A motion supporting and encouraging ongoing discussions to make children’s ministry a central, fundamental and integral part of the Church’s life has been passed at General Synod 2016 meeting in Dún Laoghaire this morning (Friday May 13). The motion proposed by Canon Niall Sloane (Dublin) asked General Synod to affirm the key importance of formulating a practical vision for Children’s Ministry and look forward to learning how this will be achieved in the short, medium and long term.

Proposing the motion, Canon Sloane said: “In any church, children are especially welcome and precious to God. Children are members of the Church; however, how does the church view children? It has often been said that Children are the future of the church – I would urge us all to believe that children are not the future of the church – they are the present of the church. Without them no, there will be no future for the church”.

The motion was seconded by the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Revd Alan Abernethy. He said there was still an attitude to children in church that disturbed him although they were a precious gift to the church. He detailed many contributions that childlike faith could make to the church. “They are such a gift to us and we need to cherish and nurture our children and take them seriously,” he concluded.

Points made during the debate on the motion include:

• Children could be involved in church services through a number of simple steps including inviting them to read.
• Tbe Children’s Ministry Network website was commended for its wealth of resources which provide real tools to get on with children’s ministry.
• Providing space for children was suggested.

The motion was passed by Synod.