11.11.2019
Diversity and Developments in the Church of Ireland Highlighted in New Book
A new book of essays marking the 150th anniversary of the Disestablishment of the Church of Ireland sheds light on the huge changes the Church has seen in the last 50 years and the diversity of Church life. ‘Irish Anglicanism 1969 – 2019’, co–edited by Kenneth Milne and Paul Harron, was officially launched in Dublin on Friday evening (November 8) by the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke.
Published by Four Courts Press, the book features 20 essays ranging across themes as broad as youth work, art and architecture, education, liturgy, the Irish language and music.
Speaking in Christ Church Cathedral, Archbishop Clarke said that the period between 1969 and 2019 was one of significant interest and much change socially, politically and ecclesiastically. He said that the strength of the essays is in their variety of style, voice and gender.
“2019 is a very different place than 1969,” the Archbishop stated. “Perhaps now we could have the courage to be more self critical… But we still need to be alert, we still need to be faithful.”
One of the editors, former Church of Ireland Press Officer, Dr Paul Harron, thanked the contributors for their essays and paid tribute to Four Courts Press for producing such a fine book and for their patience.
He said the editors set out to focus on the diversity of life within the Church of Ireland and provide an honest audit of the Church over the last 50 years. “It is a book of diverse approaches and we deliberately sought not to iron out the individuality of the authors,” he stated. “We hope that this volume will mark the 150th anniversary of Disestablishment both appropriately and usefully.”
The book will be launched in Belfast in December by the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson.
Kenneth Milne is Historiographer of the Church of Ireland and Keeper of the Archives at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. Paul Harron was formerly Church of Ireland Press Officer. He works professionally as a senior communications manager and is also an architectural and art historian.
‘Irish Anglicanism, 1969–2019 – Essays to mark the 150th anniversary of the Disestablishment of the Church of Ireland’ is available now both in shops and online at www.fourcourtspress.ie/books/2019/irish–anglicanism costing €35.00/£30.00.