CHURCH OF IRELAND PRESS OFFICE
Church of Ireland House, 61 - 67 Donegall Street, Belfast BT 2QH
Tel Belfast: (028) 90 232 909
Press Officer Brian Parker (M): 07775 927 807
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. Top of Page
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