Day 3
Motion Urging Bishops to Explore Pathways to Ordination for People with Theological Training Passed at Synod
A private member’s motion asking the House of Bishops to review the pathway to stipendiary ordination with regard to simplifying and shortening the training route for those applicants that have already obtained theological qualifications was moved at General Synod today. The motion further requests that if the House of Bishops has any recommendations in relation to the foregoing, it would communicate same to General Synod.
Proposer, Andrew Brannigan, said the motion sought an additional pathway which would increase the number of people studying in CITI. He said there were people who already have qualifications in theology and a pathway should be available to them to avoid them having to follow the traditional route of foundation course and three year masters.
“These people have a lot to offer and we need them. This question this motion asks is if we expect them to follow the foundation course and three year masters … when they are already theologically trained. The masters route has been reviewed positively but it is not the only route. We already allow the ordination of Church Army ministers and people from other denominations so should we consider this for other people,” he said adding that there was a rapidly approaching crisis in ordination numbers.
Colin Morris (Dromore) seconded the motion saying there was a need for ministers in parishes. Shortening and simplifying training, where appropriate, would get the right people in the right roles in parishes. He said people were interested in serving the church but that passion towards stipendiary ministry may be dampened for some by the prospect of repeating training they have already done and entering into a four or five year process that takes them away from their career and families. A more simple training path may encourage them. He said the current system makes no allowance for previous theological study and people needed to know that the church placed a value on their training.
Speaking to the motion, Gillian Purser (Cashel, Ferns and Ossory) said she agreed with the motion through personal family experience but said she had some reservations. She said she had a certificate from the Pontifical University of Maynooth but she said that the House of Bishops, if the motion was passed, must ensure that the qualification comes from an internationally recognised university as there would be some theological qualifications which would not be in line with the theology of the Church of Ireland.
Archdeacon Andrew Foster (Armagh) urged people to tread carefully as ministerial formation was about living in community in CITI, the rhythm of worship and the elements of ministry that matter. He commended calibre of the training provided in ministerial formation in CITI. A theological education is different from ministerial formation, he added.
The Revd Alan McCann (Connor) echoed what Archdeacon Foster stated that formation was very important. He said that the work of the soul was slow work but as a society and a church we are often moving too fast. We need formation in college, he said, diversity of opinion and learning from those at opposite ends of the theological scale. He said there is an individual learning agreement which allows bishops to explore with CITI.
Peter White (Killaloe) said his instinct was that the motivation behind the motion was good but it needed to be approached with the greatest of caution. He said that the evaluation of standards of any course was a highly specialised thing and is not something that can be done by anyone and it cannot be rushed.
Michael Bower (Connor) said he saw the motion as removing impediments to vocations. He questioned the mindset of people of a certain age, of which he said he was one. He warned that the mindset could affect the spirit of the motion which was to remove impediments to vocation.
Responding to the debate Mr Brannigan said there was no question of short cuts but asks the question that their experience and qualifications be built on.
Members of Synod agreed to pass the motion.