The Archbishop of Armagh welcomed members to the meeting, particularly the Ven. Andrew Orr on his election as Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross. He also paid tribute to Mrs Hilary McClay as she prepares to step down from her role as Education Advisor to Bishops’ Appeal. 

Mr Ken Gibson delivered the report of the Honorary Secretaries. He noted that as requested by the Standing Committee the Honorary Secretaries were carrying out a review of invitees from other Christian denominations to the General Synod, and were consulting with the Commission on Christian Unity and Dialogue. It was also reported that owing to his election to the See of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, the Ven. Andrew Orr leaves a casual vacancy on the Standing Committee. 

Recommendations from the Representative Body relating to changes to MAS, and the pensionable stipend were received and passed. Recommendations from the Budget Sub–Committee were also received and passed. It was also noted that the Clergy Pension Fund solvency levy was to be reduced to 0% from January 2027.

Changes to the Clergy PHI Policy, which came as a recommendation from the Representative Body, were received and passed. 

Canon Malcolm Kingston presented proposed guidelines for making a Statement of Serious Concern, and for a Committee of Inquiry, pertaining to the clergy tenure bills which were passed at the General Synod in May. These were received and passed. 

A Policy for the Publication of Judgments and Orders from Disciplinary Tribunal was received and passed. This follows on from a resolution in June taking into account the advice of the Legal Advisory Committee to the Honorary Secretaries to produce a publication policy.

The Rev Natasha Quinn–Thomas was welcomed to the meeting, where she gave a short presentation on the ongoing work of the Consultative Group on Disability and how parishes can further the work of the group. 

A resolution to amend Standing Order 8, made provision for the appointment of a Deputy Assessor by the President of the General Synod, should the services of one be required at any point. 

The following appointments were made to the Priorities Fund Working Group: Rt Rev Adrian Wilkinson, Rev Adrian Dorrian, Ms Hazel Corrigan, Mr Quentin Teggin, Ms Jill Lester, Ms Joyce Clingan and Mr Melvin Beamish. Two new members of the Safeguarding Board were also approved: Catherine Irwin, and Sue Talbot–Braisby.

Bishop George Davison is to replace Bishop Michael Burrows on the Armagh Agreement Reference Group. This group deals with the relationship between Church of Ireland and Moravian Church in Ireland. 

The Archbishop of Armagh noted the success of the recent meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council in Belfast and thanked the staff of the RCB for their work. 

The meeting closed with the Grace.

Mr Mike Johnson reported on proposals that the Minimum Approved Stiped (MAS) would increase to £39,658 in Northern Ireland, and €48,042 in the Republic of Ireland. It was also proposed that no change me made to the existing locomotory allowance rates. Both of these recommendations were approved. 

Mr Adrian Robinson delivered a report from the board of the Clergy Pensions Fund, highlighting the efforts made to reduce the gap between MAS and the pensionable stipend. He reported that owing to positive solvency, the pension fund’s solvency levy is to be reduced to 0% from January 2027. 

Ms Julie Bond, Head of Finance and IT, reported on the ‘Total Return’ policy that is applied to the general funds of the RCB. Ms Bond reported that the value of General Funds had increased significantly in recent times, but that the longer–term sustainability of the funds required a reduced withdrawal rate. A new maximum withdrawal rate of 3.5%, reduced from 3.9%, was approved.

In appointments, Mrs Heather Pope was appointed as Chair of the Library and Archives Committee. The Ven. Mark Harvey succeeds the Ven. Paul Thompson on the Stipends Committee, and Mr Marcus Daly SC will succeed the late Mr Justice Declan Budd as a member of the Legal Advisory Committee. 

The meeting closed with the Grace.

Addressing issues ranging from anxiety, examinations and creation care and prayers forwisdom for refugees, the cards are intended as a resource for third–level chaplaincies. It is hoped that they will also be found in churches that are regularly open to the public in order that they may be picked up by those visiting or for clergy and others to pass on in specific pastoral situations. Distribution of the cards to third–level chaplaincies is underway.

Speaking about the launch of the prayer cards, the Very Revd Nigel Dunne, Honorary Secretary of the LAC and Dean of Cork, said, “The LAC is delighted to over these prayers for use across the Church. They are deliberately ‘low tech’, intended to offer a device free option for those who engage with them. Screen fatigue is real and sometimes a simple, printed reminder can be more conducive to quieting a busy mind. The LAC hopes that these prayer cards will be a useful resource for chaplains and clergy. Hopefully, those with whom these prayers are shared will be encouraged in their own spiritual journeys and in their own practice of prayer. Perhaps they will even feel motivated to pass the prayers on within their own circle of families and friends.”

Please contact the Liturgical Advisory Committee for more information.
Information on the ‘Take a Minute’ Resource’ is available at this link:
https://www.churchofireland.org/news/12655/take-a-minute-for-daily

The Commission on Ministry warmly invites all Lay Ministers across the Church of Ireland to a special one–day retreat – a space intentionally created to pause, reflect, reconnect, and be renewed in God’s presence. In the midst of faithful service, ministry responsibilities, and the many demands of life, this day offers an opportunity to:

• Step aside from daily routines and responsibilities
• Re–centre our hearts and calling in God
• Reflect on our vocation as lay ministers
• Pray, listen, and receive
• Build connections with others in ministry

This retreat combines gentle teaching, quiet reflection, prayerful space, and meaningful conversation, creating a balanced and nourishing experience.

What to Expect

• Guided reflections and spiritual input from experienced facilitators
• Extended periods for personal prayer and silent reflection
• Opportunities for fellowship and informal conversation

Why This Day Matters 

This retreat marks the first initiative of the Commission on Ministry focused specifically on lay ministers, recognising the vital role you play in the life and mission of the Church. It is a day not primarily about “doing,” but about “being”:

• Being with God
• Being renewed in calling
• Being supported in community

Whether you are feeling energised in ministry or weary from the journey, this day is for you. Come expectant – not for more to carry – but to lay down what you hold and receive afresh from God. 

Retreat Dates and Locations

Republic of Ireland

Date: Saturday, 3rd October 2026Venue: Dominican Retreat Centre, Tallaght.

Northern Ireland

Date: Saturday, 10th October 2026Venue: Murlough House – Dundrum, Co Down.

Last Date of Registration: September 30, 2026

For more details & Registration: Linto.John@rcbcoi.org

Please note there is no registration fee for these events. 

Bishops’ Appeal has shared the following information from Christian Aid and the Disasters Emergency Committee of which it is a member:

Overview of the Crisis

On Thursday 24 June at 18:04 local time, two powerful earthquakes struck north–central Venezuela near Morón (Carabobo State). Measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude and occurring just 39 seconds apart, this rare “doublet” earthquake caused widespread devastation.

Strong tremors were felt across Caracas, Carabobo, La Guaira, Miranda and Aragua, as well as neighbouring Colombia and parts of the Caribbean. The second quake is the strongest recorded in Venezuela since 1900.

Aftershocks have continued, hampering rescue efforts and increasing risks to affected communities.

Impact and Humanitarian Situation (correct at 5pm Tuesday 30 June 2026)

Rescue efforts are ongoing, but the scale of the disaster is significant and still unfolding:

• 1,700 confirmed deaths
• 5034 people injured
• 15800 affected people
• 68,900 people reported unaccounted for
• Over 9,000 buildings collapsed nationwide
• 24 countries supporting response efforts with more than 2,700 rescue personnel and 86 canine units

The government has declared a State of Emergency, and the number of casualties is expected to rise as more areas are reached.

Up to 6.76 million people may be affected, including an estimated 680,000 children in need of humanitarian assistance.

Damage and Disruption

Some of the most severe damage has occurred in La Guaira, particularly in coastal urban areas such as Catia La Mar and Caraballeda, where dense housing and older infrastructure have increased vulnerability.

Across the affected regions:

• Homes, businesses and public buildings have collapsed
• Roads and transport routes are damaged
• Electricity, telecommunications and water systems are disrupted
• Health services and hospital access are severely affected
• Structural damage has forced the temporary closure of Simón Bolívar International Airport

Many people are now sheltering in open spaces, vehicles, schools and temporary shelters due to fears of further collapse.

Humanitarian Needs

Affected communities urgently require:

• Safe shelter and essential household items
• Food and access to clean water
• Healthcare and sanitation services
• Protection support and mental health care

Those most at risk include children, older people, people with disabilities, women–headed households, and communities already impacted by Venezuela’s ongoing socioeconomic crisis.

Response and Partnerships

Christian Aid is working through its ACT Alliance partners, supporting local organisations already responding on the ground. These include:

• Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe
• Swiss Church Aid (HEKS)
• Lutheran World Federation

Faith communities play a vital role in response efforts, offering trusted networks that provide practical and pastoral support and help reach the most vulnerable.

How Donations Will Help

It is not too late to save lives and prevent further suffering. Donations will enable partners to provide:

• Water hygiene kits (including purification tablets and filters)
• Dignity kits for adolescent girls (including sanitary products)
• Food supplies such as grains, lentils, oil and salt
• Cash assistance so families can meet urgent needs

Suggested donation impacts:

• £10 – can provide dignity kits, including underwear and sanitary products, for adolescent girls.
• £20 – food or cash support for a household
• £50 – can provide water hygiene kits that contain water purification tablets and a water filter.
• £100 – helps provide food (including lentils for protein, grains, cooking oil, salt).

Message from Christian Aid

Carlos E. Mejia, Head of Impact, MCC LAC, Christian Aid, said:

Venezuela is facing immense human suffering. These earthquakes have deepened an already difficult situation, causing widespread destruction and loss.

The impact is not just measured in numbers, but in lives, families and communities now facing grief and uncertainty.

Through our partnerships with faith–based networks, we are working to channel solidarity and support from communities in the UK to those affected. This is a tangible expression of hope in the face of tragedy.

Prayer

God of all compassion, We hold before you the people of Venezuela.

The scale of the disaster is great and the pain is deep. Be close to those who mourn, and sustain those awaiting news of loved ones.

Strengthen and protect rescuers, medical teams and aid workers. Be present with those still trapped, bringing comfort and hope.

Help us to respond with generosity and compassion, and to stand alongside those in need, now and in the months ahead.

Amen 

Ms Hazel Corrigan opened the meeting with a reading from Matthew chapter 5 and a prayer for understanding, wisdom and patience for the discussion in the Standing Committee meeting.

As it was the last meeting of the Standing Committee before Bishop Pat Storey’s retirement the Archbishop of Armagh paid tribute to Bishop Storey stating that her presence, individual outlook and share of gifts at Standing Committee would be greatly missed.

The Archbishop of Armagh also mentioned that Dr Kenneth Milne has stepped down as Church of Ireland Historiographer and highlighted to Dr Milne’s extensive knowledge of historical lore and scholarship.

The Very Rev Kenny Hall, Dean of Clogher was congratulated by the Archbishop of Armagh for recently being awarded with an OBE in the field of reconciliation.

In the Honorary Secretaries report, Ms Hazel Corrigan spoke about representatives from the Church of Ireland attending different meetings of other church denominations and organisations. This included 11 representatives attending the Irish Council of Churches AGM, Dean Stephen Forde, Archdeacon Jim Cheshire and Ms Diane Ruddock attending the Presbyterian Church in Ireland General Assembly, Rev Helene Steed and Rev Martin Steele attending the Methodist Church in Ireland Annual Conference and the Very Rev Susan Green attending the General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church. Additionally Mr Roy Totten will be attending the Provincial Synod Moravian Church in Great Britain.

Resolutions and Presentations

The Standing Committee approved that PricewaterhouseCoopers be appointed as auditors of the accounts of the Representative Church Body for the year 2026, on terms to be agreed by the RCB Executive Committee, such terms to be reported to the Standing Committee.

A review of General Synod that was held in the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle Co Down was discussed. It was the first General Synod to be held for three days in–person since 2019. The benefits of having the Synod in–person were highlighted as well as the music and timing of the Synod service. Some concerns were raised in relation to the location of the stands and entrance into the Synod Hall. The process of submitting amendments was also mentioned.

The Standing Committee approved that the General Synod of 2027 will take place from 6–8 May 2027 in the Armagh City Hotel and that the General Synod of 2028 will take place in Whites of Wexford on 11–13 May 2028.

The Standing Committee approved that the Guidelines and Definitions regarding a Statement of Serious Concern referred to in Section 31 of Chapter IV and Section 34 of Chapter VI of the Constitution of the Church of Ireland. This followed on from the legislation passed at General Synod 2026.

Alongside some minor amendments the Standing Committee approved the Guidelines and Support for Stipendiary Church of Ireland Clergy to be published for distribution. This document is designed to be a helpful tool that can be used by clergy.

Rev Canon Malcom Kingston provided an update on the creation of a list of potential mediation services that could be used by clergy if needed.

The Standing Committee approved the updated Terms of Reference document for the Safeguarding Board and also approved the updated Terms of Reference document for the Case Management Committee.

Mr Lyndon MacCann SC presented the Opinion of the Legal Advisory Committee. After this the Standing Committee approved that the Standing Committee receives the Opinion of the Legal Advisory Committee and instructs the Honorary Secretaries to publish the judgements of Disciplinary Tribunals and the Appeal Tribunals in accordance with this Opinion, and to produce a publication policy and explanatory guidelines consistent with the terms of this Opinion. The members of the Legal Advisory Committee were thanked for their work and expertise in drafting the Opinion and for thoroughly answering the question posed by Standing Committee at the March 2026 meeting.

The Standing Committee approved that the Standing Committee agrees the terms of reference for the review of the Priorities Fund.

An overview of the role of Assessor and the need for a Deputy Assessor was brought to Standing Committee by Mr MacCann. The Standing Committee approved the following resolutions:

· In the Standing Orders adopted by the House of Representatives of the General Synod; that in SO 5 following the words ‘the Assessor’ shall be inserted ‘and the Deputy Assessor’,

· That in SO 8 following the first occurrence of the word ‘Assessor’ shall be inserted the words ‘and Deputy Assessor, two persons’ and the words ‘a person’ shall be deleted and following the second occurrence of the word ‘Assessor’ shall be inserted the words ‘and Deputy Assessor’.

· That in SO 24(a) following the word ‘Assessor’ shall be inserted the words ‘and Deputy Assessor’

· That the index to the Constitution should be appropriately updated.

The Standing Committee were made aware of the work of the European Christian Environmental Network and approved that a €500 donation be given to the European Christian Environmental Network.

Appointments

Mrs Patsy Devoy was appointed as a member of the Marriage Council. Mrs Devoy had previously been the Mothers Union representative on the Marriage Council but has now been appointed as a member in her own right.

Professor Brian Walker was appointed as Church of Ireland Historiographer for a term of 6 years.

The Very Rev Nigel Dunne was appointed as Vice–Chair of the Complaints Committee following the retirement of Ven Leslie Stevenson.

His Honour Judge Tom Burgess has retired from the Legal Advisory Committee and there is now a vacancy on that committee.

Reports

It was reported that following the annual general meeting of the Irish Council of Churches Bishop Michael Burrows has been appointed as Vice–President of the ICC.

The Archbishop of Dublin highlighted that the report from the International Anglican Women’s Network was interesting and important.

The meeting closed with the Grace

The contest theme was ‘Church for today and tomorrow’ with prizes awarded for the photographs that best capture this spirit. With a range of entries sent in from around the Island, two photos were chosen as winner and runner–up.

Runner–Up: ‘Generations of Faith’ by Dave Bradshaw

Winner: ‘Doubly Blessed’ by Rev Kingsley Sutton

The Central Communications Board would like to thank everyone who entered, and a special thanks to Ecclesiastical for their sponsorship of the competition.

In this episode of Mission Matters, Chris Thompson (Director of Tearfund NI) sits down with Safa Hijazeen, Tearfund’s Regional Director for the Middle East. Recorded at the Church of Ireland General Synod, this conversation moves beyond the headlines to explore the reality of life in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria.

Safa shares moving stories of local churches acting as sanctuaries for the displaced and explains the “Triple Nexus” approach—how humanitarian aid, long–term development, and peace–building must work hand–in–hand to break the cycle of poverty. Tune in to hear how faith is being lived out in some of the world’s most fragile contexts and how a Bishops’ Appeal gift is sustaining medical care for thousands.

For more information, or to donate directly to Tearfund’s work in the Middle East visit tearfund.org/middleeast

If you would like to find out more about the Bishops’ Appeal then visit: bishopsappeal.ireland.anglican.org

Mission Matters Podcast: https://shows.acast.com/missionmatters/episodes/6a071df8d98ee73f6325dac9

Download the episode directly here. 

With thanks to Jonny Sanlon for audio production.

The Church Growth Conferences held in Belfast and Dublin over the last fortnight brought together clergy and lay people from across the Church of Ireland to pause, listen, and rediscover confidence in God’s call to grow His Church. 

Under the theme “Growing God’s Church: Rooted in His Word, Responding to His Call”, each conference was framed by worship, grounding the day in prayer and attentiveness to God’s leading. 

The keynote address by Revd Canon Alastair Graham emphasised that church growth is God’s work before it is ours, rooted in Scripture and in the reign of God. Acknowledging the challenges of contemporary society, he pointed to hopeful signs of renewed spiritual searching, particularly among younger generations, and encouraged the Church to resist narratives of decline. Christians should live as ‘faith bearers’, shaped by God’s Word, grounded in prayer and worship, practising generous hospitality, and willing to go beyond church walls with the Good News of Jesus Christ. 

Participants also took part in practical seminars, offering shared learning and ideas for parish life. The seminar topics were: 

• Growth through Evangelism 

• Growth through Stewardship 

• Growth through Prayer 

• Worship and Church Music 

• Leading you your context 

• Community Engagement 

• The Bible. Read, Mark, Learn 

• Buildings: not a burden but a resource for mission and church growth, including practical advice on permissions from RB 

• Communication: in the church and community 

Each conference concluded with worship led by internationally renowned singer and songwriter Dana, accompanied by her husband Damien Scallon. Reflecting on the gatherings, Bishop David McClay, Chair of the Commission on Ministry, spoke of encouragement for sustainable and outward‑looking church communities. 

As the gatherings came to an end, there was a shared sense that something meaningful had been affirmed rather than finished. The insights, encouragement, and shared worship now move back into parish life, where faith is lived daily and God’s work of growth continues, often in unseen but faithful ways. 

To read more on the events of the two Growth conferences see the articles by Lynn Glanville, Diocesan Communications Officer for Dublin here and here.

Announcing Dana’s involvement in the conferences, Bishop David McClay, Chair of the Commission on Ministry, which is running the conferences, said:

 

“Dana and her husband Damien have been active promoters of Christian values and music throughout their lives and I am delighted that they will join us at the Church Growth Conferences being run later this month by the Commission on Ministry  These conferences will open up discussion on creating sustainable church communities and share ideas that inspire our parishes to grow.”

Bookings for the Church Growth Conferences can be made at Eventbrite at the following links:

Belfast, 18th April: bit.ly/belfast18apr

Dublin, 25th April: bit.ly/dublin25apr