Press Releases21 Mar 12

Sober Reflections – Ulster Covenant Conference reminder

The Church of Ireland is hosting a conference focusing on the Ulster Solemn League and Covenant of 1912, looking at the historical detail and context of the Covenant and also trying to reflect theologically on the how the Covenant might be addressed by the contemporary Christian conscience. The one–day event will take place on Saturday 24 March 2012, 9.30–4.30, at Moira Parish Centre, Co. Down.

Professor Paul Bew (Lord Bew of Donegore) will give an overview of historical forces which gave rise to the Covenant and its significance to the political and social development of Ireland, north and south; Dr Andrew Scholes will examine the particular role and reaction of the Church of Ireland in the making and signing of the Covenant; Dr Andrew Pierce, Director of the Irish School of Ecumenics (ISE), will consider theological methods of addressing a divisive historical event in a more ecumenical age; and Dr Johnston McMaster of the ISE based in Northern Ireland will share his recent work of theological reflection on The Covenant and of how modern Christians might engage positively with it. The Conference will be chaired by Professor David Hayton of QUB.

Members of the Media are welcome to attend and interviews/photographs can be arranged in advance, preferably from 9.30 to 10.00am or over lunch, 1.00–2.00pm, on the day. To register an intention to attend as media, please contact either the Revd Earl Storey on M. 07752 841802, or the Church of Ireland Press Office – contact details below – by Thursday 23rd March at 5pm.