Day 3
Clergy Urged to Spread the Word About the Marriage Council
The Marriage Council’s remit is to see marriages flourish and to serve marriage in accordance with the teaching of the Church of Ireland, members of General Synod heard today.
Proposing the report of the Marriage Council, the Revd Carlton Baxter described the membership of the council as dedicated, compassionate and caring individuals drawn from the clergy and laity who bring a desire to see marriages grow and mature.
He commended the work of their marriage counsellors which is in demand and is delivered with compassion, empathy and professionalism. The online marriage course proved a great success, he said, adding that the clergy couples retreat was well subscribed and the implications of clergy retirement on marriages will be addressed online in the coming weeks.
Mr Baxter said a webinar on blended families proved popular and they council is planning events for the autumn and beyond.
Seconding the report, Dr Catherine Smith (Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe) said that for many their most vulnerable moments come in connection with marriage. “The vulnerability of stepping into a new life with someone, the vulnerability of pain during marriage difficulties or marriage breakdown, the vulnerability of remarrying after loss of a spouse, the vulnerability of grief for those who are left a widow or a widower,” she said. “It is the Marriage Council’s role and its privilege to try and support people during these times, by offering help to those who are preparing for marriage, and to who are in need of counselling and support during the course of a marriage.”
She appealed to clergy to use the resources of the Marriage Council and to refer people to their services, especially the counselling sessions (six free counselling sessions are offered per couple). She also asked them to advertise their courses and seminars.
Motion No 7 seeking to change the terms of reference of the Marriage Council was passed.
Speaking to the report, the Revd Jonny Campbell Smyth questioned one of the Marriage Council’s events, the retreat for clergy couples. He said it came as a shock to him that attendance at a clergy couples retreat was attended by a couple in a same sex relationship. He asked the Marriage Council to assure him that they adhered to the terms of reference and the canons of the Church.
Mr Baxter outlined the Marriage Council remit to promote marriage in accordance with the teaching of the Church of Ireland and all activities promoted comply in that. He stated that the Marriage Council is not a referee and does not have the power to change the Canon and does not have the authority to exclude, that power rests with General Synod.