IT IS important for members of the Church of Ireland to appreciate and value the sense of continuity with the ancient Celtic church of this land. That is continuity in scriptural teaching, in doctrine, in the apostolic ministry, as well as continuity in the sense of freedom, spontaneity and the desire to do things in their own way, without external influence from foreign potentates, whether spiritual or temporal.
In those far off days a few dedicated followers of Christ living on this remote island on the rim of Europe, produced a Christian culture and a missionary spirit out of all proportion to their material wealth or numerical strength.
How did they achieve so much? By faith in the victory of God. If we have such faith then we will never fear the future. It is the height of presumption and a denial of faith in God to imagine that our errors may result in the extermination of the kingdom of God. God is greater than us all and no church has God in its pocket.
We may try to hold him in the doctrinal and institutional tombs we have constructed but God will not be bound by human dogma. He is not in our hands. We are in His. Let us never be afraid to experiment, change or to make a decision.
Look at the title, Church of Ireland. Is it not somewhat arrogant for a church with only 17 per cent of the population in Northern Ireland and say 3 per cent in the Republic to claim to be the Church of Ireland?
On numerical grounds there can be no justification for such a claim. But there may be some justification in that, in its membership, the Church of Ireland spans the spectrum of Irish political opinion from republicanism to unionism, perhaps to an exteunot equalled by any other denomination in Ireland. It is an all Ireland church with an all Ireland inclusion.
Therefore, especially in Northern Ireland, it should be very careful to avoid any action or policy which would support the view that the Church of Ireland is primarily the religious dimension of unionism and the British establishment.
SADLY the image of our church has been badly tarnished by Drumcree, when the Church of Ireland was perceived by many to be condoning the activities of the Orange Order.
Protestantism, when wrapped in the Union Jack as protective clothing, feeling helpless without the shield of the British constitution and the Protestant monarchy to defend it betrays a lack of confidence in the reformed faith to stand on its own feet and commend itself by its own merits.
For over 300 years the Church of Ireland, in all Ireland, was intimately associated with the British establishment, so much so that it was generally looked upon as the religious ascendancy. Consequently, it was never taken seriously from a theological point of view. Only now in the Republic is it perceived as having a positive contribution to make, on its own merits, to the enrichment of Christian witness in this land.
Alas, in Northern Ireland both Protestantism and Roman Catholicism are seen in a political context, with the result that neither is judged on its merits as an expression of the Gospel. The only winners are cynicism and disillusionment with all religion and politics.
Where politics has dominated religion, as in Northern Ireland, or religion has dominated politics, as was the case over many decades in the Republic, the integrity of religion and politics has been besmirched. Christianity has been debased by party political entanglements and politics demeaned by sectarian or confessional influences. Both have their separate roles and each must commend itself by its own integrity, not by any mutual propping up.
Instead of the fearless prophetic - "thus saith the Lord. This is the Gospel. Here I stand, whatever the consequences", we, especially in Northern Ireland, have the well worn recital of expositions and explanations of the past providing excuses for the present.
BUT, as Archbishop Desmond Tutu put it "victory goes to the side which shows most generosity".
Generosity, the willingness to go that extra mile, is not a sign of weakness but of strength. The weakness of God is stronger than men. That is the Gospel, which the churches should proclaim loud and clear, whatever the response of those people and politicians who are anchored in the mind set of the past.
Instead with sectarianism, injustice, bigotry all around us, how often have we looked over our shoulders, careful not to offend? We take refuge in high sounding meaningless generalities to which no one can take exception, intent on keeping the show on the road, instead of grasping the nettle of the particular, which may well lead to the cross, not the end, but the beginning of resurrection and reconciliation.
The Church of Ireland, by courage and perseverance, can bridge the gap and promote reconciliation between Protestant and Roman Catholic, unionist and nationalist, North and South, for we have much in common with the religious and political convictions of both sides.
But to do this the Church of Ireland must steer clear of any party political entanglements, must be the church, and be seen as a church of Christ fearless, standing on its own feet not cosying up to any political party or semi political religious organisation, North or South.
To change is to live. To stagnate is to die. We must never fear change in Church or State. For the future can never be a stereotyped repetition of the past.
Parity of esteem, mutual understanding, respect for diversity, with co operation and creative interaction generating love instead of confrontation is the way, the only way, to peace and reconciliation.
