Role of the Church of Ireland in These Events
Diocesan Press Service. August 1, 1973 [73183]
The Rev. Canon Donald E. Becker
DUBLIN (DPS) -- "One of the quasi-sacrosanct customs in Ireland, even for such diverse groups as the Provisional I.R.A. and churchmen, is to hold a press conference. It can be a form of window-dressing; it can be a trial. Yesterday, the Church of Ireland put itself on trial. "
So said John Cooney, Religious Affairs writer for the Irish Times of Dublin after a press conference held by the Church of Ireland.
The Most Rev. A.A. Buchanan, Archbishop of Dublin introduced a panel of distinguished Anglican churchmen of the Church of Ireland to local and foreign press attending the second Anglican Consultative Council in Dublin ( July 17 - 27 ).
The Archbishop said that the Anglican Church of Ireland seeks a new role and believes it has one to play in bringing peace to Ireland, especially Northern Ireland. With a wide spectrum of political opinion in its membership, it can interpret one Irishman to another as the illness of "these events," as the violence is called, it is treated.
"Other bodies such as sports teams span the length and breadth of this island," Dr. Buchanan said. "Most Irish Churches are also cross-Border, and we feel that we have a special responsibility. We call ourselves the Church of Ireland. We are indeed part of the world-wide Anglican Communion. We are also the oldest member of that communion. But we are an autonomous and independent church. "
The Church of Ireland "seeks to promote quietness, love, and peace amongst all men," he said.
" I believe that the road to peace lies through dialogue, not violence, and we value the cut and thrust of debate this afternoon," he concluded.
Canon Eric Elliott, of Belfast (Northern Ireland), pointed out "Churchmen are undergoing a reappraisal of their aims . . . the frequently expressed criticism that the Churches are among those who had contributed to the situation is true enough. But there is now much inter-church work going on."
A new spirit is evident and there will be a "summit " meeting between Roman Catholic and Anglican bishops in September.
The Rt. Rev. A.H. Butler, Bishop of Conner, addressed himself to the goals of the summit itself. Dr. Butler said that three things could be achieved: Firstly, to persuade the Roman Catholic Church that other Churches were "churches of Christ"; Secondly, to persuade Protestants that Roman Catholics were genuine Christians; and, finally, to settle the inter-marriage question. In Ireland the non-Roman Catholic party almost always gives in to the Roman Catholic member of the union. This is a very serious problem.
Another area of difficulty is in education. State grants permit the various churches to run their own schools. But many churchmen seek to desegregate education. For at age 5, children go into denominational schools. Religious education would still take place. But children of all faiths would attend the same schools. This could help break down the social separations of both Northern Ireland and of the Republic.
Archbishop Buchanan concluded the conference by saying, " There are grounds for great hope . .. people on both sides are beginning to grasp what the Faith demands. There is reason for guarded optimism. "