Disestablishment 15010 Nov 19

Launch of Irish Anglicanism, 1969–2019

Essays to mark the 150th anniversary of the Disestablishment of the Church of Ireland

A history of the Church of Ireland over the last fifty years was launched in Dublin on Friday evening (8th November) by the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, the Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke.  Irish Anglicanism, 1969–2019 is published by Four Courts Press and co–edited by Dr Paul Harron and Dr Kenneth Milne, and features 20 essays ranging across themes as broad as youth work, art and architecture, education, liturgy, the Irish language, and music.  The project forms part of the Church’s D150 initiative, to mark the 150th anniversary of its Disestablishment.

Speaking at the launch at Christ Church Cathedral, Archbishop Clarke noted that the historical period since 1969 “is in fact one of considerable interest, sociologically, politically, and indeed ecclesiastically – so much has changed in that period.”  He added that “the strength of the essays has been very much their variety” whereas, in 1969, the Church would have been “much more cautious” and “much less self–critical.”  The Archbishop discussed developments in a range of issues covered by the essays and, in particular, welcomed the “evolution with dignity” in the development of the role of women in ministry during that time.

Dr Harron, who served as the Church of Ireland’s Press Officer from 2008 to 2018, remarked: “Without exception, each author has approached their particular subject with care and thoughtful reflection – and sometimes essential critical reflection.”  He expressed his hope that the volume will mark this significant moment in history “appropriately and usefully” and provide “a genuinely worthwhile insight into the various facets of the Church’s life.”

A further launch will follow in Belfast in December.  Irish Anglicanism, 1969–2019 runs to 324 pages and is available at a launch price of £26/€30 plus postage here