop, he said the common thread has been rejuvenation as new members of the diocesan clergy team have been welcomed into the diocese.
Bishop Ellis then referred to the cost of living crisis.
“The greatest challenge facing our society in coming months is the cost–of–living crisis. Increasing fuel bills and food and commodity costs will have a huge impact on households and businesses. This is especially so for families who are on low incomes, single parents, those coping with disability and the elderly. Local businesses too will be placed under enormous strain to meet rising utility bills, with the potential for business closure and unemployment. Economists tell us that the stark reality is that most families are only two pay cheques away from being in debt.
“In recent weeks our church leaders have called for action from our governments to address the financial losses many are going to face over this winter with crippling costs of living. It looks like the new UK Prime Minister and Chancellor are going to introduce some measures to help and begin to address these fears. The government of the Republic of Ireland has also made some announcements in this week’s Budget to address cost of living pressures in its jurisdiction. However, there is a real sense of impending crisis in the minds of the vulnerable and needy families across these islands with many feeling they have lost control of their lives.
“I made a couple of comments during my Enthronement address about this. There are many who will at this time need pastoral support or our healing ministry and the caring friendship of parishioners. But we must also engage in relevant ways with wider society and bring practical help where we can whether that is through a food bank or meals for the elderly or befriending services or whatever outreach we can offer. I know some of you are trying various approaches – but we are all going to be called on to apply our imagination and resources to bring help where we can and that will look different in each parish. If we fail, we will not only appear irrelevant and uncaring, we will also be ignoring the biblical injunctions to care for the poor and needy.
“This is a key moment for the future of our church, we must reach out and be relevant and welcoming.”
Clogher Diocese provides assistance to needy families through the Clogher Diocesan Social Fundwhose primary purpose is to provide grants to families of Church of Ireland children who have lost a parent, for the period of the children’s education. It also can provide one–off hardship grants to other families.
Bishop Ellis said rising costs of living may eventually impact parish finances. He said: “Churches too will face increased energy costs and perhaps reduced parochial contributions. As a diocese during the pandemic, we were able to provide diocesan support grants for all parishes. The first year we gave £2,000 per parish church, the next year £1,000 and we are assessing this year if we can support parishes again although is likely to be much less than previous two covid grants. However, the diocese will respond to parishes as generously as it can.”
He continued: “One of the delights of being a bishop is to travel around the parishes to conduct confirmations and I have conducted 40 confirmation services in the past 18 months! It is very invigorating to be with young people and a great honour to bring the rite of confirmation and witness their commitment to Christ and his church.
“All of us a clergy challenged at times to connect with what young people are concerned about. One of the Lambeth conference calls was around the environment and sustainable development. We are called to live out our Anglican fifth Mark of Mission to strive to safeguard creation and sustain the life of the earth. I think young people really do identify with this and it is an area we can work together on.
“An initiative from Lambeth is the idea of the Communion Forest – it is a practical way of responding to this call. We are invited to respond to it by enthusing people about helping with afforestation, providing habitats, protecting ecosystems and recognising the interconnectedness of all life on earth. I think most parishioners and young people especially will respond to this.
“The Archbishop of Canterbury’s idea is that as a symbol of spiritual growth, perhaps at confirmation and other key life and faith moments, young people might plant a sapling or do something together to protect a habitat, take part in an environment project – it will vary depending on your area and setting and may be more possible for some than others. I would encourage clergy to give this some thought and leave the idea with you to develop. There is lots of inspiration on the website: Anglican Communion Forest [www.communionforest.org].”
Bishop Ellis went on to pay tribute to the late Majesty Queen Elizabeth who he said had been someone who was the constant in our national life for over 70 years. He said: “We have just come through the period of national mourning and witnessed so many beautiful and touching services of remembrance and tributes to her life. Her funeral service was one which was watched by millions of people and so impressive and deeply moving.
“There is no doubt that through it all that Christianity has been to the forefront and indeed the Anglican Church, with its dignified BCP liturgies has left a deep impression on many people. Today, we mark once again our late Queen’s passing and thank God for her wonderful gifts of faith and service.”
He also paid tribute to a former Bishop Brian Hannon, who died in January. He said he had been their much loved and fondly remembered Bishop in Clogher Diocese.
“His very moving funeral service had a restricted attendance due to the pandemic however many thousands joined virtually on the Cathedral live stream. His good friend Archbishop Robin Eames gave the sermon at the service and other bishops from the Church of Ireland were present to present their own tributes. We were able to offer our thanksgiving to God for Brian’s unique episcopal ministry in Clogher for over 10 years through some of the darkest days of the troubles in Fermanagh. We offer to his wife Maeve our continued prayers and good wishes.”
Bishop Ellis finished off his address by referring to diocesan administration, thanking all those who had played key roles in the diocese during the year.
Concluding, he said; “These are very challenging times we live in. I find it helpful to reflect on something a retired bishop said to me on my election. He said: ‘Remember the building of the Kingdom of God does not just depend upon you – it is the work of God.’ Let’s all remember that – God calls us to join with him in labouring in this vineyard but ultimately it belongs to him and he alone holds the future of his church. May we move forward together in prayer and faith asking for the Spirit of God to lead us.”
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Clogher
07708 869823
Mr Brian Donaldson
clogherdco@btinternet.com