GENERAL SYNOD - KILKENNY 2007

This is a look back in words and pictures of the General Synod which came to Kilkenny in the second week of May.

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FROM THE BISHOP:                                                                                                         

I am delighted to offer a general word of thanks to all those who worked hard, often in quiet and less than obvious ways, to make the visit of the General Synod to Kilkenny so enjoyable and fruitful. There is no doubt that members left the city in a real 'feel good' mood thanks to our preparations and our hospitality. I think of the work of the local host committee who co-operated with both the Synod staff and our own resident Synod Honorary Secretary in relation to the practical arrangements. I think of all the work that went on to secure the attention of the media, local and national. I recall gratefully the level of civic and ecumenical recognition and hospitality which we received. I will long remember with particular happiness the wonderful service in St Canice's, and one could fill literally pages mentioning the army of people who worked with the dean and ensured that every aspect of that occasion was prepared with meticulous attention to detail. It was an historic, happy and auspicious week for us all and Galway will have the proverbial hard act to follow next year!! Of course nothing is totally perfect and in the light of experience when one day we manage to bring the Synod back to Kilkenny we will be able to make one or two improvements that will make the whole experience even more wonderful! But, for the moment, this is a time - and I would rarely use such language - to take genuine pride in what we did and to feel that the whole Church of Ireland has sensed something of the vibrancy and commitment that characterise our life together in this part of the world.

Michael Cashel + Ossory

PRE-SYNOD:

At local level a committee was formed to co-ordinate the surrounding events.  This consisted of the Bishop of Cashel & Ossory the Dean of Ossory, Mr Sam Harper, Ms Denise Hughes, Ms Valerie Rothwell and Mr Herbie Sharman.  This included a press launch which took place in Lyrath Hotel and was attended by representatives of the local newspapers, along with Ms Georgina Rothwell, Mr Billy Kingston and with members of the communications staff of the RCB. A folder wallet was sponsored by the Bank of Ireland for every member of Synod and contained a “pack” of diocesan information and tourist information for those staying in Kilkenny.

THE DAY BEFORE:

As the officers and helpers of the RCB began to arrive at the Convention Centre of the Hotel, the first act of Synod was almost disaster as one of the Hon. Secs. was observed to collide forcibly with the full size window panel adjacent to the door, thinking it was one of the exits.  Luckily no injury or damage ensued and it served a reminder to the helpers to take care as the hotel has not sufficient marking on the glass panel to prevent it being thought a doorway. After that overture, preparations continued apace with the stands being erected in prime positions and the paper paraphenalia being deposited individually on the 600 seats of the main hall. A few hours later after that flurry of activity, peace descended on the Centre as it gathered its energy for the Synod proper starting the next day.

LYRATH ESTATE HOTEL:

This five star hotel is only open a year in its current guise. Its 17th Century original building was formerly the home of Captain Anthony Tupper Rtd. R.N. and his wife Anne. For many years they lived in Lyrath House and worked the farm and also were loyal members of the congregation and parish of St Canice’s Cathedral.  Captain Tupper was a member of the Select Vestry for many years. The Estate became uniquely known firstly for the cultivation of hops for the production of beer for Irish companies and provided summer employment for students picking the hops.This was followed by the intensive farming of Jersey cattle. Eventually the Tuppers moved back to England and the Captain died some years ago while Anne still lives in Cornwall. The Tupper room in the hotel is named after them. Over the last few years the estate has been redeveloped into the five star hotel combining the old house, still with its gracious hall and staircase with the new attributes of a modern luxury hotel. Viewers of RTE television followed the formative trials and tribulations of the construction of the hotel in a series of programmes last year.

DAY ONE:

By 11 a.m. on the morning of 8th May the Convention Centre of Lyrath was full to capacity with standing room only as the three day Synod  was called to order by Archbishop Alan Harper.  Proceedings opened with the Bishop of Cashel and Ossory taking the reading of Holy Scripture and giving the prayers, underlining the theme of “new beginnings” particularly it being the 8th May and the new government commencing in the North of Ireland. All this while remembering the past especially in this place of Canice. Bishop Burrows also alluded to the two new “Alans” – the Archbishop of Armagh and also the Revd Canon Alan Abernethy Bishop-Elect of Connor. The assembled members then sang the hymn “Alleluia, Alleluia” which they would sing again at the service at the end of the day.

The Hon, Sec Mr Sam Harper stood up to place the list of members on the Table and the Archbishop then appointed Mr Michael Davey as his Assessor which was followed by the inaugural address by Archbishop Harper.

 

 

 

 

 

ADDRESS:

In this Archbishop Harper initially sent greetings to his predecessor Archbishop Robin Eames whom Synod members had seen taking the Presidential Chair for 20 years. That alone provoked change and Archbishop Harper was quick to throw some searching questions out, not least about how Synod goes about its business, its effectiveness in communicating within itself and to the wider community, its mission, etc.,  and are there aspects of Synod that need looking at in the 21st century in order to gain the best structures possible. The Archbishop also referred to the momentous events that had occurred in the North of Ireland recently culminating in the establishment of the new government being intiated at the very hour that he was delivering this address. Following on from that he was anxious to point out that politics should be regarded as an honourable profession and that it needs more general support than it sometimes receives.  He was eager for the Church of Ireland to be protective of the world and creation and hoped that both the new See House in Armagh and the new Theological College when built would be fully eco-friendly.  Archbishop Harper concluded with some comments on Education and how in the North of Ireland, when the government took over the running of schools the influence of the Church of Ireland has dwindled significantly. He was however encouraged by the governments initiating high-level dialogue with stakeholders in the island and which includes the Church of Ireland.

The address was followed by the welcome of the guests from other churches and which was replied to by the Revd Ivan McElhinney from the Methodist Church and Mrs Mary Salmon from the Church in Wales. It was then down to business with seven Bills for the consideration of the General Synod including three special bills.  Two of the Bills dealt with liturgical material, and the third to remove a reference to suicide so that it will not longer be explicitly included among the exceptions listed in the Canons in regard of the reading of the full burial service by a member of the clergy (carried). Other Bills dealt with proposed reform of representation in the General Synod (rejected); a proposal for a block copyright licence for a large proportion of the hymn and chorus material used in the Church of Ireland; a Bill dealing with the clergy pension contribution; and a Bill to provide for the appointment of Ecumenical Canons of the National Cathedral of St Patrick, Dublin (carried).  Motions received included changes to the terms of reference of the Committee for Christian Unity and a revision of the Constitution of the Church of Ireland Youth Department. Other subjects under discussion were the Covenant Council, social action and the international community with regard to the situation in Israel and Palestine. In true parliamentary style these must be read three times before being passed. Key reports this year, included those from Standing Committee, Representative Church Body, the Church of Ireland Pensions Board, the Committee for Christian Unity, The Hard Gospel, the Church of Ireland Youth Department, the Boards of Education, and Boards of Social Responsibility all of which had undertaken active projects or are undertaking extensive reviews of their objectives at present. A particularly important presentation was that of the Ministry Formation Project, which outlined proposals for the restructuring of clergy and lay training for the Church. There was also an official launch of the redesigned website for the Church of Ireland.  

The site is http://www.ireland.anglican.org. The redesigned site is the culmination of a project that has taken approximately 18 months. Other reports that were received included those of the Church in Society Committee, the Church’s Ministry of Healing, the Church of Ireland Council for Mission, the Covenant Council, the Church of Ireland Marriage Council, the Liturgical Advisory Committee and the Commission on Church Buildings.   The bills took up the rest of the business of the day and included a long debate on synod representation  and some poignant speaking on the subject of suicide.  The afternoon concluded with the beginning of the Reports which included the subject of clergy pensions.

RUSH HOUR!

It was then time to think of the relatively short journey to St Canice’s Cathedral for the Synod Service and several coach loads and (far too) many cars that attempted to gain access out of the hotel gates onto the Carlow Road.  Unfortunately it was just 6 p.m. and the ordinary business of Kilkenny City was also concluding and it all merged into one M50 style crawl as the time ticked by and clergy and laity saw their efforts to get to the church on time slipping away. Eventually the ring road was gained and a mad dash round the City brought everyone to the Cathedral and the service was in fact only five minutes late starting.

SYNOD EUCHARIST

With the congregation 450 strong and the recently restored Bevington Organ (pic 13) in its new position the opening processional hymn was not only lifting the cross high but also the ancient roof of the cathedral. The Service was conducted by the Archbishop of Dublin the Most Revd Dr John Neill and the sermon was given by the Archbishop of Armagh the Most Revd Alan Harper whose theme  was “going forth”, the church needing to be more extrovert and less introvert in engaging with the world. The music was provided by the augmented choir of St Canice’s Cathedral and also the Chamber Choir of Kilkenny College.  The Choirs were conducted by Mr David Milne and the organ played by Mr. Malcolm Proud. The lessons were read by Mr Eric Driver and Mrs Phyllis Grothier Diocesan President of the Mothers Union.  The Gospel was read by the Revd Robert Stotesbury. The prayers were led from the centre of the church by the Bishop of Ossory the Rt Revd Michael Burrows. Holy Communion followed and the service concluded with the rousing Dismissal of “Go in the peace of the Risen Christ. Alleluia! Alleluia” as the bells pealed out to greet the emerging Synod congregation who would now retire for the evening to recharge its energies for Day Two….

MIDDLE SYNOD:

Kilkenny woke to the Church of Ireland Synod still in full swing.  Most of the members fortifying themselves with a Lyrath breakfast before heading into the first session of the day. Shortly after 10 a.m. the Archbishop brought the meeting to order and invited the Bishop of Cashel & Ossory to take the opening worship.  Bishop Burrows  began by saying that the reading he was taking he first heard as a new member of Synod in 1987 in Cork:  “The Cloud and the Fire”.  This led on to the theme of decisions on “staying put or moving on” and the necessary balances of life. Instead of the customary hymn the Bishop led a “music of silence” asking Synod to meditate for two minutes on the thoughts reflected in his prayers. Archbishop Harper then extended warm congratulations to the Dean of Ossory for the magnificent service in St Canice’s Cathedral the previous evening and asked for thanks to be conveyed to all who had been involved in its preparation and participation. Synod heard greetings from Fr Brendan Leahy who recalled Fr Devine who is fondly remembered by all. Synod plunged back into the order of business concluding the Report on Christian Unity followed by the Report of RCB (Finance). The contentious issue of the tobacco investment raised its head again. The remainder of the morning was given to the Reports on the Commission on Ministry, and presentations on the Hard Gospel.  Some difficulty was experienced with the technology but which was resolved by the time the Ministry Formation was presented after the lunch break.

The Dean of Ossory and Mr Johnson then offered the Report from Standing Committee. Highlights included  much mention on the Bishops’ Appeal – monies down on previous years but as was pointed out, world disasters have drawn extensively on reserves. There were impassioned words by Bishop Kenneth Clarke on the new political face in the country and that the days of terrorism are over with much hard work and determination by the politicians. The business of the afternoon concluded with the re-launch of the COI website, the Reports on the Church in Society Committee, and the COI Youth Department.

 

 

 

PRESENTATION:

A pleasant local ceremony took place quietly in the Press Room when Mr Desmond Kidd from Lorum parish Dunleckney made a presentation of a cheque for over €12,500 raised by him largely through raffle tickets and a cabaret in the Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow for the Oncology Department of St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny. It was accepted by Dr Brian Cantwell and nurses of the hospital.

THE MAYOR’S PARLOUR:

Then it was time again for the Synod Road Show as the coaches and cars cavalcaded once again to descend on the city.  This evening the venue was Kilkenny Castle for a civic reception by the Mayor of Kilkenny Cllr. Martin Brett. (Pic 19). A large contingent of Synod members gathered in the Long Gallery of the Castle and greeted the Mayor and robed Corporation who led the Archbishops and the Bishop of Cashel to the podium. In his address Mayor Brett warmly greeted Archbishop Harper and his wife and members of Synod to Kilkenny and trusted they were enjoying their stay in the city and environs.  He thanked his fellow-councillors who had interrupted their busy electioneering schedule to be there to welcome the visitors. He also thanked Mr Sam Harper for all his work with arrangements. In his reply Archbishop Harper thanked the Mayor for his kind words and said that it was certain that it would be a Synod to remember; that his suite of rooms in the hotel was larger than his own house. He exhorted everyone to gaze up on the magnificent decorated roof wondering when the assembled company last saw such a wonderful example of a hammer beam roof.  Those at the back were quietly whispering “last night” as of course St Canice’s Cathedral boasts a similarly built roof! The formal proceedings finished with a short history of the Castle ending on the hurling note – not news to most!  The party of Church of Ireland then created a temporary schism dividing  into two groups for the purposes of refreshments in the Castle.

THE WRAP:

The third day again saw Bishop Burrows commencing proceedings with reading, hymn and the saying of the General Thanksgiving.  The business session included the final consideration of Bills reported on the first day and reports on Education, Social Responsibility, the Ministry of Healing, Council for Mission, Marriage Council, Litrugical Advisory Committee and Church buildings.  The Archbishop of Dublin criticised the Department of Education (ROI) for not paying much attention to the concept of church education, seemingly concentating more on coping with rising numbers than the quality of education and the importance of ethos. There were some poignant moments when speakers elucidated on problems of health during the debate on the Ministry of Healing.  The motion that Synod supports intiatives by the International Community that would lead to a resolution of the Israel-Palestinian conflict was carried. 

In a lighter moment the awards for the magazines and websites were made and congratualtions to the KIT Club  of Kilkenny for receiving a special award for their blogspot and which was received by the Revd Elaine Murray. The photographic caption competition was won by the Dean of Ferns, the Very Revd L.D.A. Forrrest

 

 

 

 

 

As calm as Synod was for most of the time a moment of noteriety arose as a small band of protesters arrived at the entrance to the Convention Centre and having discursed with Bishop Burrows they were brought inside for coffee and further discussion.

Late in the aftenoon the Synod was brought to a close with the Hon. Secretaries being asked to publish the Journal of the Proceedings and Archbishop Harper, sporting a badge which read “I survived General Synod Kilkenny 2007”, rendered appropriate thanks to all concerned, brought Synod to prayerful Amen and exhorting members to reconvene in Galway in 2008 but hopefully with  happy Kilkenny memories and a safe journey home.

Not many were aware but as the last of the stands were taken down and the final synod member had left the building, the appearance of a small  band of wedding planners led by television’s “Frank” surfaced to begin preparations for the next event for the Convention Centre – was this th sublime to the most sublime…..?!

 

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