The Most Reverend Dr Robin Eames
Archbishop of Armagh
Primate of all Ireland.
University College,
Dublin
15 May 2001
Members of General Synod,
I welcome you to this meeting of Synod and pray that Almighty God will guide and bless us as we transact the business of the Church of Ireland.
This is a time when a long dark shadow rests uneasily
across the Irish countryside. The Foot
and Mouth epidemic has wrought havoc for the farming community, not alone in
affected areas, but throughout the length and breadth of Ireland.
I faced an immense dilemma as to whether this Synod
should meet as planned this month. Before deciding to go ahead I took advice on
a wide scale both within and without the Church of Ireland. As members of the Standing Committee will
recall we debated this issue at our last meeting. I want to say to the farming community that we meet in full
consciousness of the hardship and personal difficulties so many of them are
experiencing at this time. We express
our solidarity with them and we assure them that we all feel deeply the pain
and the problems they are facing. We
recognize that there are those of our members who for practical reasons could
not leave their farms or regions to attend this Synod : our thoughts and
prayers are with them in these days.
It is at times like this that we are reminded of the
important role the farming community plays in the life of the Church of
Ireland. In our rural parishes farmers
and those who earn their living on the land are the back-bone of Church of
Ireland life. Many an ordinand has come
from farming stock. Frequently at the
General Synod we have listened to the ‘farming voice’.
We are aware
of the magnitude of the Foot and Mouth epidemic. We have watched the appalling pictures of burning and slaughter
of cattle and sheep on the TV screen.
We have heard of the agonies of those who have seen a lifetime of breeding
shattered in an instant. Let us not
forget what I call the knock-on effect of this crisis. The tourist industry, the shop keepers, the
transport industry, the organizations of social events in country areas, the
necessity to rearrange events and Church services – all and many more are
examples of the magnitude in a country such as Ireland of this disaster. We condemn the irresponsible even criminal
actions of the few who have shown such disregard for the welfare of others.
From a Christian standpoint we recognize the human
side of this crisis. We are aware of
the human cost. We know of the
heartache at the destruction of hopes for the future. But I also recognize a further aspect.
It has to do with the destruction of animals. It has to do with the destruction of animals as yet unaffected by the disease. It has to do with the contrasting arguments of experts as to how best to stop the crisis spreading. It has to do with possible dangers to our environment.
Above all it has to do with what this disaster has taught us about life. Surely it reminds us all that for far too long certain great principles of life have been taken for granted. Surely it reminds us that the cycle of God’s creation and God’s good earth requires and even demands more care and more responsible attitudes to the blessings of creation than modern humankind has been prepared to devote? Nature has a habit of bringing us up short and reminding us of priorities in God’s creation when we fail to devote sufficient attention to the rules of nature. The Foot and Mouth disease is a sobering reminder of our dependence on the benefits of God’s earth – and God’s creation.
Farming will never be quite the same again. Life for sons and daughters of many farmers will not be the same as they had hoped. Great readjustment of future plans is necessary for many.
In reaching the decisions to hold this Synod the Archbishop of Dublin and I have consulted regularly. We are going to break with tradition this morning to emphasize the seriousness with which both Archbishops view this question. I am going to invite the Archbishop of Dublin to address the Synod now and then we will stand for prayer.
Members of Synod, I ask you to stand :
“Almighty God, we pray in your presence for all in our land who have been affected by the disaster in our countryside. We remember all engaged in the farming industry and those whose lives and occupations have been touched by this crisis. We pray for those who have lost hope of a better and secure future on the land. We remember all in positions of responsibility for Government policy on agriculture, tourism and commerce. We ask that your presence will uphold those individuals and families who feel personal desperation at this time : hold them in your eternal care as they face the future. Teach us all afresh the values of your Creation that we deal wisely with the fruit of the earth you have given us. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
A CHANGING IRELAND AND THE SPIRITUAL DIMENSION
Members of Synod:
I believe that future generations will view the years through which we are living as much more significant in Ireland than we realize.
Change in the Republic:
Here in the Republic we have seen the economic miracle of the ‘Celtic Tiger’. We have seen a nation display all the outward signs of prosperity as it grasped the European ideal, the removal of high levels of unemployment, the creation of internationally based industries and the rapid expansion of new commerce. We have seen the emergence of an economic model which is the envy of its European neighbours. There are warning sounds about the future from economic prophets and inflation is rising – but we see all around us evidence of a healthy commercial base which has produced wealth. Undoubtedly the slowdown in the US economy has had its effect here particularly in the field of high-tech expansion. But we also see homelessness, poverty and the gap between those who have benefited from the ‘Celtic Tiger’ - and those who have not. Wealth and poverty can be relative. There are pressures on family life which we cannot ignore. The cost of housing is such that in many instances it takes two earners to afford the mortgage.
Change in Northern Ireland:
In Northern Ireland no matter what our individual views may be on the Peace Process we have witnessed devolution addressing bread and butter issues, responsibility for a wide range of government duties exercised by local politicians and local communities feeling a new relationship to those who have the power to govern. The recent speed of political change has challenged people and questioned attitudes. Not everyone has found political change easy to accept. We have seen the tensions those changes have produced. The struggle to attract investment continues and the potential for economic advance is immense. We want to see that potential realized. But the harsh realities of unemployment is highlighted when long established firms fold up chiefly because of the pressures of international competition. Sadly highly educated young people continue to be our most expensive export.
Ireland’s new prophets:
In both parts of Ireland we are conditioned to view much of life in economic terms.
The economist has become the Irish prophet of the new millennium.
We see such frequent evidence that in the process of change the community has adopted new language to express ideas and new ways of discerning what constitutes success and failure. In this process of change there have been positive and encouraging signs for human advancement. But there are also questions about the nature of life, the quality of life and the ways we judge what is worthwhile for society. The process of change we see in both parts of Ireland relates to a vast range of human activity from economic and commercial development to searching questions about how rights and responsibilities are exercised by government. There are issues about the sanctity of life, about the bondage of past grievances, about human rights and about the quality of life for the future.
On page after page of the Book of Reports for this Synod we find some indication of how the Church of Ireland has attempted to address those concerns during the past year.
I want to pose this question as we begin our work this week :
What has the
prophetic voice of the Christian Church to say to Ireland at this time of
change?
The value of the individual:
I want to suggest that the Christian word
of prophesy has to remind Irish society of that most precious of God’s
gifts - the value of the individual.
Church responsibilities:
The responsibilities and privileges of the Christian lifestyle does not end when the Church fulfils its obligations to educate through Sunday School and Confirmation. Education in what it means to be a Christian continues less formally throughout the lifetime of every individual. Learning is not just lifelong but it must be seen as responding to the touch-stone of experience of life – it is not just lifelong but lifewide. Unfortunately modern life too often applies a utilitarian view of lifelong learning seeing it in economic terms having a benefit to people in what is described as ‘the knowledge society and economy’. Competitiveness, employability and adaptability of the workforce become the drivers for the individual’s acquisition of skills and knowledge in an ever-changing world. Balance and development of the whole person is overlooked in this economic view.
I suggest to you that considering the individual’s economic contribution to society alone is not just ignoring a substantial part of that person’s development but is a failure to recognize the holistic nature of individual growth. That can lead to an unbalanced and even sick society. Surely there is a need to endorse the individual’s spiritual development and understanding of community, the sense of the aesthetic and the ability to have creative and stimulating leisure interests? If education is lifelong and lifewide then it must encompass the wholeness of personal growth. This is the challenge I see for the Church in a changing Ireland today – and tomorrow.
We talk not just of a changing Ireland – we talk of a changing Church. People talk wistfully at times of ‘how it used to be’. Each generation judges itself at times by what ‘used to be’. Progress is itself relative – and it is not always easy to be objective. But the Church must change when ways of presenting the eternal Gospel are no longer relevant to society.
It is in that process of change, as we seek God’s will and purpose as a Synod that I find myself turning time and again to the value of the individual.
What effect has a period of economic
progress and apparent prosperity in the Republic on the individual – not just
those who benefit, but on those who are casualties of society? What does economic prosperity say about the
ways we make judgement of what is good,
what is success, what is failure and what makes up the truly compassionate
society?
What effect does rapid political
change have on lives which find it almost impossible to forget the past? Memory and how
we deal with past hurt, past perception of injustice, past grievance, is not
just a matter for individuals - it is a
question for whole community. I
believe how we deal with memory holds the key to so many of the current
problems of Northern Ireland.
Flexibility:
In Ireland the skills of today can become the redundant knowledge of tomorrow. True on-going education provided not least by the Christian Church can provide the individual and the community with the moral courage and spiritual wisdom to deal with success and failure in life. Flexibility and the ability to change and to grow are not just characterists of a strong economy. They are the marks of a society composed of individuals who can draw strength from a faith both eternal and unchanging but never static and lifeless – to transform that society into a community for all.
That is a definitely spiritual message. That is a definitely spiritual dimension to life.
But I have to ask :
is Ireland failing to hear that message
because of the Church?
An Ireland which diminishes the value of an individual is an Ireland in trouble.
An Ireland which loses its spiritual dimension is an Ireland which is set on a course to community chaos.
An Irish Church which fails to preach the value of an individual is a Church which has already become irrelevant.
ELECTIONS IN NORTHERN IRELAND
Shortly the people of Northern Ireland will go to the polls to elect local councils and Members of Parliament at Westminster. Once more the people of the Province will have the freedom of access to the ballot box which has never been denied to them throughout the dark years of the Troubles.
Members of the Church of Ireland represent every conceivable political outlook. Indeed if we look no further than the General Synod over the years one of the great achievements of the Church has been to bring together members who hold different party political allegiances, but who are united in their love and devotion to the Church of Ireland.
I want to appeal to all who are involved in the political process and particularly candidates for election at local and national level to do all in their power to regard language as a most sensitive and important element of the election process. Issues must be debated freely. Views must be expressed clearly. But intemperate language, sectarian feelings expressed through word or attitude which can inflame local tensions must be avoided at all costs. In Northern Ireland words can hurt – and too often, as we know, words can kill. Surely the Synod will join me in calling for the utmost care and the utmost responsibility in the words which are used in the election campaign?
POLICING
The debate about the new form of policing in Northern Ireland lies close to the surface of public debate following the Patten Report. This Synod must take seriously the issues involved in a process of reform, for the Church has a responsibility to be informed and to have a view on questions which affect every part of society.
Independent:
First, I am quite sure that we all want
to see an independent, effective and modern police service for the entire
community. I believe this is the desire
of the vast majority of the people of Northern Ireland. There will always be those in any community who
do not wish to see an effective police service for obvious reasons. But the will to see a peaceful, ordered
society is so obvious. There is a
culture of violence in Northern Ireland at present. Physical attacks on people and homes occur frequently. I am particularly conscious of the fears of
old people, often living alone. This
culture of violence must be challenged.
The speed of change in the numerical strength of the police must be
related to the level of threats to people and property.
Tribute to the R.U.C.:
Second, over the years the Church of Ireland has seen a large number of its members serve with pride and distinction in the Royal Ulster Constabulary, too many of whom have paid with their lives, too many of whom have been seriously injured, we pay tribute to them. Most parishes in Northern Ireland have or have had parishioners in the RUC. At this time of change let us pay tribute to them. They have belonged to a force which has been rarely out of the headlines, a force which has been a political football and a force which has had to face up to its shortcomings, but also a force which has held the line between terror and ordinary decent people. It has paid a terrible price over the years.
Recruitment:
I want to say with confidence that I encourage young members of the Church of Ireland to give serious consideration to a career in the new police service. As reforms emerge I feel I can make that call with confidence. The training, the ethos and the acceptability of the police in Northern Ireland in the days to come will depend to a large extent on the caliber and character of its members. I believe the young people of the Church of Ireland have much to offer in that regard. I encourage them to seek that career.
DRUMCREE AND GARVAGHY ROAD
On page 137 of the Book of Reports there are a few lines referring to the most serious, searching and defining issue to confront the Church of Ireland for many years : Drumcree and Garvaghy Road. This tragic situation haunts us as a Church. The search for a solution has continued exhaustively during the year. This is a cameo of the darkest side of life in Northern Ireland – a situation in which people are prisoners of the past and hostages of the present. Despite the pre-occupation with the General Election I appeal to all involved in Drumcree and Garvaghy Road to focus on what is possible through mediation. A solution has so far failed to emerge despite the efforts of two Prime Ministers, two governments, facilitators, mediation, community leaders and politicians, to say nothing of the tireless encouragement of the Church. I say again – all must focus on mediation. There are many problems in the Portadown area to be addressed but the Drumcree/Garvaghy Road issue contains within it the ingredients to push back the whole of Northern Ireland into violence and suffering.
The Christian voice and the call for restraint must go on being heard – even though time and again it is ignored. I will continue to offer any encouragement I can to find a solution. I commend those who are trying so hard to achieve this. Simplistic solutions, criticism from afar and insensitive comment based on a lack of knowledge of what is involved at Drumcree and on the Garvaghy Road make the work of accommodation more difficult. The Church of Ireland does not, cannot and will not condone the scenes of sectarian hatred we have seen in previous years – so often orchestrated by those who have their own agenda and little or no interest in the concerns of the Orange Order or the Residents Coalition.
Independent legal advice has examined all that the Church of Ireland has said and done in this tragic situation. It has confirmed that as the laws of the Church of Ireland stand at present we have utilized every available avenue to express our condemnation and state our position. But there is the other aspect that has nothing to do with technicalities : it is the moral issue and the duty to confront the evils of sectarianism with the Christian voice.
I want to say to the General Synod that together with continuous encouragement to reach a peaceful solution which respects the rights of all no one nor no pressure will silence the voice I have tried to make heard – we condemn without reservation the scenes of sectarian hatred which have accompanied the protest at Drumcree. Those scenes are at complete variance to the Gospel the Church of Ireland is called to proclaim.
BISHOP KEN CLARKE
On behalf of the General Synod I welcome Bishop Ken Clarke, Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh, to the platform. We offer him and his wife Helen our prayerful good wishes for a long and blessed episcopate.
DEAN JACK SHEARER
There was widespread sadness throughout the Church of Ireland at the news of the sudden death of Dean Jack Shearer of Belfast Cathedral. Jack was respected and loved by thousands in Belfast who viewed his ministry in the center of the city as a relevant and ‘down to earth’ expression of Christianity with which they could identify. Jack forged new links between St Anne’s Cathedral and the Roman Catholic Cathedral in Belfast. The figure of the ‘Black Santa’ sitting outside the Cathedral each Christmas collecting massive amounts for charities, the organization of major services and national events and the patient pastoral concerns for friend and stranger – just some aspects of a wonderful life ministry. We thank God for every remembrance of Jack Shearer.
CANON HOUSTON McKELVEY
We offer our sincere congratulations and prayerful good wishes to Canon Houston McKelvey on his appointment as Dean of Belfast. In so doing we express our gratitude and admiration for all he has achieved on our behalf in education in Northern Ireland.
DEAN MAURICE CAREY
I also want to mention the death of the former Dean of Cork, Maurice Carey. Some of us remember him as a much loved Dean of Residence at Queen’s University. He was a most useful member of the Chapel Committee for the Adelaide and Meath Hospital incorporating the National Children’s Hospital in Dublin. He devoted much of his time to the work of APCK and Church publications. As Dean of Cork and in retirement Priest-in-Charge of Sandymount he touched many lives and served this Church with such faithfulness.
CANON JOHN BARTLETT
The Principal of the Theological College, Canon John Bartlett, has announced his retirement. I pay tribute this morning to his years of service and leadership in this most demanding position in the Church of Ireland. Those who have passed through the College under his leadership will be more aware than most of his help and encouragement during their training. I thank him for his ministry and on behalf of the General Synod wish him and Mrs Bartlett many years of happiness in the years ahead.
RETIREMENTS
Two members of central bodies who have given long and excellent service to their Church are retiring from their duties. Professor David Spearman has exercised a significant and much appreciated influence on our investment and financial policies. Judge Buchanan has been a valued and wise member of our legal advisory committees. We thank them both and gladly acknowledge the support they have given to the Church.
ROLE OF THE CHURCH
Members of Synod, I have spoken of change in this Address. In the next few days we will have to decide about some aspects of change – and we will have to decide what should remain unchanged.
A few weeks ago Bishop John Howe, one of the first Executive Officers of the Anglican Communion, passed away. In his book ‘Highways and Hedges’ he wrote of change in our Communion,. Let me read those words :
“The basic factor is the purposes of Jesus Christ – the Gospel and what he said. Development is to progress in fulfilling the Father’s intention of salvation through Jesus. The Church, and any part of it, through the ages exists for that reason.”
May God bless us all this week.
(The End)