Literature Committee22 Oct 15

Two New Braemor Studies Books on the theme of the Relational Church Launched at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute, Dublin

The Church of Ireland Theological Institute (CITI) in conjunction with Church of Ireland Publishing (CIP) has produced two more titles in its series of selected dissertations emerging from Masters (MTh) students at CITI. Volumes 5 & 6 in the series – which are both on relational themes of pastoral care and relationship building with the church and wider community – were formally launched by distinguished guest Canon Adrian Chatfield of Ridley Hall, Cambridge, at a special reception held last night (Wednesday 21st October) at CITI. Dr Chatfield was welcomed warmly by the Director of CITI, Canon Maurice Elliott, who also congratulated the authors and thanked Dr Susan Hood, Publications Officer at CIP and Series Editor, and all the staff at CITI and the RCB Library.

The two new titles are A Theology of Vision: Its Pastoral Implications by Ian Horner (currently serving as curate to the bishop in Baileborough in the Diocese of Kilmore) and Extending the Welcome: Hospitality in the Church by Caroline Farrar (currently serving as a non–stipendiary minister in the parish of Gorey in the Diocese of Ferns).

The purpose of Ian Horner’s research has been to identify the nature and content of ‘vision’, the role it should play in the church and its pastoral implications. He writes, ‘This study attempts to understand the underlying principles of vision for the world–wide church in general and for the Church of Ireland in particular. A very evident tension between vision based on models of thinking from the business world and vision based on theological ideas provides the central element of the discussion.’

Caroline Farrar’s work draws upon experiences as a deacon–intern in the Church of Ireland. She claims that hospitality is ‘a vital, but often overlooked, expression of ministry [which] underpins many basic human requirements, namely, food, shelter, inclusion, warmth, safety and love’. She argues that today, whilst the relationship between church and society is undergoing significant change, ‘these basic human needs are still there and that the church must find new and innovative ways to respond to these needs’. She contends that ‘the ministry of “hospitality” is one way of re–connecting the church to the needs of those in their communities’.

Each new book is priced at €6 or £5. Copies are available directly from CITI, or from the Publications Officer susan.hood@rcbcoi.org. In Northern Ireland, copies may be ordered from The Bookwell, see http://www.thebookwell.co.uk/braemor

For further information about all CIP publications, including those in the Braemor Series, see http://cip.ireland.anglican.org/NewSite/

Photo top (by Lynn Glanville): L–R: Dr Susan Hood, Publications Officer at CIP; Canon Dr Adrian Chatfield of Ridley Hall, Cambridge; the Revd Caroline Farrar; the Revd Ian Horner; and Canon Dr Maurice Elliott, Director of CITI