Chaplaincies sign partnership at Queen’s; Common commitment to Dublin Higher Education; Prayer Ministry training; Violence in Belfast
Chaplaincies sign partnership at Queen’s
A Local Covenant Partnership has been signed between the Church of Ireland and Methodist Chaplaincies at Queen’s University, Belfast.
For the past five years there has been ongoing prayer and dialogue concerning how the two Chaplaincies might work more closely together, and in the past two years this has progressed considerably, with Connor Diocesan Council giving its approval to the Local Covenant Partnership Agreement and the Methodist Conference recognising the Church of the Resurrection as a Methodist congregation.
As Bishop of Connor and Chair of the Church of Ireland Student Centre Committee of Management, the Rt Rev Alan Abernethy signed the Partnership agreement on behalf of the Church of Ireland, with Rev Dr Heather Morris, District Superintendent of the Belfast Methodist Circuit, signing on behalf of the Methodist Church.
The Local Covenant Partnership commits both Chaplaincies to working together across every aspect of the life and ministry at Queen’s University. Students now apply to life in residence at a single student centre, and can become resident in any of the houses owned by either the Church of Ireland or Methodist Church.
The focus is not on two communities sharing in joint activities, but rather a single community formed out of two traditions that lives in community and engages in mission.
Church of Ireland Chaplain, the Rev Barry Forde, said: “In the Church of the Resurrection the sacramental ministry reflects both denominations, and later this year we plan a joint service of Confirmation and Reception into Membership for some of the young people who attend.
“In past years we have engaged in mission together, both at home and abroad, working with Church of Ireland and Methodist churches in Newtownabbey, Lisburn, and Sligo. There have been two teams that have worked with the 24/7 prayer movement in Ibiza, along with a wide range of on–campus activities that seek to reach out and support the staff and students on the Queen’s campus.”
Barry continued: “The Local Covenant Partnership commits both Chaplaincies to forming a single Covenant Management Group to oversee the life, vision and mission of the Student Centre, and as such marks the end of the beginning of what we hope and pray will be a Spirit–filled, Christ–following, and God–glorifying future for the work of the Chaplaincies at Queens.”
He thanked the representatives of both churches who gathered to witness the signing for their support, encouragement and will to see such unity visibly realised. Methodist Chaplain the Rev John Alderdice led a time of prayer for the future life and ministry at Queen’s.
Common commitment to Dublin Higher Education
Throughout the past year, Higher Education institutions have been working to craft a response to the Higher Education Authority’s ‘Landscape’ document that envisages a significantly changed configuration for Higher Education in Ireland. Today’s report from Government on the outcome of the International Panel Review of Initial Teacher Education is a central part of that process.
In this context, Dublin City University (DCU), St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra (SPD), Mater Dei Institute of Education (MDI) and the Church of Ireland College of Education (CICE) wish to confirm that they are engaged in a common, formal process aimed at establishing:
1. a new Institute of Education and
2. an enhanced capacity and consolidation in the Humanities and Social Sciences.
While respecting the identity of the individual institutions, it is envisaged that this process, will lead to the creation of a single University entity. The process is being informed by best international practice. The outcome is subject to the ultimate approval of the relevant stakeholders of each institution.
The Chairperson of the Board of Governors of the Church of Ireland College of Education, Archbishop Michael Jackson, welcomed this development, stating: ‘To be part of such an exciting development nationally for Initial Teacher Education is the opening of a new chapter for CICE. As an institution, we have embraced change and development positively at various points throughout our history and are committed to doing so again.’
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin noted that ‘Saint Patrick’s College, Drumcondra has played a vital and unique role in teacher education and the evolution of educational thought over generations. Though historically younger, Mater Dei Institute has carved out a reputation in religious education at second level. I am very pleased at the new opportunities offered with the participation of CICE. This is a further sign of a new level of ecumenical cooperation between Archbishop Jackson and myself.’
‘Together with the dynamism of DCU, I see a promising pattern of cooperation emerging which responds to the challenge of developing educational policy in a pluralist society where religious education will be present in the highest level of excellence.’
Responding to the report, President of DCU, Prof Brian MacCraith, stated: ‘This proposed research–led Institute of Education has the potential to play a central role in transforming the future of Irish education. We are also delighted that our discussions to date have been characterised by a spirit of collegiality, mutual respect and a common understanding that together we can deliver more in terms of teaching, research and service. Realising our transformative vision of education will require considerable consultation and dialogue within and across our respective institutions throughout the months ahead.’
This initiative will provide a unique opportunity to prepare the very best teachers for all the children of the nation. The Institute will also open unparalleled opportunities for the continuing professional development of teachers, informed by the research and practice of the four partner institutions.
Prayer Ministry training
New Wine Ireland is again offering a five week practical course on teaching and equipping people to pray for the sick as Jesus prayed. Each evening in Willowfield Parish Church, Belfast, will include worship, biblical teaching and practical guidelines for this ministry, whether it be at home, in the work place, at church or in any situation. There is no charge. All sessions begin at 8.00pm commencing on Tuesday 2nd October and on each Tuesday to Oct 30th. Contact details:
Email: info@newwineireland.org
Phone (028) 90287011 or George Newell on (028) 90454119
Violence in Belfast
Independent – Reports and a leader on the recent violence in north Belfast.