Press Releases02 Apr 05

Statement by the General Synod Committee for Christian Unity on the death of Pope John Paul II

From the Chair:
The Rt Rev?d Peter F. Barrett; Bishop of Cashel & Ossory

On behalf of the Church of Ireland General Synod Committee for Christian Unity, I wish to extend to the Apostolic Nuncio; Cardinal Daly and Cardinal Connell; the Archbishop of Armagh, his brother archbishops and bishops; and to the clergy and people of the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland, our sincere sympathy on the announcement of the death of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II.

Pope John Paul II?s long pontificate has embraced all continents and touched successive generations. Recalling the occasion of his historic visit to Ireland in 1979, we remember in particular his heart felt appeal for an end to violence and a renewed commitment to peace and reconciliation, the echoes of which still resonate today. Members of the Church of Ireland remember also his historic meeting with our archbishops and bishops.

Within the wider Anglican Communion, his interest in the ARCIC dialogue and his meetings with successive archbishops of Canterbury, alongside his historic visit to Canterbury Cathedral, serve to illustrate his personal commitment to the ecumenical imperative. Similarly, his invitation to the leaders of the Faith Communities of the world to meet with him in Assisi in 1986 was a prophetic gesture, the importance of which is clearer year by year. In this context, we give thanks for his hand of forgiveness extended to his would-be assassin; a gesture rooted and grounded in his personal fidelity to the reconciling love of God in Christ.

The courage and integrity of his faith was evident to all in the midst of the burdens and responsibilities he faced during his pontificate; not least during the years of opposition to communism in eastern Europe and more recently, during the years of illness.

We, your brothers and sisters in Christ in the Church of Ireland, assure you, of our prayer and our concern at this time of sadness and of transition. In all things, may we renew our commitment to one another by deepening our faithfulness to Christ through the proclamation of the gospel and the service of all in need.