As a partner organisation in Cavan Regional Sports Campus, Royal School Cavan, welcomes the awarding of a €19m grant under the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure to fund Phase 1of this project. The Regional Sports Campus will be a tremendous asset to the region and to Royal School Cavan and we look forward to working with our partners, Cavan County Council and Cavan GAA in the delivery of this project.
Professor Leanne McCormick, who co-chairs the Truth Recovery Independent Panel examining the history and legacy of Northern Ireland’s mother and baby institutions, Magdalene laundries and workhouses, invites readers to share their experiences of four institutions.
Can you help us understand more about Hopedene Hostel, Thorndale House, Malone Place or Kennedy House?
A 10-person Truth Recovery Independent Panel has been appointed by the Northern Ireland Executive Office and is carrying out an independent truth recovery investigation into the workings of mother and baby institutions, Magdalene laundries and workhouses and their pathways and practices. These include the adoption and care system as well as private nursing homes and the cross-border movement of children. The panel’s report and findings will help to inform the future statutory public inquiry. As part of this process the panel is asking for anyone who spent time in any of these institutions (the full list is below) or who has been directly impacted by them (such as children now adult adoptees whose mothers were in these institutions) to come and give testimony about their experiences.
We are also keen to speak to anyone who worked or volunteered in the institutions, who might have been a social worker, probation or police officer or medical professional who might have had any involvement with women and girls who were in the institutions. The panel is also interested to speak to clergy who might have advised parishioners about the institutions or had knowledge of how they operated. Each person’s experience is different, people will have had more difficult times than others, but all accounts are important.
There is a perception that institutions for mothers and babies were Catholic and run by nuns, but in Northern Ireland more Protestant women and girls spent time in these institutions than did Catholic females. There were also more Protestant-run institutions than Catholic ones. This makes it crucial that the Independent Panel gathers testimony from people who have experience and knowledge about these institutions.
We are aware that for many of those who have experience of the institutions, speaking about their experiences may be something they have never done before and is personal and painful. We know that while society has changed, for many the stigma and shame is something that has stayed with them and they may be reluctant to come forward and give testimony. We appreciate how difficult it is to engage with a testimony gathering process, but we have an experienced testimony team and excellent support is available at all stages. Testimony can be given in your home, at our offices in Belfast or at any location where you would feel comfortable. The process is confidential, and your privacy and consent are central to everything we do.
Testimony is vital to the process of understanding what it was like for those who passed through institutions as well as the impact they have had on lives since. We want to hear about lived experiences as they hold the key to what really happened. We also face challenges with archival records which are incomplete and in the case of some private nursing homes (where some unmarried women were sent to give birth) do not exist at all. We rely on testimonies to help us understand how institutions operated and to allow us to build as complete and wide ranging a picture as possible.
If you would like to help us by giving testimony or if you are unsure if your experience or knowledge is useful to the panel, please contact the Testimony Team. We know that some people may feel their experience isn’t important or relevant or what we are looking for but please contact the team as all experiences, no matter how small, will help.
The Testimony Team can be contacted on 028/048 9052 0263 or by email at [email protected] or by writing to: Truth Recovery Independent Panel, 4th Floor, Equality House, 7-9 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast, BT2 7DB.
Further information about the work of the Truth Recovery Independent Panel, can be found at: www.independentpanel.truthrecoveryni.co.uk
Full list of institutions
Institutions
Magdalene Laundries
Industrial Home
Pathways and practices
Bishops’ Appeal supporting Diocese of Jerusalem & Tearfund
The Church of Ireland is today (Monday, 21st October) launching a fresh appeal to help to provide humanitarian aid for people in need across the Middle East through Bishops’ Appeal, its world aid and development programme. All parishes in the Church of Ireland are being encouraged to support this initiative, with a focused time of prayers for peace and the opportunity to give to the appeal particularly on Advent Sunday (1st December). The Middle East Appeal will continue throughout Advent and Christmas with funds raised being shared equally between the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem, which runs a number of schools and hospitals in the region including in Gaza, and Tearfund.
Endorsing the appeal, Archbishop John McDowell remarked: “Many clergy and members of the Church have spoken to me about their grave concern, which I share, for all the people caught up in the tragic situation in the Middle East, and will want to give as generously as they can to support this appeal by Bishops’ Appeal. I encourage all parishes to set aside time each week and especially on Advent Sunday to pray for peace and to provide an opportunity for everyone to give in support of this emergency appeal.”
Archbishop Michael Jackson added: “Knowing the work of both the Diocese of Jerusalem, and of Tearfund in the Middle East, in places I have visited often, I want to endorse this appeal and encourage everyone to give what they can to relieve the suffering of so many in the region. I join Archbishop John in encouraging all Church of Ireland parishes to give space and priority to this appeal and to praying together for peace and stability to return to the region.”
Perspectives from leaders in the region
The Archbishop of Jerusalem, Hosam Naoum, recently remarked: “The whole system is collapsing but as Christians, we continue to have hope, and we are called to be resilient. We are called to be God’s presence in the world. And this is exactly what we are doing right now. Despite everything, people are determined to continue with their ministry. And I have to say that it has proven our people are really tenacious. They are strong, hoping despite everything. This is really a gift that God gives to us: knowing that if we are really challenged, if we are in distress or in trouble, as Paul says in Romans, this produces patience; it produces perseverance and therefore resilience.”
Safa Hijazeen, Tearfund’s Regional Director for the Middle East, has said: “The humanitarian suffering in Gaza and across the Middle East is greater than ever. Tearfund’s church partners are doing their best to respond across the region, working in very difficult circumstances to provide meals for displaced people, ship vital medicines, and keep schools running. Tearfund’s supporters have already been incredibly generous, and their donations have supported vital work supporting people impacted by the violence – but a year after the October 7th attacks, the need in Gaza is immense and Lebanon stands on the brink of disaster.”
How to give
You can support our Middle East Appeal in four ways with either sterling or euro donations with Middle East Appeal 2024 stated where appropriate:
To allow for receipt of your donation, please state the parish or your name if you are giving as an individual. All of the above details are also provided on the Bishops’ Appeal website at https://bishopsappeal.ireland.anglican.org/give
Prayers for peace and stories which share and support the work of the Diocese of Jerusalem and Tearfund will follow on the Church of Ireland’s website and social media channels over the coming weeks.
The Annual Meeting of the Diocesan Synod of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh took place on Saturday 12th October in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. The day’s proceedings began with a celebration of Holy Communion in St George’s Church led by The Ven. Canon Hazel Hicks assisted by Revd. Faith Sithole. Bishop Ferran’s address was based on Matthew 10 and Acts 8. In his sermon, Bishop Ferran said that the history of the early church shows dark forces at play in the shattering of the harmony and togetherness of the church and the scattering of Christians as people were dispersed and displaced by persecution. However, he said that through these tensions, the early church was galvanised into service in the name of Jesus Christ as people were called into ministry according to their diverse gifts. He also said that the scattering of the early Christians led to the spread of the gospel and noted that we are living in a similar time of scattering across the world. Bishop Ferran noted that those Christians who have come to Ireland have added a vibrancy and vitality to an aging church. We need to embrace and welcome people of whatever class, creed or colour. To say that the church is only for people like us is a denial of the Holy Spirit and his work among us. Jesus is for all – none are excluded and we dare not exclude people in the scattering that is taking place today.
Following the service, the Synod moved to the Bush Hotel for the rest of the day’s proceedings. The Synod was opened with a reading and a prayer. In his Presidential Address, Bishop Ferran noted, with gratitude, the luxury of being able to join together in peace and prosperity. He thanked all those people who serve in our parishes in a multitude of ways saying that service is of the essence of Christ who came not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). In an age where fewer and fewer people commit to voluntary service, he acknowledged the service of so many people, clerical and lay, who make our parishes and Dioceses work.
Bishop Ferran then drew the Synod’s attention to those who served in our schools – both at national school and secondary school level. He thanked all the dedicated teachers and members of Boards of Management who ensure that our schools are happy places of learning and Christian formation where children are valued and cared for by teachers and leaders. He noted, with concern, a government process which may lead to churches divesting patronage of their national schools to other non-church patronage bodies. As a church we need to make a positive case for the continuation of the patronage of our local national schools. It is a great privilege and not one that we do not take for granted.
Bishop Ferran said that one of the most rewarding elements of our engagement with schools is Youth Alpha which is being run in a number of secondary schools in Longford and Sligo in partnership with Youth for Christ and the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise and Elphin.
Finally, before turning to the business of Synod – the reports, accounts, motions and elections – Bishop Ferran reminded us of what the church is for. He said that God has called a people to Himself for three reasons: First, worship; the church exists to declare the praises of God. Secondly, the church exists to bear witness to Christ. Finally, the church exists to offer God’s wisdom to a world that is full of folly. A full transcript of Bishop Ferran’s address is available here.
Following Bishop Ferran’s address, the business of Synod was suspended to allow some of the guests from other churches and Christian agencies present to address the Synod. The Bishop of Kilmore, Martin Hayes sent greetings from the Catholic Church. He spoke of the work of the Care of Creation group in the Kilmore Diocese and the commitment of his diocese to the COP 15 on Biodiversity and returning 30% of their church grounds to nature by 2030. He spoke of a hope to twin up with Church of Ireland parishes in our Diocese.
After this, Hilary McClay from Bishops’ Appeal spoke of being part of the worldwide family of the body of Christ. She gave examples of the three ways that Bishop’s Appeal works; responding to emergencies, supporting development projects around the world and education and training. She finished her presentation by encouraging those present to make the fairtrade choice when doing their shopping. It is a positive choice for people around the world and it is a positive choice for the planet.
Revd. Rob Jones from the Church of Ireland Pioneer Ministry project spoke of the need to ‘rewild the church’ and think of new ways to witness and reach out to our communities. He asked those present to consider starting a project in the Diocese, to encourage volunteers who will be equipped and trained to reach out beyond the traditional boundaries of church and to pray for this ministry of the Church of Ireland.
Linda Abwa from CMSI and Archdeacon Patrick Bamber spoke of the joy of connection in ministry and mission with the church overseas. Linda encouraged parishes to consider supporting the work of CMSI generally or through partnerships with Dioceses across the world. Linda also highlighted the work of Joanne and Andrew Quill in South Sudan and their need for our support and prayer.
The Synod then broke for lunch after which two motions were passed. Firstly, that the report of Diocesan Council be adopted. Secondly, that the quorum for Diocesan Council be set at half the voting membership plus one.
Finally, the Synod heard reports from Mary Geelan of the Mothers’ Union who highlighted the upcoming 16 Days of Activism against Gender based violence and encouraged those present to ‘join us and join in’. Following her report, Bishop Ferran commended the Mothers’ Union for their prayer ministry. Hazel Hicks gave the report on GFS, highlighting the encouraging development of new GFS groups which have started in the last year. Revd. Simon Scott gave the Diocesan Youth report and encouraged parishes to ‘do’ youth work and to pray and connect with our young people. David Jones gave the report of the Scribe committee and thanked everyone who works so hard to produce a valuable magazine. Archdeacon Patrick Bamber said the Scribe was a wonderful way of finding out about ideas and initiatives in other parts of the Diocese.
The Synod closed as those present stood and said the Grace.
The Church of Ireland Priorities Fund is now open for applications. Contributions to the fund come directly from Church of Ireland parishes and since its establishment in 1980 over €21 million (£19 million) has been distributed in grants.
The following categories are currently supported by the fund:
The closing date for the receipt of completed applications is Thursday, 31st October 2024.
Applications can be made through an online form or a downloadable PDF form which can then be forwarded to the Administrator – both are available at https://priorities.ireland.anglican.org/applications
For further information, please contact Gordon Woods, Administrator of the Priorities Fund (on behalf of the Representative Church Body’s Finance Department) at Church of Ireland House, Church Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6, D06 CF47
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 00 353 (1) 4125 636
A message from the Bishops’ Appeal for World Aid and Development
Every one of us has the power to bring change to farmers and communities around the world through the choices we make when we go shopping. The Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal is encouraging all our parishes and people to make that ‘Fairtrade Choice’.
It’s easy to buy Fairtrade – most supermarkets across the island of Ireland stock a wide range of Fairtrade products, all bearing the Fairtrade mark. From tea, coffee, sugar and cocoa, to cut flowers, bananas, nuts, fruit and vegetables, chocolate, cotton and cold drinks – and even gold, there are so many easily accessible products that are certified Fairtrade, that we are literally spoilt for choice. Simply look for the distinctive Fairtrade mark on the things you are buying anyway, and swop to Fairtrade whenever you can.
Making that Fairtrade choice is one simple way that we can support the farmers who are producing these products. Being part of the Fairtrade Foundation means that they not only get paid a fair price for their produce, but they also benefit from support and help with combatting the impact of climate change – support with adapting their crops and farming methods to protect themselves and their families.
Fairtrade works with co-operatives, businesses and governments to make trade fairer, with a vision to see a world in which trade is based on fairness so that producers earn secure and sustainable livelihoods.
During September there is a special focus on Fairtrade Fortnight with many supermarkets stocking extra Fairtrade ranges, so that the choice is even easier. Look out for the logo next time you are shopping and see what could be your new favourite.
This year’s Fairtrade Fortnight takes place from Monday, 9th September, to Sunday, 22nd September 2024. Find out more through the Fairtrade websites for the UK and Ireland: fairtrade.org.uk and fairtrade.ie
Fairtrade Goods on display at General Synod
Last Friday evening, 30th August, Revd. Ian Berry was instituted as the new Rector of the Virginia Group of Parishes (Billis, Killinkere, Lurgan (Virginia) and Munterconnaught. Parishioners, family and friends from across the Diocese and beyond crowed into Billis Parish Church for a service of celebration and welcome lead by Bishop Ferran Glenfield. It was a beautiful setting and a beautiful evening for the event.
The Old Testament reading was read by Lorna Bagnall and Revd. Ian’s daughter, Kate, read from Paul’s second letter to Timothy. The address at the institution was given by Revd. Chris Matchett from the Clondevaddock and Mevagh Group of Parishes in Donegal. He introduced Revd. Ian as a man of God’s word and someone who valued preaching. Preaching from 2 Timothy chapter 1 v 6-14, he reminded the congregation that we are the people of God who has saved us – a gospel people. He encouraged all present to hold on to the gospel, hold together in suffering for the gospel and hold out the good news of the gospel to others in these times.
The Act of Institution was then carried out by Bishop Ferran followed by the commissioning of the members of the Virginia Group of Parishes to love the Lord and serve others in the name of Christ. Following the commissioning, symbolic gifts of a Bible, water (representing baptism), the Book of Common Prayer, bread and wine, a key to the door of the church and a towel (reminding us that we are called to serve) were presented to Revd. Ian by Jennifer Shekleton, Laura Kennedy, Cherry Smith, Neville Bagnall and Johnny Johnston. Megan Woods represented the children of the parish.
After this, Gary Henry said a few words of welcome on behalf of the group of parishes. Revd. Mark Smith of the neighbouring Kildrumferton Group of Parishes welcomed Revd. Ian on behalf of the clergy of the Diocese and the Very Rev. Darragh Connolly P.P. from Killinkere parish spoke on behalf of the Catholic Church.
The warmth of the welcome from the parish, the Diocese and across the community was striking. We pray for Revd. Ian, his wife Gayle and his family as they serve the people of the Virginia Group with faith and love in Christ Jesus.
Revd. Ian Berry was born and grew up in Belfast and felt the call to ordained ministry at the young age of 17. A few years later he was selected for training in the Church of Ireland Theological College. Revd. Ian began his ministry life with a curacy in Bangor Abbey and then spent 22 years in the Monaghan Group of parishes in Clogher Diocese. He is married to Gayle and has three children.
