Lady (Christine) Eames is a former world president of the Anglican Mothers’ Union and wife of the former Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland, Robin Eames, who is now a crossbench life peer. They have two sons, Niall and Michael, two daughters-in-law and seven grandchildren. Recently she was in conversation with Alf McCreary in the Belfast Telegraph.
Q Can you tell us something about your background?
A I was born in Dublin and grew up in Belfast. My father, Captain Ward Daly, was killed in action in the North African campaign in 1943, during the Second World War. I was only six weeks old, so my mother, Olive, had the sole responsibility for my upbringing. She was an absolutely wonderful mother and I enjoyed a very happy childhood. She was matron of the Forster Green Hospital in Belfast and I learned from her the standards of commitment and responsibility to others.
She had a great and sustaining faith and I always knew the Christian faith and, in particular, the Anglican Church to be an integral part of our lives.
Q What about your education?
A I loved my school, Ashleigh House, which gave me a great many opportunities and friendships, some of which I still enjoy today. I read law at Queen’s University, Belfast and graduated with a LLB degree and later with a MPhil in medical law and ethics. With Robin, I have been part of the life and family of the Church of Ireland in different places here and around the world.
Much of Robin’s ministry has been during times of violence, unrest and disturbance, with much suffering for many people and untold challenges for Church and community. That was so often the backcloth to our family life. Robin and I have two sons, Niall and Michael, both orthopaedic surgeons, two daughters-in-law and seven grandchildren. We are so very grateful for each one of them.
Q Have you ever been angry with God?
A No, never. I must have disappointed God many times — I have been given so many opportunities and my response has been so poor. One of my great privileges of life in the Church has been an acceptance by friends and strangers around the world, particularly during my six years as world president of the Mothers’ Union, which reaches out to millions of families around the world.
Q Have you ever been ashamed of your Church or denomination?
A No. Rather, I have watched so many clergy try to respond to the challenges facing them and often wondered at their faithfulness, week by week, in their parishes — particularly during days of deep division and much destruction in our community. In different parts of the world, I have worshipped with people living an impoverished existence in camps for displaced persons and refugees and I have been humbled by their faith. I have friends in many denominations and none. I believe that the voice of the Christian faith must be heard in our world today and that is the responsibility of all who profess our faith and that, over and over again, that voice is louder and clearer when we are united.
Q Do you believe in a resurrection?
A For most of my life, Sunday by Sunday, I have said the Creed. What I believe was taught in Sunday School many years ago and I believe in God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit and in the resurrection and in life everlasting.
Q Are the Churches fulfilling their mission?
A I know that, at a personal level, religion and faith have upheld countless people in all kinds of difficulties and great sorrow. At a community level, I think that here we often let our religion and political viewpoint interweave to the benefit of neither.
Q Why are so many people turning their backs on organised religion?
A Our whole way of life has been changed so much during this century, with two World Wars, for example, and at present the effects of the pandemic which we are experiencing.
The Churches have been challenged to find ways to express ministry and to present ways of worship. I think that this challenge will still be here for some time to come, but the Churches have adapted and are learning once again how to present the unchanging presence of God in a rapidly changed and changing world. I believe strongly that it is important to speak about the things of the Church at this time.
Q What inscription would you like on your tombstone, if any?
A I don’t need to answer this question — it belongs to my family.
Q What is your favourite film, book and piece of music?
A I like films that reflect a true story, or make me laugh. I enjoyed the film
Invictus, because it told an amazing story and how “thinking out of the box” can provide a solution in an unexpected way. I like to read biographies, especially when they tell the story of the environment, or the times the person lived in, and how their lives were shaped by events. I enjoyed the biography of Clementine Churchill.
I love Handel’s Messiah, particularly the Hallelujah Chorus. It is so moving when people of all faiths and none are touched by it and the whole audience stands in response.
Q Where do you feel closest to God?
A I feel close to God everywhere.
Q Finally, have you any major regrets?
A I don’t have any regrets about the major things in my life. I have been surrounded by wonderful people and I have had amazing experiences.
I do regret that I did not fully appreciate the opportunities to show kindness, to learn more and to have fun. I regret all the times I have failed to be punctual and have kept family and friends waiting, but that’s a work-in-progress.
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