Irish Times Notes
Church of Ireland Notes from ‘The Irish Times’
New Year reading
For those with book tokens to redeem and an interest in learning more about the Church of Ireland, 2017 has seen the publication of a variety of books – theological, historical, ecumenical, liturgical and practical.
Leading the way is a book by the Primate, Dr Richard Clarke, Shouldering the lamb: reflections on an icon (Dominican Publications) which is a series of eleven meditations on the biblical theme of shepherding. A former Archbishop of Armagh, Lord Eames, has written Unfinished search (Columba Press) which is described as a ‘deeply honest and personal … glimpse into the pain and suffering that the troubles brought to so many across the communities in Northern Ireland’.
The Revd Dr Patrick McGlinchey, who teaches in the Church of Ireland Theological Institute, revised his doctoral thesis for publication and this appeared as Ratzinger’s Augustinianism and evangelicalism: an exploration in religious rapprochement (Paternoster). On a local level, ecumenism featured in Does Christ matter?: an Anglican & a Jesuit in dialogue (Messenger Publications) which has been written by the Rector of Helen’s Bay, Canon Tim Kinahan and the Revd Brian Lennon SJ.
An initiative of the Church of Ireland Historical Society, The Church of Ireland and its past: history, interpretation and identity is a book of essays by leading historians who consider how the Church of Ireland has used its history to define its identity. Edited by Dr Mark Empey, Professor Alan Ford and Miriam Moffitt, this book has been published by Four Courts Press. Identity is also a major theme of Buried lives: Protestants of Southern Ireland (History Press) by Canadian based author, Robin Bury. Another Four Courts Press book is Dr Michael O’Neill’s edition of the Episcopal visitations of the diocese of Meath, 1622—1799. This is the eighth volume in the RCB Library’s ‘Texts and Calendars’ series which seeks to publish critical editions of significant Church of Ireland archives and manuscripts.
Church of Ireland Publishing has recently published Journeying in faith: a walk with Christ by Canon Cecil Hyland, described by the Revd Ted Woods as ‘an accessible introduction to the Christian faith for new members of the Church’. The large turnout at the launch of this books suggest that it is already seen as a publication of significance. Earlier in the autumn CIP also published Sunday & Weekday Readings 2018 which is compiled by the Revd Ken Rue.
On a wider stage the Church of Ireland is part of the story which is told in the five volume Oxford History of Anglicanism (Oxford University Press), In particular, volume II contains a fine summary of the history of the Church of Ireland, 1662–1829, by the distinguished Oxford historian, Dr Toby Barnard.
For those who can wait a little, the early New Year will bring two more titles from Church of Ireland Publishing. On 22 January there will be a launch for Perspectives on preaching: a witness of the Irish Church, a book of essays edited by the Revd Dr Maurice Elliott, Director of CITI, and the aforementioned Dr McGlinchey, which includes contributions from Church of Ireland, Roman Catholic Methodist and Presbyterian perspectives. Later, in spring, CIP will publish the eighth booklet in the Braemor Studies series of CITI final year student dissertations – Generous love in multi–faith Ireland: towards mature citizenship and a positive pedagogy for the Church of Ireland in local Christian–Muslim mission and engagement by the Revd Suzanne Cousins.
On Friday evening at 7.30pm in Christ Church, Dun Laoghaire, the Archbishop of Dublin will institute the Revd Asa Bjork Olafsdottir as Rector.
Published in the Saturday edition of The Irish Times