Clergy and members of Synod gathered in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy, on Wednesday, 15th October 2025, for this year’s meeting of the Diocesan Synod. The day began with a service of Holy Communion.
The Bishop offered a warm welcome to all present, including ecumenical guests the Roman Catholic Bishop of Ferns, the Most Reverend Ger Nash; Margaret Anew, representing The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers); the Revd Fadzi Jongoro, Methodist Minister in Gorey; and Councillor Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District.
The Bishop also welcomed following exhibitors
- Bishops’ Appeal: Gillian Purser
- Christian Aid: Michael Briggs
- Christian Media Trust: Valerie Power
- Church Mission Society Ireland: Roger Thompson
- Church of Ireland Gazette / Search: Clark Brydon
- Church of Ireland Liturgical Advisory Committee: Revd Alan Rufli
- Church of Ireland Youth Department (CIYD): Luke Hawkins
- Church of Ireland Board for Ministry with Children and Families: Rachel Murphy and Carolyn Good
- Diocesan Magazine: Margaret Hawkins and Denise Hughes
- Ecclesiastical Insurance: Scott Hayes
- Girls’ Friendly Society (GFS): Hilda Bailey
- Ministry of Healing: Lydia Monds and Catherine Smyth
- Mothers’ Union: Elizabeth Johnston and Linda Ward
- Pioneer Ministry: Revd Rob Jones and Ross Barrett
- Priorities Fund: Hazel Corrigan
- Protestant Aid and Kirwan House: Geoff Scariff
- Tearfund Ireland: Emma Lynch
Throughout the day, members engaged in thoughtful discussion and debate on the life and ministry of the diocese. Additional reports from the Book of Reports were considered, with the Bishop guiding the proceedings.
At 8:30 p.m., the Synod concluded with the final hymn and a blessing by the Bishop.
Motions were passed concerning Diocesan Rules and Regulations, including adjustments to the size of the Diocesan Council and Finance Committee, with a slight reduction in the numbers of clergy and lay members to ensure effective governance. A further motion was passed to create a Diocesan Register of Parishes willing to plant trees on glebe land, enabling parishes without land to contribute to environmental and biodiversity initiatives.
Looking ahead, it was announced that next year’s Diocesan Synod will take place on Saturday, 17th October 2026, at the Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny.
Report by Shane Reynolds, Diocesan Communications Officer