Standing Committee & RB27 Nov 18

Standing Commitee News

The Standing Committee of the General Synod met on Tuesday 20th November 2018 in Church of Ireland House, Dublin. Ms Hazel Corrigan opened the meeting in prayer. Archbishop Richard Clarke paid tribute to the late Mr Bruce Maxwell, who contributed to the writing of the Commentary on the Constitution of the Church of Ireland, published earlier this year.

Long–Term Church

An update on the Long–Term Church initiative was provided by the Secretary General and Chief Officer, Mr David Ritchie, including a summary of plans to mark the 150th anniversary of Disestablishment. This will incorporate a book of essays (documenting the 50 years in the life of the Church between 1969 and 2019), and a range of events commencing with the next Church of Ireland Youth Forum in January 2019.

Other Long–Term Church developments have included the appointment of a Human Resources Manager, Mr Eddie Hallissey, who will be available to provide support to parishes, and the approval of four strategic projects supported by the Church Fabric and Development Fund: a diocesan review in the Meath and Kildare, funding for the Ordained Local Ministry co–ordinator and Pioneer Ministry, and an external review of the Church of Ireland.

Church initiatives and updates

Standing Committee separately expressed its support for a proposal by the Church of Ireland Youth Department to celebrate the anniversary by creating a bursary fund to support young leaders in ministry. Applications to help establish the fund are ongoing.

The Bishop of Down and Dromore provided an update from the Book of Common Prayer Working Group. The revised edition of the Book of Common Prayer is currently being finalised for publication and will be sold, at £20/€22, through the Church of Ireland’s online bookstore (https://store.ireland.anglican.org); its availability will be announced on social media and in other outlets.

Conflict of interest policies

A conflict of interest policy for parishes, as required by charity legislation, were approved. Parishes are encouraged to make use of the policy, which is available at www.ireland.anglican.org/parish–resources

Standing Committee also approved a conflict of interest policy for larger boards and committees, which will be communicated to dioceses.

Appointments

Following a call for expressions of interest, the Consultative Group on Disability was established, with a remit to enhance the Church’s welcome to all those with disabilities and to develop accessibility, communication, and best practice policies and practices.

Standing Committee appointed the following members to the group: Ms Jennifer Bullock, Ms Emily Casey, Ms Stephanie Casey, Mr Jasper Chisnall, the Revd Alistair Donaldson, Dr Timothy Jackson, Ms Rachel Mackarel, Ms Ruth McCartney, and Mr Jonny Watson.

Standing Committee ratified the appointment of the following members of the Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue: Canon Patrick Comerford, Ms Georgina Copty, the Revd Suzanne Cousins, Canon Dr Ian M Ellis, the Revd Cathy Hallissey, Dr Kenneth Milne, Canon Dr Daniel Nuzum, the Revd Ken Rue, the Very Revd Niall Sloane, Ms Cate Turner, and the Revd David White.

Canon Dr Ian W Ellis, the Revd Christopher St John, Canon Isaac Delamere and the Ven Ruth Elmes were appointed to the Safeguarding Trust Board. Ms Anna Williams was co–opted as a member of the Central Communications Board and the Revd Ricky Rountree was appointed as a member of the Literature Committee. The Revd Ian Linton was co–opted to the Marriage Council. 

The Ven George Davison closed the meeting in prayer.