Diocesan News
Route 66: Empowerment of women through literacy
Book of reflections by Bishop Michael Burrows to be launched on May 10th at General Synod
A book of reflections on the subject of the empowerment of women through literacy will be launched at the General Synod on May 10th 2018.
It is the result of a whistle–stop preaching tour by Bishop Michael Burrows, Church of Ireland Bishop of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory, in his Diocese in September 2017.
Over seven days he visited 66 churches and schools in his Diocese giving a short sermon at each venue related to one of the 66 books of the Bible – hence the title Route 66 – and focussing on women’s issues in Old and New Testament times as well as in the present day.
€40,000 was raised for Bishops’ Appeal by this project and the money forwarded to Mothers’ Union and Feed the Minds women’s literacy projects in Ethiopia and the Congo.
The sermons, now in book form and published by the Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory, provide a 2017 social and spiritual snapshot as well as an insight into the Church of Ireland mindset of the present day.
Bishop Burrows’ goal was also to highlight the less–read books of the Bible and to remind us to ‘read, mark, learn and inwardly digest the message that Scripture offers us, near and far.’
“This was a journey through all the books of the Bible,” he says, “with an emphasis on what is often hidden – the presence and the role of women. Not only do we consider the gifts and potential of women as humans sharing the image of God, we also explore feminine imagery surrounding the divine.”
The calling of Mary, the God–bearer, is celebrated, for example, and the special friendships which Jesus himself valued with women are also remembered.
“We also recognise that among the best ways in our time to strengthen the witness of the Body of Christ is through the empowerment of women,” he adds.
“Particularly in the developing world, it is women who share the benefits of their education with their families, who work effectively for equality and opportunity and who together hasten the breaking in of the Kingdom of God.”
In the past Bishop Burrows has undertaken ‘peregrinations’ every two years and similar marathons have included his Good Friday rapid rail trip ‘Stations at the Stations’, a cross–county vintage vehicle event and a church organ playing tour.
The book will be launched by the Very Reverend Maria Jansson, Dean of Waterford, at the General Synod and by Mrs Phyllis Grothier, All–Ireland President of the Mothers’ Union, at the Diocesan launch on May 16th in Christ Church, Gorey.
Profits from the book will be added to the Knox Bequest Fund which offers grants to individuals and groups in the Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory wishing to publish work related to their parishes or to the wider Diocese.
Route 66: Empowerment of women through literacy costs €5 (plus €3 p&p) will be available from the Diocesan Office, The Palace Coach House, Church Lane, Kilkenny after May 10th. The office can be contacted by telephone on 056 7761 910.
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Cashel, Ferns & Ossory
085 812 0650
Mr Shane Reynolds
cfodco2023@gmail.com