THURSDAY'S NEWS

Church in Society Committee reports a year of activity

The sub-committees of the recently formed Church in Society Committee have been getting to grips with their remit and the Synod suspended its Standing Orders to allow some of the chairpersons of the sub-committees to update the House on their ongoing work.

Dr Rory Corbett spoke of the work of the Medical Ethics group on issues including healthcare resourcing and the personal responsibility of individuals for maintaining their own well-being. The group, he reported, was currently in the process of finalising a report on the use of embryo-derived stem cells. In preparing such reports the group hoped to provide a foundation for all who were involved in discussions on current medical issues. Planned subjects for papers in the coming year included drug trials in third world countries and the organ donor shortage.

Ms Stella Mew reported on the dynamic approach of the Environmental and Ecological Affairs group, which had focused on linking directly with parishes and providing resource materials for practical application. Ms Mew told Synod members of the group’s work on the introduction of the “Eco-Congregations Scheme”, which involves parishes in a meaningful and relevant way in developing their role in caring for the environment. The Scheme encourages churches to “think globally and act locally” and also provides an excellent opportunity for parishes to work ecumenically and in partnership with the local community.

The Rev Canon Walter Lewis (Diocese of Connor) reported on the work of the Legislative and Political group for Northern Ireland, which had held three meetings with representatives of the political parties to discuss a variety of issues including human rights, the Belfast Agreement and the restoration of the institutions.

Responding to Canon Lewis’s report, Canon Barry Dodds of Connor Diocese applauded the Legislative and Political group’s meeting with Sinn Fein and called for political parties to demand the cessation of all paramilitary activity. “Northern Ireland”, he stated, “is in a period of transition from war to peace and that process must involve moving from military to political strategies.” Mr William Ross of Derry Diocese made a plea for “the defeat of terrorism rather than making a place for it”, while the Rev Colin Hall-Thompson (Connor) welcomed emerging opportunities for bringing people from paramilitary activity into positive co-operation with the community. “Bringing these people into community dialogue”, he said, “is one of the key factors in the bringing about of peace.”

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