19.04.2011
Bishop Richard Clarke Pays Tribute to Michael Hurley, SJ
From the Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke, Chairman of the Church of Ireland’s Commission for Christian Unity & Dialogue and President of the Irish Council of Churches:
The earthly life of Fr Michael Hurley, SJ, was both pivotal and formative in the development of the modern ecumenical movement in Ireland. Even before the Second Vatican Council opened windows not only on the Roman Catholic Church but on the ecumenical venture in every aspect of its work and in every place, Michael Hurley was an enthusiastic and doughty proponent of the task of bringing Christians of different traditions to a greater understanding of one another and of furthering the work of Christian unity.
The Irish School of Ecumenics owes not only its existence but also its flowering to Michael’s vision, energy and sturdy refusal to be either deflected or browbeaten by opposition or apathy. We owe him a great deal, as one who may reasonably be hailed as the doyen of modern Irish ecumenism. We thank God for Michael’s earthly life and now commend him with our gratitude and love to the Lord he served so well in this life.
ENDS