Proposing the report of the Commission on Ministry, the Ven Gary Hastings (Diocese of Tuam) told Synod members that the Commission had been given pause for thought regarding the long term future of the Church of Ireland in a time of great cultural change, and that a more detailed picture of current directions within the Church was needed in order to enable the Church to respond appropriately.  Seconding the report, Ms Ruth Handy (Diocese of Glendalough) spoke of the Commission's ongoing concern to support those actively involved inthe ministry, and in particular the Commission's recent project in relation to pre-retirement courses for clergy.

Debate of the report explored issues of the meaning of mission to the Church and its individual members, with emphasis on the need to support clergy in being missional as well as supporting traditional parish structures.  The related themes of Church of Ireland identity and defining Church membership were also drawn out in discussion.