04.05.2017
Bill Allowing for Appointment of Ecumenical and Lay Canons at Christ Church Cathedral Comes Before General Synod
A Bill allowing for the appointment of two honorary Lay Canons and two Ecumenical Canons to Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, passed its first and second stages at General Synod in Limerick this afternoon (Thursday May 4). The Bill, if enacted, will allow for the appointment of two lay people who have given particular and distinguished service to the cathedral or community in the Dioceses of Dublin & Glendalough as well as two Ecumenical Canons who would reflect the cathedral’s mission and ministry in the city and a changing ecumenical culture.
The Bill was proposed by the Very Revd Dermot Dunne and seconded by Canon Adrienne Galligan.
Proposing the motion, Dean Dunne said that Christ Church Cathedral was known as the spiritual heart of Dublin.
“Given the position of Christ Church in the heart of Dublin, the cathedral provides a tangible and visible ecumenical expression where all traditions of the Christian faith can come together in a space that is neither threatening nor exclusive. This is already happening in the cathedral where ecumenism is expressed in many of our liturgies and gatherings,” he stated.
“The provision for appointing ecumenical canons would strengthen the already healthy ecumenical dialogue and practice which is so much part of the united dioceses and would give a visible reflection of the depth and quality of that dialogue. Having ecumenical canons on the chapter of Christ Church would broaden the ecumenical landscape of both the cathedral and the dioceses,” the Dean added.
He said in creating lay canonries, the chapter sought to recognize the contribution gifted lay people make to the life of the cathedral and the community.
The Bill will receive its third reading on Saturday.