The proposed Anglican Covenant and relations between the Church of Ireland and the Methodist Church were amongst the issues discussed the debate on the report of the Standing Committee on the afternoon of the second day of the Church of Ireland General Synod.

The Anglican Covenant is a draft document produced by the 'Anglican Covenant Design Group' chaired by the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr John Neill, in an attempt to govern relations between the member churches of the Anglican Communion (called 'Provinces') in the light of disagreements over the issues of authority and human sexuality. Within the Church of Ireland, the draft Covenant has been referred to the Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue for discussion.

Proposing the report of the Standing Committee, the Venerable Philip Patterson (Down) referring to the draft covenant said, "We are indebted to the Anglican Covenant Working Group for their work on this and whilst we cannot anticipate what the Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue will recommend; there are certain principles that we must adhere to.  Quite apart from whether we consider the Anglican Covenant a redundant statement of no consequence to us at all, or view it as the only way of holding the Anglican Communion together, does not matter.  In truth it is probably neither but it is an important document and our response to it will be important."
Arguing that "it is unlikely that the Anglican Covenant will have the status of a formulary of this Church", he added "Our formularies require us to, ‘set forward, so far as in it lieth, quietness, peace, and love, among all Christian people’.  It is no small task we have given to the Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue."

Turning to relations with the Irish Methodist Church, Archdeacon Patterson warmly welcomed the report's 'Agreed Principles from the Methodist and Church of Ireland Working Groups on the Interchangeability of Ministry.' "Three cheers and another cheer too!" he said, "It is wonderful at last to see the mists lifting, the fog clearing and some reality emerging.  These principles show us a way forward that has integrity on all sides to enable us to recognise de jure what we all know de facto. Both of our traditions exercise episcopae even if we may do it somewhat differently and use different language." Noting that in some places Methodist and Church of Ireland congregations share a building and in some cases are joint congregations he described these as "exciting pioneer ventures" but added, "There is a pressing need to have provision for these joint congregations to be able to link to both parent bodies and to each other in an ordered and constitutional manner." He added that a Bill is intended in 2012 to provide Ecumenical Canons to regulate such congregations.

Elsewhere in his talk Archdeacon Patterson referred to the effect of new Charities legislation in Northern Ireland on the Church of Ireland. The new legislation has led the Standing Committee to encourage parishes in Northern Ireland to register as charities at parish level. Commending the assistance he's received from Church House staff he added, "Inevitably there will be aspects of our reporting that will have to change, but they don’t appear to be onerous.  To be more publicly accountable is no bad thing – we want the world to know what it is we are about and what we are doing.  And with the accountability also comes advantages like Select Vestries having the safeguard of being incorporated bodies if they choose."
Seconding the standing committee report Mr Wilfred Baker (Cork, Cloyne and Ross) touched on the topic of clergy tied housing. He commented, "In recent years many clergy have, happily, been in a position to provide for their own housing on retirement.  However, in view of the current economic downturn and resulting freeze on clergy remuneration, it seems quite possible that there could be a return to the unfortunate position in former times when most clergy reached retirement without having acquired any property of their own.  This is a situation which should not be allowed to develop." He also welcomed the development of arrangements for the payment of Auxiliary (or Non-stipendary) clergy where their workload justifies it. He said, "As somebody who has been concerned about this matter for some time past, I am glad that justice has been obtained for a small group of people who unselfishly do so much work for the Church."

Opening the debate from the floor, Professor Steven Ellis (Tuam) applauded the Anglican Covenant but emphasized the importance that this be felt at congregational level. He said, “There needs to be a lot more about the historic background to understand where we’re coming from and where we’re going to.” He said he was particularly concerned about the lack of knowledge of young people. “There is a clear need for our young people growing up to know what it means to be an Anglican” he said. David Thomas (Down and Dromore) speaking on Bishops Appeal, who expressed his thanks for the money raised for the Haiti and drew particular attention to the work undertaken by Christian Aid in Haiti. He said, “the Work is still continuing through helping people to return to their normal lives.” Billy Kingston (Cashel) commended the Primate’s address on the first day of Synod in particular on the issue of banking saying “We have been disgracefully treated by our banks.” He also thanked all who have contributed to the Haiti appeal and urged people to support the 2010 Bishops Appeal project ‘Water of Life.’ The Revd Ian Poulton (Dublin) recalled a recent visit to Africa to a project involving pineapples and presented a pot of pineapple jam to the Primate and a present to the Bishop of Cashel from Africa. The Revd Canon John McKegney (Armagh) pleaded with the Representative Church Body to re-examine the Church of Ireland website. “Do something about our website, it’s dull, it’s unexciting and it doesn’t enthuse” he said. The Bishop of Limerick and Killaloe thanked the communications staff of Church of Ireland House. He said, “I believe we need to share our story, stories about what it means to be a member of the Church of Ireland…we in the communications board are aware of that issue and hope to address it in the years to come.”

Marianne Young (Ferns) agreed that the national website is difficult to navigate. She said there was not enough information about the Churches. Recalling a visit to County Clare she said it was difficult to find where the nearest Church was. She said, “If we do not give the information to the General Public they cannot participate in our services.” Revd Ron Elsdon (Connor) taking up the point of the Bishop of Limerick expressed concern that the Internet committee was concentrated on internal communication within the Church rather than with the world at large. He suggested a working group to help “some of us on our way.” The Revd Grace Clunie (Armagh) said that in the 21st Century we need to include the word listen “with humility and respect to the traditions of others.”
The Revd Canon Gregory Dunston (Connor) expressed concern about the fact that parishes would be registered under charities legislation. “If the diocese is the registered charity then accountability would flow from parish to diocese, just as from clergy to Bishop…I wonder if what we are contemplating may potentially weaken the bonds of unity around the Bishop.” The Very Revd Stephen Lowrie (Dromore) noted that the draft of the motion says that ‘the Church of Ireland is open to all’ and expressed concern that it puts the Church into a position of ‘passivity.’ He urged an amendment saying that the ‘Church of Ireland seeks to Minister to All.’ Mr McCagney (Down and Dromore) said he was seriously concerned about the implications of charities legislation. He expressed disquiet that if parishes or dioceses register as separate legal entities it could undermine the authority of General Synod. “In no way should parishes be allowed to become independent charities…members of Synod need to consider carefully before approving the resolutions.” 

Turning to the topic of Children’s Ministry, Peter Hamil (Connor) said that children’s Ministry must become a priority in our work. Children he said “want to become full and equal members of our Church.” The Bishop of Cashel and Ossory speaking on the Civil Partnership Bill said he respected those who wanted conscience clauses in the legislation but he would like to put on the record “that they’re many who believe [Civil Partnerships] not just a necessary response but a just response to society as it is.”
June Cromer (Dublin) referred to a letter in today’s Irish Times on the issue of Civil Partnership bill by a member of the General Synod. “What Civil Partnerships are”, she said “relates to what are first and foremost are to souls who have found companionship on their earthly journey.” She urged that the Church of Ireland be “very sensitive on any pronouncements on this matter”. Andrew Brannigan (Down) said he spoke at Standing committee in favour of a conscience clause. He said that a Christian Register could have faced a custodial sentence if they refused to conduct a civil partnership and argued that a freedom of conscience clause would have been “the best of both worlds.”

Sandra Dukelow (Cork Cloyne and Ross) sympathized with some of the problems connected with tied housing. The Revd Maria Jansson (Ferns) recalled that last year she’d proposed a motion for a code of conduct for clergy. She said she was very conscious that she lives in a society “where clergy are seen as suspect…we have to be seen to adhere to the highest standards in public and private life.” She feared that this Code of Practice “has got stuck.” She urged that Standing Committee engage clergy in the discussion and not “leave it to the lawyers.” The Revd Janice Elsdon (Connor) agreed and asked “did the 12 disciples have a code of conduct other than the word of the Lord Jesus Christ?” She also welcomed payment for auxiliary ministers but “I do not believe that my ministry is auxiliary. What is wrong with the term non-stipendiary?” she asked. Archdeacon Robin Bantry White (Cork, Cloyne and Ross) pointed out that two of the people working on the issue of a code of conduct are priests in the Church of Ireland but are also Canon lawyers. He said that it could involve in a serious adjustment to the Canons of the Church. 
The Revd Brian O’Rourke congratulated the Standing Committee on choosing Christ Church Cathedral which he said was “leading by example” but did ask for “a cushion for our backs” when the Synod returns in 2012. The Very Revd John Bond (Connor) also commended the committee for choosing Christ Church as the venue and Ecclesiastical Insurance for sponsoring the cup of tea! The Revd Canon Michael Kennedy (Armagh) said surely everyone knows that Armagh is the Ecclesiastical capital of Ireland and “if it was good enough for St Patrick it’s should be good enough for the General Synod!”
The Hard Gospel was not being implemented half enough according to the Bishop of Down of Dromore. He warned that “we can actually go on living in a divided society without any intention of a shared future as a reconciled people. That really worries me. In Northern Ireland we are living in geographically more divided society than at any time during troubles.” The Revd Doris Clements (Tuam) raised the issue of gender inequality. Drawing on her own study of the situation she noted that representation at Synod was 88% male clergy and 67% male laity. She urged that Members of General Synod “return home to your parishes, inform people about this gender inequality, and encourage women to put their names forward for election to Diocesan Synod, and then elect suitable women.” 

The Bishop of Cashel of Ossory welcomed the prospect of inter-changeability of ministry with the Methodist Church which he described as “the fructifying of togetherness”. He said he hoped the Methodist President would leave the Synod knowing the support of the members of the General Synod. He described the discussions as “The most humbling and enriching discussions I’ve been involved in. David Bird (Cork) commended the Standing Committee for the work behind the Board of Social Responsibility in Action. However he cautioned that “we live in a world of 24 hour news” and urged that a system is set up to allow a more rapid response when necessary. Ken Gibson (Connor) commended the system the Board of Social Responsibility in Action set up to chose those who sought membership of the Board. He urged a similar process be set up for other committees “in the interests of accountability.” The Revd Canon Ian Ellis (Dromore) speaking on non-Christian burials said that in the 1910 Edinburgh conference despite the theological conservatism of participants there was a real respect for other faiths. He urged that “we be as generous as we can in this area” and that “any provisions in this area be unimpeachable.” The Revd Ian Linton (Elphin) expressed his thanks for those in the parish development working group. He said, “Church 21 has enabled us to put Mission on the agenda in our parish.” Hillary McClay (Down and Dromore) said that Christians Against Poverty is a great organisation and thanked the priorities fund for its support which allowed parishes to support those suffering from debt.

Eithne Harkness (Armagh) commended the work done by Doris Clements and said the statistics were very disappointing. She said that she’d hope the Synod would be able to return to the issue.

After thanking all of the contributors, the Venerable Philip Paterson proposed acceptance of the report subject to two amendments, one dealing with a typographical amendment and the other noting the recent sad death of the Revd Alan Matchett.
Following the debate on the Standing Committee, the Synod discussed a motion also proposed by the Venerable Philip Paterson and Seconded by Wilfred Baker which gives a suggested wording for a ‘Statement of Charitable Purpose’ and a ‘Statement on Public Benefit’ for use by Church of Ireland Select Vestries or equivalent bodies seeking to register a charities under new charities legislation. An amendment to change ‘the Church of Ireland is open to all’ to ‘the Church of Ireland seeks to Minister to call’ in the schedule for the Statement for Public Benefit was carried by 122 to 90, following which the amended motion was carried.
 
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