The General synod of the Church of Ireland met for the first time in the North West of Ireland at the Millennium forum on Thursday 16th Friday 17th and Saturday 18th of May. The general synod is the church of Ireland’s annual meeting where members get a chance to debate, comment and review the work done during the last year. It sets policy for the church on ethical moral and other issues affecting society both within Ireland and beyond.
General Synod always begins with a Holy Communion service and this service is open to anyone who wishes to attend. In 2019 it was held in St Columb’s Cathedral at 10.30am on Thursday, 16th May. The preacher was Bishop Ferran Glenfield and a collection was taken for Bishops’ Appeal.
Many thanks to the members of the Mothers’ Union who provided some tray bakes to attendees at the tea/coffee breaks during the 3 days. Some familiar faces were seen working hard on the stall.
Some highlights of the 2019 synod included the ratification of a service for use in cases of prenatal miscarriage and neonatal death. Many of the speakers during this debate shared moving and personal stories and that the language used was important and the need to be sensitive to the pastoral needs of those affected by this loss was paramount. It is hoped that these resources will provide a framework for such care by clergy.
If agreed by the affected diocesan synods there will be a mechanism in place for the joining of the dioceses in the west of Ireland. It is envisaged that the Bishop of the combined diocese that would stretch from Sligo to Kerry would also have a base in the northern part of the combined diocese.
In 2020 at the Croagh Park conference centre, Synod has requested that a bill be brought forward that will seek to reduce the membership of general synod. Currently it has 648 representatives ( lay and clerical) and 12 bishops . For comparison the Church of England general synod has approximately 420 members (lay and clerical) and 50 bishops.
More information can be found at https://www.ireland.anglican.org/synod/2019/welcome