General Synod 2003: Wednesday's News

This is a thumbnail image of the Archbishop of Armagh speaking at General Synod

This is a thumbnail image of the Archbishops, Bishops, Honorary Secretaries and Members at General Synod

This is a thumbnail image of Members voting at General Synod

This is a thumbnail image of the Archbishops' table at General Synod

WEDNESDAY'S NEWS

Presentation on Sectarianism Scoping Study - "The Hard Gospel"
(from Elaine Whitehouse, Communications Dept, RCB)

The Sectarianism Education Project Committee has produced an in-depth Scoping Study of attitudes and perceptions among members of the Church of Ireland to sectarianism and ‘living with difference’. The study, funded by the International Fund for Ireland and presented to the General Synod 2003, is the first of its kind to take a detailed look at the experiences of a denominational community.

The Chairman of the Sectarianism Education Project, the Rt Rev Alan Harper, referred to the Study as “a ground breaking and compelling piece of work” which revealed that the need to tackle sectarianism was “an issue of high priority for us all”.

The Rt Rev A Harper and Dr Gareth Higgins

Presenting the Study to the Synod, its author, Dr Gareth Higgins, told members the report was not just about difference between Protestant and Catholic but was about difference in general. Sectarianism was not a class issue and was not only manifested in physical violence but was, rather, definable as ‘distorted belonging’ and marked the point where identity became exclusive.

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The debate following the presentation focussed on the need for practical action following the publication of the Study. The Rev Colin Hall-Thompson of Connor Diocese urged Synod members that discussion and implementation of study be undertaken “on the ground, alongside the community in which the Church is living”. The Rev Dr Maurice Elliott felt it was possible to create a fair, just and inclusive peaceful society if the Church would commit to “real action and positive engagement” rather than just dealing in rhetoric.

The Scoping Study highlighted the systemic nature of sectarianism in the Church of Ireland community both north and south of the border and concluded that the degree to which sectarianism impacts on the life of individuals and communities differs considerably across the island of Ireland.

Respondents from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland alike showed themselves to be increasingly aware of issues arising from living with difference, including the growing multi-faith and multi-racial dimensions of Irish society, and demonstrated concerns that the Church of Ireland community should take a positive role in addressing these issues.

The General Synod, in a motion passed following the debate, referred the Scoping Study to diocesan synods for “consideration and reflection”.

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