Press Releases09 Oct 17

Annual Meeting of the Representatives of the Irish Episcopal Conference and of the Bishops of the Church of Ireland takes place in Dublin

In the spirit of the recommendation of the International Anglican/Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission (IARCCUM) that there should be regular meetings of Anglican and Roman Catholic bishops in individual countries to discuss common concerns, a sixth such meeting of Irish bishops took place in Dublin on Saturday, 28th September. Thirteen bishops were present representing the Irish Episcopal Conference and the House of Bishops. In an atmosphere marked by positivity and candour, the bishops discussed a wide range of issues of common interest in relation to the ministry and service churches offer in Irish society, both north and south of the border. These included education; engagement with young people; the World Meeting of Families, emphasizing its ecumenical possibilities; the plight of refugees and migrants; and current social issues. All the participants said the experience was very valuable as they shared insightful perspectives that engendered renewed commitment to promoting the Kingdom of God.
Time was also taken for shared prayer and reflection and informal encounter.

The bishops present included:

Church of Ireland

Archbishop Richard Clarke (Armagh)
Archbishop Michael Jackson (Dublin & Glendalough)
Bishop Patricia Storey (Meath and Kildare)
Bishop Kenneth Good (Derry & Raphoe)
Bishop Michael Burrows (Cashel, Ferns and Ossory)
Bishop Patrick Rooke (Tuam, Killala and Achonry)

Roman Catholic

Bishop Tony Farquhar (Retired Auxiliary Bishop of Down and Connor)
Bishop John Fleming (Killala)
Bishop Donal McKeown (Derry)
Bishop Brendan Leahy (Limerick)
Bishop Raymond Browne (Kerry)
Bishop Kevin Doran (Elphin)
Bishop Alan McGuckian (Raphoe)