Editorial
We were delighted that the Search "Repitching the Tent" Colloquium on re-thinking liturgical space went so well in April. Our warmest thanks are due not only to those who led it and those who responded but to Dr Margaret Daly-Denton, who master-minded the event.
Canon Richard Giles, the leading exponent in this field, has gained an enthusiastic following in both provinces of the C of I, so in addition to a digest of the Colloquium papers we have been able to include in the following pages two examples of church re-ordering and renewal in the diocese of Down.Richard Giles’ two talks have been condensed into one to allow for the incorporation of relevant pictures into his text; and indeed such illustrations are to be found through all the texts on the Colloquium theme. Pictures speak louder than words on such a subject. The main example of re-ordering on the day was that of St Laserian’s cathedral in Co Carlow, as seen by architect Margaret Quinlan and Dean Tom Gordon, with more general reflections from Bishop Michael Burrows. Additional material from Donaghadee and Down Cathedral adds an encouraging perspective from our northern province.Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s 70th anniversary (of his execution in Germany near the close of World War II) fell just two days before the Colloquium, on April 9th. Canon Horace McKinley pays tribute to his inspiring example of prophetic honesty and self-sacrifice and challenges us to continue in his spirit today. Also in this issue, Caroline Farrar contributes an article on Christian hospitality and our seasonal preaching series continues with William Marshall’s “Preaching in the Trinity season.” Finally the issue’s book reviews include a note on the volume marking the 40th anniversary of the Glencree Centre of Reconciliation in Co Wicklow as well as reflections on the recent biography of Abp. Donald Caird by his onetime colleague in Armagh, Abp. Robin Eames O.M.Please note that our treasurer, Michael Denton, still awaits payment of some 2015 (and indeed earlier) subscriptions and we depend on our readers to keep their subscriptions up to date. If in doubt about what is owing please contact Mr. Denton directly.
THE PARISH church as building is more than symbol, sign or icon, it is the flesh of a living, breathing and interactive community of faith. In the same way that the human body, by virtue of its appearance, posture and energy levels reveals the inner state of the individual, so the appearance, layout and level of care of the church building speaks volumes about the health and vigour of the community that inhabits it.
RESPONDING to the imperative to re pitch the tent and thereby refresh worship, I have been given the task of identifying certain issues specific to the Church of Ireland which certainly increase the challenge of all this. I do not wish to make excuses for ourselves; simply to be realistic about some of the likely obstacles we may face. My thoughts arise particularly from my experience of the church in rural areas of Ireland over many years.
Margaret Quinlan was the conservation architect who managed the recent re-ordering of St Laserian’s Cathedral in Co Carlow to enable the structure to serve present needs without sacrificing any of its essential qualities. Here she shares her principles on the adaptation of historic churches for worship, mission and outreach in the 21st century.
FOR CENTURIES Donaghadee Parish Church has been a key feature on the coastal landscape of County Down. The imposing tower is visible from many miles at sea and dominates the town. The clock and hourly chimes are the pulse of the town’s daily life and the cycle of prayer and worship that has been offered from the parish church spans many centuries.
THE CAPTIVATING title of Richard Giles’ recent workshop on unhelpful liturgical spaces, ‘When the Shoe Pinches’, is one that aptly summarises the challenges of Saint Laserian’s cathedral, which hosted this occasion. A 12th century building with haphazard layers of architectural accretions, it presents an intriguing edifice of inspiration, rugged beauty and frustration.
OVER the past few years we have been reordering and redecorating Down Cathedral. Since Christmas the Cathedral sanctuary has been completely redesigned, removing redundant furniture and creating a space which is much more versatile for larger services. We also installed a new polished limestone floor bringing everything onto one level. Undergirding this work has been the theme of pilgrimage, as Down Cathedral is a place of pilgrimage
9 APRIL 2015 marked the 70th anniversary of the execution by the Gestapo of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, aged 39. in Flossenburg concentration camp, in Bavaria. Before that, Bonhoeffer had been imprisoned in the notorious death camp of Buchenwald.
THE SUNDAYS after Trinity this year run from 7 June to 18 October, inclusive. Most Churches nowadays follow the Revised Common Lectionary and Sunday sermons are usually based on the appointed Bible readings. The Lectionary covers most of the Bible in a 3-year cycle, of which this is Year B, and thus ensures that congregations are exposed to the Bible as a whole and not just to the preacher’s favourite passages. It can be a salutary but demanding task to wrestle with some unfamiliar or difficult pieces of the sacred text.
A WARM, loving welcome is the first thing a person should experience on coming through our door, whether that is in our home or in some other context within the wider church community. It is the visitor’s experience of ‘welcome’ that will determine any future relationship they may have with their host. This is central to hospitality, building a relationship with another, understanding and accepting that each person reflects something of God by virtue of the fact that we are all made in God’s image.
