Press Releases
Report from the Break Out Session at General Synod available to view online
The report from the Break Out Session at the General Synod 2013 organised by the Commission on Episcopal Ministry and Structures is now available for viewing at this link or from www.ireland.anglican.org/resources.
A total of 421 members of General Synod (159 Clergy and 262 Lay) participated in the session (as well as some of the ecumenical visitors to the General Synod) and discussed the role of Bishops and Dioceses in the life of the Church of Ireland.
The report from the discussion was posted to all General Synod members. In a covering note to Synod members, the Commission noted the following points from the report in particular.
- The emphasis on leadership and pastoral oversight from Bishops – spiritual, visionary, strategic and apostolic (growing the Church);
- The importance of Bishops fulfilling the core roles of their ministry and calling, rather than administrative and managerial functions;
- The level of disquiet and disappointment about the current appointment process for electing Bishops;
- A recognition that Bishops need appropriate training, experience and support;
- The importance placed on personal spiritual qualities as well as experience and skills in those appointed as Bishops;
- The perception of dioceses as Bishops, clergy and parishioners working together in their respective roles, rather than an emphasis on positioning of geographical boundaries;
- A recognition that the role of Bishop needs to adapt and develop in the years ahead;
- Suggestions that other members of the clergy, such as Archdeacons, could take on some of the functions currently fulfilled by Bishops, and that some administrative duties could be delegated;
- Suggestions that the role of Bishop may be combined with other responsibilities and exploring the idea of someone returning to parish ministry after a number of years as a bishop.
The Commission is inviting further comments from General Synod members by email to [email protected] by 17 June 2013.