Report from Diocesan Synod 2024

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.