The General Synod has received the report of the Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue, and has agreed Motion No 10 asking to General Synod to commend the Inter-Faith work of the Commission.

The Most Rev Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin and Glendalough, proposing both the report and the motion, spoke of the prevalence of issues of inter-faith concern throughout society and told Synod members of a number of current initiatives in that area.  Inter-faith work was "a living issue every day of life".

The Rev Canon Patrick Comerford (Diocese of Dublin) spoke in particular of relations between Christians and Muslims, and referred to the benefits of good relations to both communities and to society in general.  Developing good relations required "hard work, honesty and commitment" from both communities and a Church that was engaged with community and society.

In debate of the report and motion, the Most Rev Richard Clarke, Bishop of Meath and Kildare, spoke on inter-denominational issues and told Synod that a number of opportunities for sharing between denominations already existed, including baptism, pastoral care and the reading of God's word.  The Rev Lady Stella Durand (Diocese of Cashel) exhorted Synod members to seek out opportunities for engagement at a local level to complement the work of the central Church, while the Rt Rev Trevor Williams, Bishop of Limerick and Killaloe, spoke of the links between the Commission's work and that of the Hard Gospel, and the "many benefits to be had" in mutual learning and rejoicing in diversity.  Other contributors to the debate welcomed the work of the Commission and spoke of a variety of encouraging developments in inter-faith relations within Ireland and furher afield, as well as the need for resources in that area.