The Church of Ireland Youth Department (CIYD) issued its report to the General Synod of the Church of Ireland today.

In April 2007, CIYD launched its strategic plan for 2007-2010, and over the course of the last year held several residential conferences for youth leaders on issues such as mental health, suicide and sexuality.

Jump, a new programme to encourage young adults in parish youth work positions for a year, was launched in January 2008 by Ms Catherine Little, CIYD’s Year Out Co-ordinator. The programme is being funded by the Representative Body of the Church of Ireland and Priorities Fund Committee.

Proposing the report to the General Synod, the Revd Robert Miller (Derry) told members that the work of CIYD is “facilitated by the commitment of the volunteers who serve on the Central Board and Executive Committee and by the practical and financial support of the Representative Church Body, and the Youth Affairs Section. We could not do what we do without your commitment to our ministry.”

Revd Miller continued, “As we all agree; ministry amongst young and to young people is not always straight forward. Some of the more difficult issues, such as issues around mental health in adolescence, suicide, sex and sexuality, have been addressed by CIYD, an example being the two-day residential Celebrate Sex hosting 25 youth leaders who addressed issues around young people and sexuality.”

Asking for support of members of the General Synod, Ms Florence Higgins (Meath), President of the Girls Friendly Society, said “I appeal to you to give leaders and helpers the support they need.”

Encouraging the Church to maintain and develop training courses for youth workers, Capt. Colin Taylor (Down and Dromore) told members of the General Synod that such a commitment “does mean cash, it does mean support, and it requires those in power using it to further the mission of the Church.”

As a denomination, the Church of Ireland now employs about 70 individual staff for youth work and development.