Press Releases
DERRY AND RAPHOE DIOCESAN SYNOD
Extracts from the Presidential Address delivered by the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, the Rt Revd Dr James Mehaffey, yesterday (Wednesday 29 October 1997) at the Diocesan Synod held in The Royal Prior Comprehensive School, Raphoe, Co. Donegal:
Social Change and National Identity:
Society in Ireland is going through a period of considerable change and that change will accelerate as we enter the new millennium. Change affects all areas of life including the economic, social and political spheres but it is seen most of all in people's perceptions regarding their cultural and national identity.
Many people within the Unionist tradition are increasingly aware that their sense of Britishness has altered considerably. While the desire to remain part of the United Kingdom is as strong as ever they find it difficult to think of themselves as sharing the same culture as those on the other side of the Irish Sea. Belfast is not the same as Manchester, London or Bristol. It is even more obvious that the poeple of the United Kingdom do not look on Northern Ireland as an equal partner with them. For people brought up in the Unionist tradition this is a very difficult development and helps to heighten fear and raise uncertainty about the future.
For people of the Nationalist tradition there has been a comparable change in their perception. Political understanding of national identity is not the same in Belfast as it is in Dublin, Limerick or Cork. The people of the Republic of Ireland increasingly see their future in Europe and in developing links with the United Kingdom. It becomes more and more difficult for Nationalists in the North to hold traditional views which imply the reunification of Ireland and the creation of an All-Ireland independent republic. Articles 2 and 3 of the Republic's Constitution may represent an aspiration but in reality the people of the Republic will look to the United Kingdom and to Europe as the context in which their future is set.
Shared Problems and Opportunities:
More and more people in Northern Ireland, in spite of quite fundamental differences, recognise that together they have to find an accommodation which gives sufficient confidence to both main traditions to enable them to live together in peace and to make their contribution to the welfare of society. That accommodation must be built on respect for differences and achieve widespread support. Dialogue leading to constructive political discussions seems to many people the only viable option to achieve that goal.
People view the present peace process and the inter-party talks with mixed feelings of hope and optimism on one hand and fear and uncertainty on the other. The real question is what is the nature of the peace process and how is it being managed?
The vast majority of the people of Northern Ireland do not want to see a breakdown of the talks which would inevitably be taken as a signal to the paramilitaries on both sides nor do they want to see an imposed settlement by the British government. The process that will lead to a genuine political accommodation will be incredibly complex and difficult and there will be many setbacks. One thing is certain, political leaders need our support and encouragement as never before.
The Responsibility of the Churches:
The Churches have the responsibility to spell out in clear and unambiguous terms the implications of the Christian gospel for our personal and community life and to focus on prayer as a primary responsibility. I call on Church of Ireland members in this diocese to make prayer a priority. Pray for all political leaders that they will have courage, vision and generosity of spirit. Pray for the creation of conditions which will ensure that conflict and violence will never return to our streets. Pray for reconciliation between people who are deeply divided. Pray for the Churches that God's Spirit will renew their life and faith so that they can give moral and spiritual leadership. Pray that everyone will regard change in society not as a threat but as a challenge and an opportunity.
A Vision for the Church of Ireland in Derry and Raphoe:
The rapid changes taking place in Irish society North and South present the Churches with a formidable challenge. That challenge faces us as members of the Church of Ireland in this diocese. We cannot ignore it and hope that it will go away. Rest assured it will not go away.
The Vision 2000 programme for the diocese with its mission statement of a commitment to a renewed Church reaching out into the community is more relevant today than when it was launched in 1990. As we approach the next millennium the vision needs to be sharpened. We must focus on those priorities which are critical for people at this time and where there is potential for deep changes in people's lives and for a real advancement in the life and work of the Church. My vision for the Church in the diocese will focus on faith in Jesus Christ, God's Son and through the Holy Spirit work out the implications of this in personal, parish and community life. This Trinitarian faith is the raison d'etre of the Church which has to be lived out and worked out in everyday life. I call on the people of the diocese to share my vision andtogether let us make the vision a reality.
Further information from:
THE CHURCH OF IRELAND PRESS OFFICE
Church of Ireland House
61 - 67 Donegall Street
Belfast BT1 2QH