WEDNESDAY'S NEWS

Sectarianism one of biggest issues for Church of Ireland
(report courtesy of Rev Gregg Ryan of the Church Times)

Almost all Church of Ireland clergy baulked at the suggestion that the Church taught ‘truer doctrine’ than other churches, according to a survey on sectarianism presented to General Synod on Wednesday.

A Scoping Study Report to the Sectarian Education Project also revealed that under half of all Rectors believe the church is dealing adequately with the issue of sectarianism, though the laity take a more positive view at over 60 per cent approval.

Under 40% of clergy supported the view that “the Church of Ireland teaches truer doctrines of Christian faith than other churches,” and only 10% of clergy were firmly convinced.

For the most part, the study found that respondents viewed the Church of Ireland as just one legitimate expression of the faith, but did not possess a monopoly on Christianity.

Top of Page

On sectarianism itself, the report found that the problem runs deep, with some Protestants treating their Roman Catholic opposites with more friendship and openness than their co-religionists of a more conservative viewpoint.

The Drumcree issue continues to rankle; this is especially so among respondents in the Irish Republic who believe “the image of the Church has been if not tainted, significantly affected by the (Drumcree) controversy.” It is identified as the single most controversial and problematic issue facing members of the Church of Ireland.

The study identifies as a priority the transparent and mutually respectful relationships with the Loyal Orders, the removal of all ambiguity and where necessary protocols on matters involving church parades be put in place.

However, there was little doubt among those surveyed that sectarianism is one of the most important issues facing the Church of Ireland, with 92% of clergy and 67% of laity supporting this view.

In his presidential address on Tuesday, Primate Dr. Eames said the report entitled “The Hard Gospel” is one of the most important documents in the long history of the Church of Ireland.

“As a Church we have begun a profound and extensive examination of sectarianism within our structures and within our attitudes. We will find a great deal to make us uncomfortable as a Church,” he said.

Pointing out the all-Ireland nature of the problem, Archbishop Eames said that too often comments on northern issues from the Republic and comments from the north on issues in the south have disclosed sectarian mindsets.

“The comfortable pew, the pulpit, the sanctuary, the youth club, the Select Vestry, the training of clergy the relationships with other churches – every aspect of the Church of Ireland must be a part of the process we have begun.”

Top of Page

Presenting the study to General Synod on Wednesday, the committee chairman Rt. Revd. Alan Harper, Bishop of Connor, said it was a ground-breaking and compelling piece of work.

“It reveals that within the Church of Ireland the need to tackle sectarianism and deal positively with other forms of difference is an issue of high priority for us all.”

“We need to work at making sure the different parts of the church understand and appreciate the needs, fears and aspirations of others. There are radical differences in the experience of the Church of Ireland north and south”.

Referring to Drumcree, Bishop Harper said: “We all know that deliberate provocative adversarial posturing is destructive and unedifying. But the Church may not sit on the fence. It will be necessary to commit ourselves for the ‘long haul’ in challenging sectarianism and in dealing with the sharp issues.”

Copies of the study are to be sent to each of the church’s 12 diocesan synods for use in helping parishes to deal positively with sectarianism and other forms of difference in their communities.

(report courtesy of Rev Gregg Ryan of the Church Times)

Top of Page