Diocesan News08 Nov 10

A dual book launch was held recently in Christ Church Cathedral Dublin

'Christ Church Cathedral lies at the spiritual and historical heart of Dublin' - Mary Hanafin TD.

Mary Hanafin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, was the guest of honour at 'Rediscover Christ Church' - a dual book launch recently held in Dublin's Christ Church Cathedral. At the event, Minister Hanafin launched the paperback edition of Kenneth Milne's Christ Church Cathedral Dublin: A History and re-launched Lesley Whiteside's A Guide to the Stained Glass of Christ Church Cathedral.

At the event, Dr Milne recalled how the then Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern, launched the hardback edition ten years ago. He discussed how the book was part of "very ambitious 'Christ Church History Project', which included the publication of eight volumes of documents relating to the cathedral and a CD, described as one of the most important undertakings in Irish history of the 20th century." Dr Milne referred to Christ Church as "a marvellous resource for the teaching of Irish history and also, where appropriate, for religious education" and also spoke of the great responsibility entrusted to the Church of Ireland in terms of maintaining and promoting historical buildings throughout Ireland.

Dermot Dunne, Dean of the Cathedral, described the event as a particularly special occasion as it celebrated the achievements of individuals from the cathedral and also highlighted the 'Rediscover Christ Church' campaign which aims to reintroduce the cathedral as an exciting, accessible 21st century landmark

During her visit, Minister Hanafin was given a tour of the Cathedral by the Dean. She also met with the Board of the cathedral and members of the clergy, while bellmaster Leslie Taylor led a bell ringing performance before the reception in the crypt.

Dr Milne was Principal of the Church of Ireland College of Education in Dublin. He represents the Church of Ireland on the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. He is Keeper of the Archives of Christ Church Cathedral and was chairman of the Irish Society for Archives. He is also the Historiographer for the Church of Ireland.

Lesley Whiteside has lectured extensively on the subject of stained glass. The photography included in the book is by Dr David Lawrence, an expert on stained glass.

Contact Details

Lynn Glanville

Diocesan Communications Officer, Dublin & Glendalough 087 2356472
[email protected]

www.dublin.anglican.org