The first report of the Synod on Synodality makes for very interesting reading. The second session of the synod will be in 2024. Of the 364 voting delegates who attended 50 were women. While one woman for every seven men was a very distinct under-representation, it was a very significant improvement on previous practice and…
What are we doing to stop a third world war? What can we do? I never thought I would write these words, but increasingly the possibility of renewed global conflict is being raised by many distinguished individuals. Is this what it was like in the 1930s, as the world watched the rise of Hitler and…
Many parents have spoken to me recently about their anger at the new regulations on Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) in Northern Ireland. Education is a devolved matter for the Assembly, but a law was introduced in Westminster in June without any prior consultation, providing that pupils aged 11-16 must receive “age appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically…
There are beautiful stained-glass windows behind the altar in our Church of All Saints in Ballymena, Co. Antrim. At the centre, way high up, is a very realistic depiction of the crucified Christ – a strong and vital young man hanging helpless on the cross, but looking out with such compassion. It is very compelling.…
It is very good to be part of a rejoicing Church. I have been privileged over the last two weekends to attend ordination ceremonies – one in Westminster diocese in England, and one in my home diocese of Down and Connor. Dedicated At a time when there is so much talk of the problems and…
The View Once upon a time 11 shocked and weary disciples gathered together to mourn the death of their leader, betrayed by the 12th disciple. There must have seemed to be no hope at all. Their leader had told them that he would return to them, but they knew he had died a shocking, terrible…
The rights to freedom of thought, expression and belief were accepted by countries as part of their international legal obligations under the UN Declaration of Human Rights 75 years ago. It was followed in 1957 by the European Convention on Human Rights. In the 50 years before the universal declaration, there had been two world…
Good Friday at 25 The View There has been much coverage in the last weeks of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. I have not wanted to watch much of it. My abiding memory of the signing of the agreement is that it induced in me a sense of great sorrow and distress…
I wonder how women really feel, deep down, about their membership of the Church in Ireland. The synodal pathway process has challenged us all to discern how we live as Church in the future. The Pope was very clear that this was not intended to be a comprehensive review of doctrine, rather it is about how we…
August 15 this year will be the 25th anniversary of the day on which the Omagh bomb exploded killing 29 people and two unborn babies. It was the single biggest incident of the Troubles. It was planted by the Real IRA in the little market town of Omagh as people, including visitors from Ireland and…