Standing Committee & RB14 Mar 19

Standing Committee News

The Standing Committee of the General Synod met on Tuesday, 12th March 2019, in Church of Ireland House, Dublin. Archdeacon George Davison opened the meeting in prayer.

The Archbishop thanked the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe for his contribution to the Standing Committee on the occasion of his final attendance at the committee. In response, the Bishop thanked his fellow members for their friendship, fellowship and partnership in the Gospel.

The Standing Committee adopted the Priorities Fund Committee’s annual report and recommendations. Seventy–six applications were received in 2018 totalling €1,238,141; the committee recommended 66 new grants and 12 second year grants, totalling €701,987.

A grant of £576 was made from the General Synod Royalties Fund to provide for additional amendments required in the Daily Worship app.

The following appointments were made:

• ACC Forum on Intentional Discipleship: the Revd Adam Pullen and Dean Tim Wright;
• Central Communications Board: the Revd Alan Rufli;
• Historical Centenaries Working Group: Dr Marie Coleman, Dr Ida Milne and Professor Brian Walker;
• Secondary Education Committee (nominations): Mr Wilfred Baker, Ms Elizabeth Hassell, the Revd Robert Jones, Ms Kara Turner, Ms Hazel Corrigan, Mr Roy Crowe, the Revd Katharine Poulton and Ms Joyce Ryder;
• Delegates to meetings of other Churches: Dr Bridget Nichols and Dr Kenneth Milne (Religious Society of Friends), the Bishop of Clogher (Scottish Episcopal Church), Canon Gillian Wharton (Church of England, July Group of Sessions), and Canon Dr Ian M Ellis (German Protestant Kirchentag).

The Honorary Secretaries reported that Mr Robert Dunne has been appointed as Safeguarding Officer (Republic of Ireland). Mr Dunne has previously worked as a youth and community worker and has over 10 years’ experience with Barnardos in child protection and family support.

The Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh will preach at his year’s General Synod Service – at 10.30am on Thursday, 16th May. A Civic Reception for members of the General Synod will be hosted by Derry City and Strabane District Council in the Guildhall on the evening of the same day.

The meeting closed with the Grace.