Press Releases09 Feb 16

Archbishop of Canterbury Speaks on Reconciliation at Church of Ireland Theological Lecture

On Monday evening, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby, delivered the annual Church of Ireland Theological Lecture at Queen’s University, Belfast. Speaking to students, university staff, clergy and members of the public, Archbishop Justin encouraged the packed Elmwood Hall audience to focus their hearts on reconciliation. The topic is a high priority for the Archbishop, who has worked and written extensively on reconciliation and mediation projects.

A full transcript of the Archbishop’s lecture is available here.

The Archbishop then engaged in a lively question and answer session, discussing a diverse range of topics including Northern Irish society, conflict, human behaviour and theology. Earlier in the evening, the Archbishop was warmly welcomed by the Vice–Chancellor of Queen’s, Professor Patrick Johnston, and the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Revd Alan Abernethy. He also proved popular with local students when visiting the Church of Ireland and Methodist Chaplaincy on Elmwood Avenue, taking time to see the café and church which the students call home.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, being welcomed by the Revd Barry Forde, Church of Ireland Chaplain at Queen’s University Belfast.

Past and present Church of Ireland chaplains at Queen’s University Belfast with the Archbishop of Canterbury: the Ven Andrew Forster, the Revd John Dinnen, the Ven Stephen Forde, the Revd Dr Patrick McGlinchey, the Rt Revd Harold Miller, and the Revd Barry Forde.

The Revd Henry Keys (former Methodist Chaplain) with the Revd Dr Patrick McGlinchey.

The Bishop of Connor, the Rt Revd Alan Abernethy, with the Ven Stephen Forde (centre) and the Ven Andrew Forster (right).

The Bishop of Connor, the Rt Revd Alan Abernethy, welcomes the audience to the Church of Ireland Theological Lecture.

The Archbishop of Canterbury delivering the annual Church of Ireland Theological Lecture.

The Archbishop of Canterbury with Dr Peter Hamill, Secretary of the Board of Education (Northern Ireland), which sponsored the lecture.