Archbishop and members of Synod, as a relative newcomer to the Standing Committee I was rather overawed when invited to second the committees report. Many issues were considered and debated this past 12 months; I have highlighted several giving a broad overview of the work of the committee in the session just completed.

The debate over Dominus Jesus seems to have generated more heat than light, and many have seen it as a damaging blow to the ecumenical movement. However, with the perspective of time it may well appear that the statement brought a degree of realism to the understanding of ecumenism. which has often proceeded in a Pollyanna— like state of optimism. The official Church of Ireland response closes with the words, growth towards ...unity is being experienced in parts of Ireland, and it is on these foundations that we would seek to build’. There is genuine growth in understanding, but it must be realistic. If there is to be any unity, it must be unity with truth. Over the past year, numerous commentators in the media have taken the Church of Ireland to task over its apparent unwillingness to stand over the evangelical Protestant principles of its foundation documents. We cannot simply brush the Reformation under the carpet and pretend it hasn’t happened. Rome has made its core beliefs very clear in Dominus Jesus and we must honestly reckon with that. There is much in it with which we can agree. such as the uniqueness of Christ and salvation in Him alone. There are also many issues on which we must disagree. and true

ecumenism will only advance when we reckon honestly with our differences, and look to God’s Word as the only standard for our belief and practice.

Like unrealistic ecumenism, we must also be careful to avoid the danger of sectarianism. It is encouraging to note from the report the steps that have been taken in avoiding sectarianism, such as the proposed education programme. It is particularly encouraging to see that the report emphasises development of an understanding of the identity of our own faith as a preliminary measure. This is a great opportunity for us to assess what the Church of Ireland really is about. As a Protestant church with extensive representation both north and south of the border, we are particularly well placed to understand the challenges and opportunities of diversity. We are living at a moment in Irish history when the spiritual life of the nation is in a state of flux, and a vital choice is before us. We can engage in a vacuous ecumenism, or a blind sectarianism, or we can go back to basics, preaching the Gospel of God’s gracious redemption through Christ. This message is changing countless lives across the globe. and entire communities in Africa and South America have been transformed beyond recognition by the proclamation of Christ crucified. We move away from this message at our peril.

The Egyptians had the boils and the locusts; we in the Church of Ireland have Drumcree. Whilst the Standing Committee has received criticism from in house Church Groupings claiming that no action has been taken to break this seemingly impossible impasse, the reverse is true. I must pay tribute to the Archbishop of Armagh and many others within the Standing Committee who have been tireless in their efforts to resolve this long running saga.

I would affirm that many within the Orange Institution have distanced themselves from Drumcree and its protest, which does nothing to honour Jesus Christ or advance his kingdom.

There are signs of hope. I heard recently of a Portadown Orangeman and his wife, who wanting to broaden their horizons went to Rome on holiday. Not only that but they presented themselves in St.Peter’s Square hoping to see the man himself. Lo and behold they found themselves standing beside the film star Mia Farrow. The Pontiff also spotted Mia and sent an aide down to invite the lady up for a private audience. The film star was taken aback saying she wasn’t dressed for such an occasion. In typical Ulster fashion the Portadown lady took the linen shawl from her own shoulders giving it to the Pontiffs guest.

The audience with the Pope went well he saying how much he enjoyed her films, she glad to have a one to one chat with the church leader. As she was about to leave the Pope asked if she might have a photograph she could leave as a souvenir, no came the reply, but I’ll sign this, taking off the linen shawl.

Later the private secretary to the pope entered and enquired. “Holy Father what’s that, “, pointing to the folded scarf, "O that’s just the SASH MIA FARROW WORE”

It gives me great pleasure to second the report of the standing Committee