C of I Bishop calls for study on sectarianism

The Church of Ireland Bishop of Clogher, the Right Rev Michael Jackson, has appealed to other churches to conduct a study of sectarianism within, as the Church of Ireland has done.

Speaking to the diocesan synod about the scoping study on sectarianism in the Church of Ireland, he said it demanded "not only our own willingness to take its lessons to heart but also the expressed urgency of other denominations and religions to work on the same issue on their own and together with us.

"We in the Church of Ireland urge them to undertake similar work. I myself conclude that we cannot deal with difference on our own. An internal debate is not sufficient. We need to do more than talk to ourselves.

Bishop Jackson said the Church needed to hear from, talk and listen to those who were other than or different from them, " but we also need to decide if sectarianism for us is a problem".

The scoping study he said was a working part of living history. "I feel that it takes us to the heart of our religion and the core of our society."

The Bishop of Meath and Kildare, , the Most Rev Richard Clarke, has announced that there will be a special Meath and Kildare synod to examine and discuss the scoping study on November 24th, in Trim's Cathedral Hall.

Tuam diocese has organised a seminar to explore the relationship of Muslims and Christians in Ireland. It takes place at Pontoon, Co Mayo, on October 11th.