17.10.2014
New Look Digitally Enabled SEARCH Journal Relaunched
The new look SEARCH Journal and redesigned website were unveiled in the Gallery Chapel of Trinity College Chapel yesterday evening (Thursday October 16). SEARCH has also entered the world of social media with new Facebook and Twitter feeds.
The redesigned journal, published by APCK, features the usual mix of church and faith–related articles, aiming to stimulate discussion and fresh thinking in the Church of Ireland and beyond. But the articles are shorter, more varied, and easier on the eye.
The website (http://searchjournal.ireland.anglican.org/) features added information, easier payment methods and Facebook and Twitter feeds.
A great crowd of supporters and contributors to the long running journal attended the reception, hosted by TCD Dean of Residence, the Revd Darren McCallig, to witness RCB Secretary General, Adrian Clements, perform the official relaunch.
He provided a potted history of SEARCH from the time of its birth in 1978. He noted that the forward of the first edition was written by George Otto Simms and set the scene for the sort of journal it would be with topical articles which addressed the laity of the Church of Ireland as well as clerics and theologians.
Mr Clements highlighted some of the themes which had been covered by SEARCH over the years including Darwinism and the Church, the evolution of Bishops and the need for post ordination training.
One of the great features of SEARCH had been its ability to attract contributors from all over the world, he said, including an article by a then obscure Bishop from Wales, Rowan Williams and a book review by Garrett Fitzgerald.
“SEARCH is entering an exciting new phase that is vigorous, courageous and more technologically enabled,” Mr Clements stated adding that the forum contributed to the diversity and strength of the Church of Ireland. “As we celebrate the relaunch of SEARCH we are thankful that it continues to be a forum for ideas and a place where they can be explored.”
Chairman of SEARCH’s editorial committee, Canon John Bartlett, thanked the editor, Canon Ginnie Kennerley for her energy during the relaunch process.
Canon Kennerley said they are always looking for new contributors to write lively and challenging articles. She welcomed the Revd Caroline Farrar to the SEARCH team. Caroline will be managing SEARCH’s social media output.
“We have to get up to date in SEARCH. Yes our readers want to read SEARCH but we have to acknowledge that others use Facebook and Twitter so please Twitter to us,” she stated.
The editor paid tribute to the website designers and said visitors to the site would receive a taste of what appeared in the journal. Subscribers could also renew their subscriptions online. She thanked all who were involved in producing the journal.
SEARCH will be relaunched in Belfast on October 27 and to further celebrate the relaunch the Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, the Very Revd Dermot Dunne, is holding a reception for SEARCH in the cathedral crypt after the 11.00 am service this Sunday morning, October 19.
Photo caption: The Revd Darren McCallig, Adrian Clements, Canon Ginnie Kennerley, Canon John Bartlett.