With all the excitement and negotiations about Search’s ‘new look’, it was quite a gift that articles for Autumn 2014 came in as easily as they did. With three anniversaries claiming space in our pages – the outbreak of World War One, the bi- and tri -centenaries of our two leading missionary bodies, and the launch of auxiliary ministry training in the Church of Ireland 40 years ago – the remaining articles had to be chosen with care.
A new feature of Search should be mentioned first. As a refreshment for weary preachers, we thought we should offer some insights on the scripture readings for the coming season. So I was delighted when Dr Katie Heffelfinger of the Theological Institute agreed to write for us on preaching from Isaiah in Advent. Pondering this year’s Isaiah readings and their relevance today, she offers some inspiring thoughts as a highway for Advent preachers.Like so may other Churches, the C of I is still working to reconcile divisions and foster mutual respect between those who differ on the matter of same-sex partnerships between church members. The way we approach the listening process is perhaps as challenging as the theological, biblical and scientific issues themselves. The eirenic and thoughtful Convener’s address to this year’s Church of Scotland Assembly by the Very Rev Professor Iain Torrance, which he has kindly allowed us to reproduce, is an object lesson in mutual respect; and we are grateful to his colleague Rev Dr Marjory MacLean for putting it in context for us.A related issue is that of the need for humility. By chance a former history graduate of QUB, Raymond Whelan, offered a scholarly article on this virtue as expressed in a sermon by Archbishop King of Dublin some 300 years ago, arguing for its relevance today. It is to be found after Ken Fennelly’s reflections on the Churches and education policy in Europe and what we have to learn from schools administrators there.In relation to the anniversaries mentioned above, I am grateful to John Cooney for his personal reflection on the experience of Scots and Irish in World War One; to Linda Chambers and Roger Cooke for their digests of Us and CMSI activity through the years; and most especially to Terry Lilburn for his warning of dangers to the survival of non-stipendiary clergy under present conditions in the C of I. (Frank Dobbs seems more sanguine about lay readers!) Both writers give food for thought on how we value and treat our volunteers. Thank you also to our distinguished book reviewers, and to their ‘shepherd’, Stephen Farrell.We hope you like the new layout. Do let us know through our new website.
Contents
All Slaughter on the Western Front
Clamorous cheering at the leave-taking ceremony from the old folk, weeping wives, baffled bairns, sobbing sweethearts and flag-waving siblings stilled suddenly. Cutting una bella figura on his debut as regimental bugler, 19-year old David Clark, my maternal grandfather, in the eye-catching tartan trousers and green beret of the Territorial Scottish Rifles, slowly raised his bugle and solemnly sounded the salute to the flag in the market town of Hamilton, eleven miles southeast of Glasgow.
Questions relating to homosexuality have arisen in the Church of Scotland's General Assembly in an unorganised way over several decades. The Church has not had the luxury of devising a disciplined theological and legal process in advance of a single debate, but . . . is now approaching a possible medium-term solution.
Professor Iain Torrance's speech as Forum Convenor at this year’s Assembly was the first contribution to the whole process. He began:
“Much of our Theological Forum report comes from a vote last year that created what we have called a “mixed economy” – a situation in which several perspectives exist respectfully alongside each other. Our task was to reflect on that constrained diversity.
Advent is swiftly approaching. Busy preachers may already be beginning to consider how they will shape the ancient message of expectancy for their congregations this year. After all, preaching hope can be a tricky task. This year congregations will be very aware of darkness and distress in our world. International conflicts and humanitarian crises make the world seem a dangerous and desperate place. Individuals within the parish may be journeying through personal darkness . . .
NSMs in the Church of Ireland: can this much needed ministry survive?
In a year in which significant anniversaries are being marked, one appears to have been overlooked up to now. It was in 1974, just forty years ago, that the Church of Ireland initiated training for men wishing to offer for part-time or auxiliary ministry. The last intake of students to the Theological College for training for this ministry was in 2008. Those wishing to offer for ministry on a part-time basis are now required to undertake a course spread over seven years. Given this significant change, it seems an appropriate time to review some aspects of this ministry, past, present and future.
Over a twenty-six year period I have been a Lay Reader in Drumcliffe, Co.Sligo; Saltash, Cornwall; and Portstewart, Co. L'Derry. Reflecting on the differences and similarities of the role of lay reader and the parishes I have known in Ireland, England and Northern Ireland, I have to remember that while lay readership might often be thought of as a “new” ministry, in fact the office goes back beyond the early church to the synagogue. Jesus himself was handed the scroll to read in the synagogue in Nazareth. His subsequent sermon was a lesson in brevity: “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing”.
300 years old this year- forging ahead with a new name: ‘Us’
The REVD Dr Thomas Bray is not well known, but he bequeathed a significant legacy to the world church. In 1696 he was appointed Bishop of London’s Commissary for Maryland, a job that involved recruiting clergymen to work in America. In 1698 he set up SPCK - the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. In 1700 Bray visited the colony himself, and his experiences there prompted him to obtain a Royal Charter establishing the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts (SPG) . . .
The Church Mission Society Ireland (CMSI) is part of the global CMS family, which was established in 1799 with a threefold focus: the abolition of the slave trade; social reform at home; and world evangelisation. For the early founders of CMS, “mission” was understood to be the responsibility of the Church and was concerned with meeting both spiritual and physical needs. These beliefs continue to underpin the work of CMS Ireland today.
Joining the dialogue on Church and School in Europe
The Church of Ireland General Synod Board of Education has long been a member of the Inter-European Commission on Church and School (ICCS). While active involvement has “ebbed and flowed” over the last number of years, it is obvious that EU activity in the field of education is now having a direct impact. Consequently, it is timely for the Church to re-engage with education policy at an EU level.
Archbishop William King of Dublin and the concept of Humility
Humility is not a much praised virtue in contemporary discourse, yet it may be held to be a crucial one in the life of the Church, as groups and individuals alike face the consequences of undue pride in our convictions, both in Ireland and in the worldwide Church. It may be helpful to go back to a discourse of 300 years ago, when Archbishop William King of Dublin preached a famous sermon on the subject.
