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Church of Ireland Notes from ‘The Irish Times’

Spring Issue of SEARCH

The spring issue of the Church of Ireland journal, SEARCH, edited by Canon Ginnie Kennerley, has been published.

With the Lambeth Conference coming up this summer and anxieties about the coherence of the Anglican Communion on the rise, some respectful and good–humoured dialogue is called for, along with a modicum of self–criticism. An attempt to model this is offered by Canon Patrick Comerford and the Ven David Huss, sharing and comparing different views of what it means to be both ‘conservative’ and ‘evangelical’. Readers are invited to ponder and respond – and the Revd Earl Storey’s reflection on the Hard Gospel project of 2005–2009, which follows, may help them to do so.

The other nagging issue is the growing threat to life on earth of the ‘civilisation’ we have developed. ‘Apocalyptic’ is a word used increasingly to describe this nightmare; but Jewish ‘apocalyptic’ writing was intended to bring comfort – an assurance that beyond present and future tribulations God would bring joyous deliverance. Dr Margaret Daly–Denton considers how we should understand such writing today. Not unconnected with these concerns, is Professor Benjamin Wold’s exploration of the Jewish background to the petition ‘Lead us not into temptation’ in the Lord’s Prayer. Is Pope Francis right that it gives a misleading view of God in our time?

Returning to SEARCH‘s recent concern with the development of effective ministry today, there is consideration of a recent initiative, that of ‘Messy Church’, which shows huge promise, and considers how best to renew a time–honoured but problematic institution, that of confirmation. Alistair Doyle, regional co–ordinator of Messy Church for Leinster, considers the former, while Canon Cecil Hyland fields an experienced team to ponder the confirmation dilemma.

The issue continues with a reflection on prayer and contemplation by Nigel Martin, Head of Religious Studies at Down High School, and the latest in the Liturgica series by Professor Bryan Spinks, Professor of Liturgical Studies and Pastoral Theology at Yale Divinity School and a former member of the Church of England Liturgical Commission.

This first issue of 2020 is also a reminder to subscribers to renew their subscriptions. These (€22/£19 and €11/£9.50 for students) may be sent to Michael Denton,10 Dun Emer Drive, Dublin D16 F788.

This evening (Saturday) there will be A Celebration of Hymns in the Great Hall, Parliament Buildings, Stormont at 7.30pm featuring Lynda Lindsay from Lisbellaw Parish and guests. The event is sponsored by Arlene Foster MLA for the charity, Marie Curie. For ticket information, telephone 07894004621.

On Wednesday the clergy and readers of the Diocese of Tuam, Killala & Achonry will meet for their Annual Quiet Day in St Mary’s cathedral, Tuam.

Thursday is World Book Day, an event conspicuous by its absence in the Church of Ireland calendar apart from an event in which the Armagh Robinson Library is involved. Surely as ‘people of the book’ we should be engaged with this?

The Head of Education in Christ Church cathedral, Dublin, Dr Ruth Kenny, has organized another series of our ‘Once Upon a Time…’ visual art story–telling tours which will take place on Saturday 7 March, from 2–4.30pm. Led by Jean Ryan, this fascinating walking tour will link Christ Church with the Hugh Lane Gallery through various decorative patterns and symbols. The tour will start at the cathedral and then proceed up to the gallery by foot. Good walking shoes recommended. Please email ruth.kenny@christchurch.ie to book your place which will be free with cathedral admission price. This event is limited to 15 places.

 

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