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PRESS RELEASE

14 May 2003

CHURCH TACKLES SECTARIANISM: NO SITTING ON THE FENCE

Church of Ireland members are willing to learn how to live with difference in a society polarised by divisions and to face up to the sharp issues of sectarianism, according to a research study issued today by the church’s Sectarianism Education Project Committee.

The study entitled ‘The Hard Gospel’ is to be sent to each of the church’s twelve diocesan synods for them to use as they think fit in helping members and parishes to deal positively with sectarianism and other forms of difference in their communities.

This unique survey of attitudes to sectarianism and other forms of difference is described as one of the most comprehensive pieces of research yet attempted into one church or denomination in Ireland and their attitudes and experiences of sectarianism.

In presenting the study to the General Synod today, Committee Chairman, the Rt Rev Alan Harper, Bishop of Connor, said: “This is both 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.

“It is also plain to see that we must develop ways of helping members to work out the practical implications of these findings. We need to relate in positive ways with people from different backgrounds and cultures.”

He continued: “More work has to be done to help people to understand the phenomenon of sectarianism and to develop a vision of a better and more wholesome alternative in the context of a politically polarised community.”

Bishop Harper said the study showed that the government and structures of the Church of Ireland and its ministry needed to be radically overhauled.

He said: “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.”

The study reveals that most people in the Church of Ireland recognise that sectarianism is a pressing issue and needs to be addressed comprehensively by the church. Many respondents expressed the hope that the church could respond better to issues of sectarianism and difference but felt unsure of how to do so.

It is evident from the study that differences of political allegiance between members of the church in different jurisdictions are perceived as a source of misunderstanding and a potential challenge to cohesion. Also theological differences and issues of churchmanship are perceived by some as potentially divisive.

The study suggests that transparent and mutually respectful relationships with the Loyal Orders continues to be a priority, with all ambiguity removed, and where necessary, protocols on matters involving church parades put in place.

Drumcree is identified in the study as the single most controversial and problematic issue facing members of the Church of Ireland.

Said Bishop Harper: “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.”

Bishop Harper concluded that the study had revealed many issues. He said it set an agenda for almost every department, agency, diocese and parish of the Church of Ireland.

‘The Hard Gospel’ contains the findings of a research study of attitudes, opinions and experiences around difference and sectarianism in the Church of Ireland. Respondents were drawn from 10% of the parishes in Ireland. The methodology involved postal questionnaires and interviews with clergy and lay people from a wide range of backgrounds.

The study was commissioned by the Church of Ireland Sectarianism Education Project Committee (SEP) under the chairmanship of the Rt Revd Alan Harper, Bishop of Connor. The author is Dr Gareth Higgins who has worked throughout this study with the Partners in Transformation, an initiative of the Irish School of Ecumenics and Mediation Northern Ireland.

The range of topics raised in this study include not only sectarianism but also peace building initiatives, ethnic differences, sexuality and relationships, age differences and North/South differences.

Read the executive summary and complete text of the Scoping Study.

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