General Synod 2003: Press Release - A Divided church is in no position to preach reconciliation

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

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

15 May 2003

CHURCHES RIGHT AND RESPONSIBILITY IN EDUCATION

The churches have both the responsibility and the right to endeavour to bring the mind of Christ to bear on the education system which shapes the lives of our young people.

Speaking today at the Church of Ireland General Synod today, Mr Wilfred Young, Armagh diocese and a former principal of Cookstown High School added: “Schools are sadly for an increasing number of young people the only influence in the endeavour to inculcate bona fide spiritual and social values.”

Turning to the Review of Post Primary Education and the follow up to the Burns Report Mr Young warmly welcomed Mrs Jane Kennedy’s recent ministerial announcement of the establishment of the working group chaired by Mr Steve Costello comprised of representatives of educational interests, including it is noted the Protestant churches via the focus of the Transferor Representatives Council (TRC).

The TRC is the sole body representing the ethos of Controlled schools. He further commented : ‘It is however a pity that the vital contribution of professional teachers is missing on the working group – we hope this can be addressed’.

Mr Young also drew attention to the revision of the RE Core Syllabus – and reminded members of the outstanding achievement of the four churches coming together to create the original in 1991.

He said: ‘The RE common core syllabus has been a success story a triumph for sanity in the midst of irrational conflict. The review is a modest one; the most notable change being the inclusion of the study of two World Faiths other than Christianity at Key Stage 3'.

Wilfred Young, referring to the perceived down-grading of the teaching of Christian belief, values and lifestyles evident in all sections of the community, North and South, concluded: “In all our churches, Protestant and Catholic, we share the ideals of developing the spiritual and moral aspects of individuals but believe that today specifically Christian values are in danger of being lost’.