Press Releases15 Sep 16

Scoping Study on the Feasibility of the Potential Development of a Place of Community Prayer, Retreat, Hospitality and Study

The Commission on Ministry announces that the above Scoping Study is under way.

At the General Synod 2015, the following motion was proposed and agreed.

“That the General Synod considers that the establishment of a centre of community prayer, retreat, hospitality and study might be one suitable means by which the Church of Ireland could mark the forthcoming 150th Anniversary of Disestablishment, and commends efforts by the Commission on Ministry and others to undertake a scoping study to examine the feasibility of such a project and to present it as a priority for the Church.”

Funding has been secured from the Priorities Fund and Allocations Committee.  The tendering process took place over the summer and at the Commission meeting on Monday, 5th September, Mr Tommy Stewart, in association with Mr Tony McGonigle of Alpha NI, was selected to undertake this task.  It is hoped that the Feasibility Study will be completed by December 2016, after which the Commission on Ministry will review the findings and discuss possible ways forward at their January meeting.