Press Releases22 Apr 04

Historic General Synod meeting in Armagh

HISTORIC GENERAL SYNOD MEETING IN ARMAGH
11-13 May 2004

Archbishops Eames and Williams

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, will be the preacher at the Church of Ireland General Synod Service in St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh on Tuesday, 11 May 2004 at 6.30pm.

The General Synod is to meet in the Armagh City Hotel from Tuesday, 11 May to Thursday, 13 May 2004.

A Church of Ireland spokesman said: "This will be an historic occasion as it will be the first time that the General Synod has met in Armagh. Moreover on the first day members will be presented with the church's new Book of Common Prayer which will be used each day. It is expected that some 600 representatives will attend from parishes around Ireland."

The Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Robin Eames, will address the current serious situation in the Anglican Communion as Chairman of the Lambeth Commission, the development of thinking on Ministry throughout the Church and the search for political stability in Northern Ireland.

Over the three days members will have an opportunity to discuss a wide variety of topics and concerns. Three major presentations will cover proposals for new initiatives in lay and ordained ministry, the development of youth outreach projects and the Church's witness in areas such as medical ethics, social justice and politics.

In addition reports from a broad range of committees will consider the churchs work in tackling sectarianism, alcohol abuse in the lives of young people and community relations. Education issues will also get an airing including the introduction of university top-up fees.

Daily reports from the General Synod will be carried on the web at: http://www.synod.ireland.anglican.org