Press Releases21 May 18

‘Commentary on the Constitution of the Church of Ireland’ launched at General Synod

The Church of Ireland launched a new illustrated guide to how it operates as an organisation, the Commentary on the Constitution of the Church of Ireland, at its 2018 General Synod in Armagh. The Church has been governed by a constitution since its Disestablishment in 1869; the commentary has been compiled to make this text more readable and also to offer suggestions as to how future legislation within the Church might be handled. In a foreword, the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, the Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke, remarks: ‘Above all, the intention of this publication is to make the Constitution a document which the members of the Church of Ireland may truly feel “belongs to them”.’

The book was launched by Sir Paul Girvan, a former Lord Justice of Appeal for Northern Ireland, who chaired the working group on its production. Sir Paul said: ‘The laws of the Church are an aid to the advancement of the Kingdom not an end in themselves … the real constitution comes from Jesus’s mandate to go out and make disciples of all men and bring the good news to the world.’

As well as chapters covering all aspects of the life of the Church, the book contains a history and glossary, and a wide range of photographs showing the ministry and mission of the Church. The Commentary on the Constitution of the Church of Ireland is published by Church of Ireland Publishing. It can be purchased at £10/€12 and is now available through the Church’s online store.