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for: A COMMUNICATION FROM THE HOUSE OF BISHOPS ON THE
THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE
THURSDAY AFTERNOON'S BUSINESS
A considerable amount of business still remained
before Synod as it met for the final session on Thursday afternoon.
The Reports of the Board of Education were received and debated.
Revd Canon Houston McKelvey was thanked for his outstanding
contribution over the years in the work of Education and
congratulated on his recent appointment as Dean of Belfast. Canon
McKelvey thanked those who had supported him in his work of
education, singling out especially the Primate, the Chief Officer
and the government ministers who had co-operated with him.
The Bishop of Connor and Mr Trevor Morrow (Limerick) introduced the
changes being introduced in the restructuring of the Role of the
Church Committee. There was further sympathy and concern for the
farming community with its present problems. Particular concern and
the assurance of prayerful support were expressed for the victims of
the years of violence in Northern Ireland.
The Report of the Church of Ireland Marriage Council was sensitively
introduced by the Bishop of Tuam and a short but meaningful debate
ensued.
The Report of the Committee for Christian Unity was presented. The
Bishop of Cashel referred to the present difficulties caused by the Dominus
Iesus document. He concluded his speech - "It is with a
heavy heart, but a sincere determination to keep alive the
ecumenical vision that I propose this report". A
considerable very positive debate ensued. The Bishop of Down and
Dromore commended the Report of the Methodist/Church of Ireland
Joint Theological Working Party.
Following the Report of the Church's Ministry of Healing and The
Report of the Hymnal Revision Committee the remaining business was
put formally from the chair as the closing time of 4.30 had been
reached.
The President thanked all who had assisted in the organisation of
the Synod, especially the Honorary Secretaries the Very Reverend H
Cassidy, Mr S Harper, Lady Sheil and Revd Canon R D Harman.
He also praised among many others his Assessor Mr Michael Davey, Ms
Valerie Beatty, Head of General and Synod Services, Mr Derek
Philips, the Chief Officer and all the staff of Church House, the
Press Officer and staff, and most of all the members for their
attendance.
The Archbishop of Dublin thanked the President for his outstanding
and excellent chairmanship of the synod.
Attendance figures were:
Tuesday: |
Clerical 183 |
Lay 280 |
TOTAL 463 |
Wednesday: |
Clerical 188 |
Lay 276 |
TOTAL 464 |
Thursday: |
Clerical 154 |
Lay 186 |
TOTAL 340 |
General Synod 2001 was closed with prayer.
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