A motion containing suggestions for changes to Diocesan Boundaries has been presented to General Synod this afternoon. The motion, which is described as a ‘green paper’ is in the context of the Commission on Diocesan Ministry and Structures.

Mrs Ethne Harkness proposed the motion: “That General Synod welcomes the general principles, analysis and approach to diocesan restructuring outlined in paragraphs 26–32 inclusive in the report of the Commission on Episcopal Ministry and Structures, acknowledges a need for structural change and requests the Commission, following consultation with the Diocesan Councils, to bring a Bill for reorganisation to the next General Synod.”

She said that Synod in 2012 gave the Commission a job to do and they have worked hard on members’ behalf to get to this point. Having listened to voices across the church, they have now set before Synod their approach to this question. “We ask members of Synod to engage constructively with us and to acknowledge with us that there is a need for change in diocesan boundaries if we are to equip the church better for mission in the 21st century and enable our bishops to be leaders in that mission. We do not argue for any particular geographical change but in the booklet we give some examples of where a principled approach may take us, grounded in the prayer that our generation should find courage, imagination and energy and hand on a strong, confident and secure church to our children and grandchildren,” she stated.

Mrs Harkness said that the present arrangements did not support a meaningful and effective Episcopal ministry for all 12 bishops. “Some very committed and dedicated people struggle to keep up with multiple demands, in a way that is not sustainable in the longer term. We must break out of structures that no longer meet the needs of those in the church pews, let alone those outside. We must allow the focus of the Church of Ireland to move from palliative care for a patient in decline to nourishing growth and hope for the future,” she stated.

She said that the commission’s statement of Vision and Principles includes 10 principles. Those principles were used to develop working guidelines. The commission felt that the range of skills and expertise needed to support a diocese would not be available where the population was very small. They suggested that a figure of 15,000 Church of Ireland members would give that capacity, representing around 2,500 worshippers in about 30 cures.

She said that the results of the 2013 census suggested it was time to face reality. The commission was opening the discussion with principles, guidelines and examples but this is a consultation. She said the matter would not be decided today but at Synod 2016 if there was support from Synod 2015 for the motion.

The motion was seconded by Brigid Barrett (Kilmore Elphin and Ardagh) who said that this piece of work was so important that it was necessary to progress slowly and with care. She said that the document was a working document meant to stimulate discussion. The commission welcomes comments on the proposals and plans further consultation, she said. She said it was not all about boundaries but about making ministry more meaningful for bishops, clergy and laity.

Discussion on the motion covered the following issues:
• The commission was commended on its extremely clear and concise production.
• Figures of members of the Church of Ireland in the west of Ireland were highlighted.
• The possibility of establishing church plants in rural areas was examined.
• The distance people have to travel to church was raised.
• The conclusions of the commission are not radical enough.
• There is no analysis of cost.
• There is no analysis of the road system for those who have to travel.
• What are we doing that hasn’t already been done by accepting the report of the commission, which allows the commission to get on with their work.
• Change is necessary and urgent within the Church but this approach is the way forward.
• Change is desperately needed.
• We are looking at the Census statistics which give the numbers for those attending and not the figures who state that they are Church of Ireland but who are not attending church. We need to have a missional rethink of what we’re doing to reach the people who say that they are Church of Ireland.
• We need to focus on a new way of passing on the Good News. We can’t just continue doing the same thing and expect a different result.
• There needs to be radical reform of how things are done in the dioceses and there needs to be reform of parish clergy to bring about collaborative ministry.
• The demographic of the Church of Ireland is changing and structures need to change to reflect that.
• Cultural and regional connections matter.
• Need to look at the size of areas covered as well as numbers of people.
• The role of bishop in the two parts of Ireland varies considerably.
• Changing boundaries results in difficulties in diocesan structures.
• Make haste slowly and bring people with you.
• Lady Brenda Sheil suggested an amendment.

In response to the points made, Mrs Harkness said that all the points would be taken back to the commission for consideration. The motion was passed by Synod.

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