Standing Committee & RB27 Apr 10

April 2010 Standing Committee News

General Synod 2010
On behalf of the Honorary Secretaries, Mr Sam Harper drew attention to the careful arrangements which have been made for holding the Church of Ireland General Synod from Thursday 6 to Saturday 8 May 2010 in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin.

While holding the Synod at Christ Church is a return to familiar territory historically, this is the first time that it will be held in the nave of the cathedral itself. The arrangement will allow for worship to be followed by the carrying out of the business of the Church, which is part of the work of God after all, in a fresh yet appropriate context. Mr Harper stressed how useful it was to be able to avail of appropriately scaled Church premises for the General Synod especially during the current economically challenging national circumstances.

Synod proceedings have been devised to encourage increased debate by members. There will be the usual organisational stands, this year situated in the cathedral’s crypt, where tea and coffee will also be available throughout the course of the three days. Full access for people with disabilities to the cathedral is via its St John’s Lane entrance.

The first day of the General Synod (6 May) coincides with the UK General Election, and members from Northern Ireland have been encouraged to arrange for postal votes or indeed to vote before setting off for Dublin or at the end of the day before polling stations close at 10pm.

The General Synod Eucharist will take place on Thursday at 7pm in St Patrick’s Cathedral, in close proximity to Christ Church.

Review of Committees
A wide-ranging discussion took place on how Church committees might be restructured in the future. The Honorary Secretaries undertook to synthesise the views of Standing Committee members as the basis for further discussion in the autumn, after General Synod.

Charities Legislation
A draft ‘Declaration of fitness to serve’ as a trustee, in preparation with compliance with Northern Ireland Charities legislation, was approved by Standing Committee for possible use by members of Church of Ireland Select Vestries or equivalent bodies registering as charities.

Church of Ireland Gazette
It was agreed that the following be appointed members of the Association of Church of Ireland Press Ltd: Very Revd W.W. Morton, Revd J.R. Auchmuty, Mr A. Forbes, Mr D.G. Perrin, Mr D. Pyle, Mr D. Kerr, Ms V. Woods, Mrs S. McCormick, Mr P. Good, Mr D. O’Callaghan and Dr V. Jones.

Four Nations Faith and Order Reference Group
The Rt Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Bishop of Clogher, was nominated to serve on this Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) reference group. The group draws on those with expertise in the theology of Christian unity in order to contribute to the development of the four nations’ ecumenical agenda.

Delegate to Church of England General Synod
The Ven. Robin Bantry White was appointed by Standing Committee to attend the July group of sessions of the General Synod of the Church of England to be held in York.