General Synod 2003: 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

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

BISHOP POINTS TO MASSIVE EDUCATION BACKLOG

The Government’s listing of capital projects in the schools sector in the Republic of Ireland has highlighted the enormous backlog of building work to be done to the tune of three hundred million Euros a year for five years in the primary sector alone.

Speaking at the Church of Ireland General Synod in Dublin today, the Rt Rev Ken Clarke, Bishop of Kilmore, continued: “This Synod needs to say clearly that no child should have to learn or teacher work in premises which are unhealthy and unsafe. However whilst many premises are in urgent need of major upgrading the excellence of our teachers is outstanding. Despite, in some cases, difficult conditions and limited resources they give our children an education which is second to none.”

Referring to recent calls for a State primary religious programme, Bishop Clarke said the reality at school level is that the Follow Me programme supported by the Church of Ireland, Methodist and Presbyterian churches has been very acceptable for the children who come from many different religious traditions.

Rt Rev K Clarke, Bishop of Kilmore

“It is acceptable because it is religious education not instruction or formation,” he said. “These latter aspects are the responsibility of the Church within the parish and congregation. The distinction is sometimes forgotten.”

Bishop Clarke paid a warm tribute to the church’s education officer, Canon John McCullagh, for his work with teachers and clergy.

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