Press Releases07 Oct 16

Annual Meeting of Representatives of the Irish Episcopal Conference and of the Bishops of the Church of Ireland

This year’s meeting, the sixth such gathering, took place in Dublin on 29th September. As always, discussions were rooted in an atmosphere of prayer and mutual warmth. Among the many matters of common interest addressed by the Bishops, particular attention was paid to the likely practical and pastoral implications of Brexit for churches whose ministry has always been conducted on an all–Ireland basis. There was also very fruitful sharing of insight concerning developments in theological training and formation in both our traditions, particularly with regard to ordained ministry.

These meetings are held in the context of the recommendation of the International Anglican Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission (IARCCUM) that Roman Catholic and Anglican Bishops in individual countries should meet regularly to consider matters of common concern and shared witness. A further meeting has been scheduled for autumn 2017.

Participating bishops at this year’s meeting were:

Church of Ireland

The Most Revd Pat Storey (Bishop of Meath and Kildare)
The Rt Revd Harold Miller (Bishop of Down and Dromore)
The Rt Revd Michael Burrows (Bishop of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory)
The Rt Revd Patrick Rooke (Bishop of Tuam, Killala and Achonry)
The Rt Revd Kenneth Kearon (Bishop of Limerick and Killaloe)

Roman Catholic

The Most Revd Diarmuid Martin (Archbishop of Dublin)
The Most Revd Kevin Doran (Bishop of Elphin)
The Most Revd John Fleming (Bishop of Killala)
The Most Revd Denis Nulty (Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin)
The Most Revd John McAreavey (Bishop of Dromore)
The Most Revd Tony Farquhar (Bishop Emeritus of Down and Connor)