Bishop Harold Miller (Down and Dromore) proposed the resolution regarding a New Church of Ireland Hymnal Supplement at Synod this morning. He outlined the background for the proposed Hymnal Supplement which has been produced by the Liturgical Advisory Committee.

He said that the supplement included 165 hymns and songs, plus around 40 liturgical items wide ranging and hopefully truly complimentary to the material we have already available to us. Special focus has been given to childrens’ material, to supplementing areas of weakness in the present book (eg Lenten material) and to including material which has proven popular over the last 15 years or so since the contents for the present book were finalised, he stated. The liturgical material, unlike CH5 is largely orientated towards the Eucharistic rite, with two local ‘settings’ fully included by Peter Thompson and Alison Cadden, the Bishop added.

He said that the material was near final and should Synod agree, the task of completion would be continued progressing the legalities, agreeing a publisher and resolving copyrights.

Seconding the motion Canon Gerard Field (Meath) said that the LAC had invited suggestions from throughout the Church of Ireland and well over 1000 came through which he said indicated the need for a supplement. He said the response to the supplement had been very positive both to the content.

Gillian Purser (Cashel and Ossory) welcomed the supplement but asked that every hymn not be subjected to political correctness.

Fay Bantry White (Cork) said she was not an Irish speaker but observed that there was not one Irish hymn included.

Revd Bridle (Clogher) asked by the cost being borne by the parishes for the supplement and wondered if copies could be provided for Powerpoint rather than going to the expense of buying the book.

The motion welcoming progress on the supplement and directing Standing Committee to make arrangements for its publication was passed.