Members of the Diocesan Synod,

|PIC1|Last Diocesan Synod

As I welcome you all to this meeting of our Synod I am of course deeply conscious it will be for the last time. On Sunday 31 December I will retire as Archbishop - a position and privilege I have held since 1986. I have a host of emotions, memories and thoughts this morning. Twenty years of diocesan, parochial and community life; the sharing of happiness in parishes and homes and equally sharing the sorrows and tragedies. Faces, voices, events - they are all in my mind at this moment - but behind them all the wonderful privilege of seeing a diocese respond to the love of God ...

In my General Synod Address last May in announcing my intention to retire I paid tribute to all those with whom I had worked on a Church-wide basis. Today I turn to this diocese. Through the custom of the Church of Ireland the Primate is also the diocesan bishop of Armagh. This dual role allows him to wed his all-Ireland and international work with the day to day life of a diocese. I have never understood how those Provinces of the Anglican Communion where their Primate is removed from diocesan responsibilities on election and placed in a purely executive role, can expect their leader to fully appreciate what is happening on the ground in a diocese. Frequently in the past 20 years I have been reminded of this. To move in a matter of days from involvement in a national or international occasion to sitting in a Rectory or home of a parishioner has allowed me to experience the full width of Church life. For that I am grateful. While the responsibility of two roles can be daunting at times I hope and pray our Church will hold on to its present custom.

So it is to the clergy and people of Armagh diocese that I address my first words of gratitude. You have continually opened your hearts, your parishes and your homes to Christine and myself. This diocesan family is simply that : a family. From Drogheda to Woodschapel we have been so grateful for your welcome, warmth and support. Visits to your Churches, meetings with groups and individuals, sharing and co-operating with clergy, preparations of those seeking ordination or service as lay readers, confirmations of both young people and adults, institutions of new rectors, the numerous administrative duties, visits to parishes not only on a Sunday round but during the week, hospital visits and the sharing of sorrows - just some of those points of contact. The friendships we have made go far beyond individual instances - and we both hope will go far beyond 31 December next.

The Church

As I reflect today on the past 20 years as Primate but also on all those years since I was ordained back in 1963 I have one thought above all others. I thank God for the opportunities He has given me to serve Him, to serve the Church and to be in contact with a host of people in His name. 43 years of such experiences may be but a very small segment of the eternal purpose of Almighty God but I am simply overwhelmed by the memories of such privilege. Today I cannot imagine a greater privilege than to be ordained and to try to speak of the call of Christ by word and action. There have been times of joy and satisfaction : there have been times of failure and frustration. But I can say in all honesty I have never doubted the divine purpose of God for this world nor the strength offered to people of all ages and backgrounds through the grace of a living, loving God of mercy.
Changes

Over those 43 years there has been vast changes in the life of the Church and change in how the Church is perceived by the community to which it ministers. No where is such change more obvious than here in Ireland. The history of the Church presents us with the permanent and the transitory. The permanent is the command of Christ to go out into the world and preach the Gospel. The transitory is the ever-changing social, political, economic and interpretations of life within which the Body of Christ worships and witnesses to that eternal message.

In the sixties Churches in Ireland enjoyed privileges in society which in their turn dictated much of how they saw their tasks. Pews were well filled with worshippers and what the Church said about life in society was expected and listened to. As one writer put it, the respect for "the voices of sanctuaries and pulpits of Ireland were secure." Ministry was largely geared to the needs of the committed, to the "captive audiences" at worship and to the respect in which the Church was held even by those whose outward allegiance was confined to Christmas and Easter. Ordination opened the door to a respected even revered profession. In town and country the parson, the teacher and the local doctor were the pillars of society.

Half a century later the change in all this has been vast and significant. Large congregations on a Sunday are no longer the norm : the voice of the Church on community issues is judged on a basis of its relevance or importance in the eyes of a secular society : natural respect for clergy is dependent now on individual worth and the acceptance or rejection of the Gospel of Christ has to take its place beside a clamour of ideas, solutions, principles and beliefs, many of which make no reference to Almighty God.

The Church of Ireland has been just as subject to these changes as any other part of the Body of Christ. As an all-Ireland Church changes in Northern Ireland and changes in life in the Republic have collectively and individually made their mark on Church of Ireland life and witness. The over 30 years of darkness inflicted on northern society by terrorism and civil upheaval have changed life here for ever. The rapid revolution in prosperity in the south allied to a vast gulf between the haves and the have-nots have brought about immense changes to the whole fabric of society in the Republic. The dramatic evidence of secularisation in both parts of Ireland continues. Equally the life-style of families, once the unquestioned hallmark of security and stability in Irish life, has changed beyond recognition.

In that period the Church of Ireland has seen a widening gap between the cultures north and south. I have seen evidence of that process within our Church at different levels. I have seen it in the case of individual members, dioceses and on the floor of the General Synod. It is seen in attitudes, aspirations and estimates of the success or failure of Church witness. But I have also seen the remarkable understanding, sensitivity and cohesion which has defied divisions in our Church simply because of those lasting values we must never take for granted : strengths such as an all-Ireland General Synod, a common liturgy, a common pattern for ordained Ministry and a common acceptance of the nature of the Church. During what would be called in nautical terms "my watch" as Primate I have always sought to present the unity of our Church. I pray that in generations to come whatever are the pressures society may exert the unity of the Church of Ireland may continue to be more important than what could divide it.

Here in Armagh diocese, itself a cross-border diocese, we are conscious of all those changes. Behind the smokescreen of the Troubles secularism has grown greatly, behind those years of suffering society was changing beyond belief and behind the turmoil of political and economic change the role of the Church has been subjected to new demands and challenge.

The days of our Troubles brought suffering, fear and apprehension to our people. Terrorism took a great toll of life in this area. All of our lives were affected. Each parish bore a heavy burden. Those seemingly endless funerals and bereaved bewildered families. Those dark nights when people along the border were afraid to leave their homes and people hurried home from their work. Fear stalked the lives of this diocese.

At a time of abnormality in Northern Ireland parishes provided normality. Parochial halls were an oasis of peace as organisations provided recreation and fellowship for people of all ages. I mention in particular the leaders of our youth organisations. Adults who gave their free time to providing such as the Boys Brigade, the C.L.B. and G.L.B., the Scouts, the Guides, the Brownies, the Girls Friendly Society with continuity deserve credit they have rarely received. My wife and I tried to visit as many of these organisations as we could to encourage them. But today as I look back I want to thank all those leaders for what they did for our young people in the face of such difficulties.

Then I think of the parish clergy. I have said it before and now I say it again. The local parochial clergy were the unsung heroes of that time. As they conducted worship on a Sunday, visited parishioners in their homes and hospital, provided pastoral support to those who felt vulnerable - and provided stability and normality for a besieged people - the clergy at the local level simply doing their work day and night were one of the most stabilising influences in Northern Ireland. This was leadership. This was influence. Many a fraught situation was dealt with quickly and diplomatically at the parish level. I give credit this morning to our clergy and parish leaders. Without that sort of witness the situation we all faced would have been much worse. Here in Armagh diocese which takes in not only this county but much of Tyrone, the border and further south County Louth, the work and leadership of our clergy in that period deserves the highest praise.

Now Northern Ireland has moved into days of a totally different perspective and challenge. From the 1970s to the 1990s the Church played a role of emergency, instantaneous pastoral concern and reaction to events over which it had little control at times. Today is different. Today the challenges are no less difficult - but they have changed. Today we have to deal with memories, to deal with social reconstruction, to be part of reconciliation and healing, to see a way forward and to help create a society at peace with itself. No one wants us to return to the dark days of violence. But there are still those who find it very hard to embrace the possibilities of new and better relationships, to reach out to those who are "different", to build a safer and more stable community for everyone. Such people exist in all sections of this community, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, Unionist and Nationalist. For them it is very hard to replace the old enmity and suspicion.

But Northern Ireland must move on. It must move forward. We must replace the community of suspicion with the community of trust. We must replace the community of suffering with the community of healing. We must replace the community of sectarianism with the community of generosity. We must replace the community of shouting with the community that listens. The prize we have endured so much to achieve deserves nothing less. The Peace Process demands much from everyone in Northern Ireland. There are issues to address for everyone. There are problems to face for everyone.

The Churches in Northern Ireland, the Christians of all traditions, are challenged to play their part in this new evolving situation. They have a key role in making sure the right questions are asked - and the right answers produced.

The Positive

Members of Synod, let us never undervalue or underestimate the positive progress and realistic approach to these changing scenarios we have seen within this diocese.

The numbers of those seeking commissioning in lay Ministry either as a diocesan or parish reader have never been greater. The development of new parochial buildings and the upkeep of ancient Church buildings indicate month by month the inherent loyalty of parishioners to their parish. The numbers of those we send to the Selection Conferences for the Ordained Ministry from this diocese have increased. The givings of our people to missionary outreach has increased each year. We have an excellent Children's Ministry and youth network of organisations which are in touch with hundreds of young people. We have a strong diocesan Mothers' Union. As I go from parish to parish I see enthusiasm and willingness to reach out into the community. We have a clergy team which has made me so grateful for their work, leadership and witness across the diocese. We have retired clergy so willing to go on assisting us in Ministry.

Of course we have our problems. It is not always easy to fill clergy vacancies in smaller parishes, the upkeep of ancient buildings and in particular St Patrick's Cathedral makes constant demands. The drain on numbers of young people following Confirmation is by no means restricted to Armagh diocese. Many parishes witness to ageing congregations. New demands of responsibility and vulnerability in a litigation-conscious society affect the numbers of adults willing to serve on school boards of management or to lead youth organisations. Just some of those problems.

But what encouragement there is in the family atmosphere of this diocese, in the inherent loyalty of its people - and in its ability and courage to face change.

Northern Ireland

As I think over the twenty years of my Archbishopric what an incredible picture of change is presented by Northern Ireland. Because we have lived through those changes at close quarters, because we have lived as part of that change, it is not always easy to see its full picture.

For the Nationalist community there has to be the recognition that they have moved out of second-class citizenship for good. They have to avoid remaining a community which carries resentment because of inequality or oppression. They have to be reassured of their future as equal citizens with equal opportunities to prosper in the land of their birth. They must be a part of the "shared future" for us all.

For the Unionist community there has to be the recognition that their constitutional position is secure as long as they wish it to be so. They must stop leaning on that issue to the denial of social justice or community fairness for others. They must rid themselves of the evils of inherited sectarianism towards their Catholic neighbours. Those who propagate such attitudes must become 'yesterday's Protestants'. Unionists deserve the assurance that the balance of equality once so weighted against the Catholic community will not be redressed by swinging so much the other way that we replace one community of resentment with yet another.

I believe - despite the obstacles - there is now an unstoppable wave of genuine progress towards a stable and just society. We all must be a part of that wave - not a wave to ride on - but a wave to push ever forward.

I have often asked that we distinguish two integral parts to the Peace Process. Often we could be excused for believing that the political field is the sole ingredient of that Process. Vital though political progress may be it is only one part of the whole. The other aspect is the level at which ordinary people living in this community, finding employment in this community, following their recreations in this community and bringing up their families in this community - normal everyday life is a vital part of the Peace Process. It is there that attitudes, opinions and influence really matter. No political progress which ignores this second level has any hope of success.

Let me reflect for a moment on those two levels.

First, the political.

The recent talks at St Andrews in Scotland represent the latest attempts to map out a way ahead towards devolution for Northern Ireland. It remains to be seen even now how successful all those efforts have been. The political clock is ticking as uncertainties abound. But confronting party politicians and governments is the same question which confronts both levels of our society.

It is the question of trust.

How far can our politicians trust each other? How far can we expect them to move unless and until they can honestly trust each other?

Those questions involve attitudes to the past, interpretation of past events, intentions for the future and the ability of our politicians to convince their constituencies by actions as much as words. We - you and I, that constituency, have a clear choice - and that choice depends entirely on how far trust has been and can continue to be established in our political dealings with one another. To put it plainly this morning, this society is crying out for a political process in which we mean what we say, do what we say and be honest in what we say and do. Let there be a complete disowning of violence. Let there be a complete support for law and order. Let that traditional criteria of the political world become a reality - "politics is the art of the possible".

The two levels of the Peace Process to which I refer overlap in several ways. Let me underline one of them.

Politicians must have the courage to take risks - for all leadership involves risks. Those on whom our politicians rely for their mandate, the voting public, have to recognise that if that sort of leadership is to be seen politicians need space to do their work. The ballot box gives that mandate. No politician can afford to ignore the ballot box. But equally a politician will only do his or her job if they can feel the freedom to take risks and not feel they are going to be undermined at a local level. It brings us back again to that word 'trust'. We will never move forward in any realistic political manner if we have to constantly look back over our shoulders. So let our political representatives enjoy trust - but let us in turn trust them to show integrity, honesty and decency in all they do in our name.

The second level of the Peace Process is that which touches all our lives and in the end controls our future. Let me call it the level of everyday life.

One of the consequences which I feel is a dangerous consequence of our past history in Northern Ireland is an attitude of disengagement particularly by young people in the political process. At times we have detected apathy as a result of the frustration with lack of political progress. This is dangerous for any democracy. Politicians cannot complain about public apathy without asking how much they also have contributed to that disengagement ...

But at the level of everyday life the key words are memories and attitudes.

How this community deals with its memories is going to determine our attitudes to the future. For many there are bitter memories. Those memories are usually very personal and based on bitter experience. For many people they will simply not go away. In my pastoral work I have seen how those memories imprison people's lives. The fact that many of those memories are so personal make it very difficult for society as a whole to come to terms with its past. But come to terms we must. We must find ways of releasing society as far as we can from the prison of negative memories.

People have questions to be answered. People have stories to tell. There are wounds to be healed. Time does not always work its magic in healing. For those who lost loved ones in the days of our conflict the passing of the years does not always diminish memories. Then there are the loved ones of "the disappeared." How much they deserve to find a closure to their agony. Add such cases to the unsolved crimes of the past and we see again the magnitude of memory as an ingredient to people's attitudes.

Sectarianism

But central to attitudes today and tomorrow is how people of all ages and all traditions regard each other. The all-embracing word is of course sectarianism. Sectarianism is alive and well in Northern Ireland. It is alive within the Church as well as in every strata of our lives. We have made great strides in the past few years and there have been real bridges of understanding and reconciliation emerging right across the board. But there is still much evidence that a person stands condemned in the view of others simply because he or she is a Protestant or a Roman Catholic. Too often the value of a person is diminished because of their religious or political label. It does not seem to matter that a person has individual gifts or that we are all made in the image of the one God. A person is judged and condemned because of the accident of birth. As long as this remains a corrosive ingredient of life here we will remain prisoners of our past as the world moves on. When I wrote a book some years ago about sectarianism I entitled it "Chains to be Broken." Sadly those chains still bind people who could have such a better future if they so desired.

Racialism

Now we see a new dimension to this problem. Racially-motivated attacks on other ethnic groups or individuals seem to be an almost daily occurrence. The community is searching for an understanding of why such attacks occur. Many suggestions have been made. But I believe that deep down in the consciousness of this society there is an antagonism towards anyone who is "different". Whether it is a different colour, different religion, different ethnic origin - it is a failure to accept difference which lies at the root of the problem. Racialism and sectarianism go hand in hand.

So let our plea to society this morning be this : confront sectarianism at every level, confront sectarian attitudes whenever or however we meet them, refuse to maintain sectarian attitudes or actions and let us together not only make them things of the past but make sectarianism socially unacceptable for good ...

Education in Northern Ireland

The present Review of Public Administration in education is a matter of great concern for the Church. In the early part of the 20th century we along with the other main protestant Churches, transferred our schools into state control. In return we gained rights and recognition of our voice in the governance of controlled schools and on Education and Library Boards.

The Transferring Churches have always viewed Controlled Schools as 'Church-related schools' and we are committed to maintaining and promoting a Christian ethos in these schools. We are also committed to making a contribution as educational partners in the new administrative arrangements for the provision of Education in Northern Ireland. It is understood that these changes in administration will release funds to front-line services. The Churches will want to see that this happens.

It is proposed that the functions and roles of the Education and Library Boards will be taken over by a single Education and Skills Authority. In addition an Education Advisory Forum will be formed to enable the perspectives of the various stakeholders to be represented to the Education Authority and Department. As Church transferors, we want to ensure that the rights of all stakeholders in education are equally supported and protected in any new arrangements.

In these new arrangements when the Area Boards will no longer exist, we have a particular concern for the controlled schools. Who will champion their cause? As Church transferors we are committed to speaking up for controlled schools and along with those who share governance with us, wish to secure the very best provision of schooling for children who attend these schools in the future.

Archdeacon

It is not easy to be the "Archbishop's Archdeacon". With all the pressures within and without the diocese on the Archbishop of Armagh so much must be delegated to the Archdeacon of Armagh. As my Commissary on occasions during my period of office, Archdeacon Hoey has accepted the responsibilities of his task willingly, readily and effectively. In addition to being rector of a parish with all that that entails Raymond has chaired committees, liaised with clergy, drafted documents, overseen supplies of clergy and readers in vacancies or cases of illness - and has done so with faithfulness and reliability. Even during his beloved wife's illness and death he was attending to issues on behalf of this diocese. I thank him this morning for all he has done for us as I know I can express on behalf of the diocese our deepest sympathy on Joyce's death.

Dean of Armagh

I welcome the Very Reverend Patrick Rooke as he commences his work as Dean of Armagh in succession to Dean Cassidy.

Diocesan Office Staff

How well and fortunate is this diocese in its clerical support team. For many years it was a privilege to work with the late Richard McConnell. He was devoted to Armagh diocese and all its people. He was an excellent administrator with definite ideas which he was never afraid to express. In any discussion if he had a clear view of what should be decided he 'took no prisoners.' His sense of humour brightened many a routine hour.

Alongside him was his assistant Jane. They provided our diocese with an excellent team. Then as we know all that experience and knowledge of the Diocese was to be put to good use when she became Richard's successor. Quickly she slipped into her new role as Diocesan Secretary and I pay a warm tribute to Mrs Leighton for her commitment, loyalty and initiative here in Church House. The clergy and parishes have come to trust her judgement, value her advice and depend on her support. Her preparation for a host of diocesan meetings is thorough and detailed, her knowledge of the diocese is now enhanced by her membership of central committees in Dublin. Nothing I have asked her to do for us has seemed too much bother. I want her to know how much we all value her work. I also want her to know how much I have appreciated her friendship and support and that of her husband Stephen.

Mrs Leighton's assistants, Mrs Yvonne McFarland and now Mrs Jennifer Kirkland were and are very much a part of the Diocesan family. Their friendly nature, their approachability and their support has been and is very much appreciated. Thank you Jennifer for all you do for us so efficiently and always with the word and smile of encouragement.

Mrs Roberta Haffey

Where do I begin to describe and praise the work of Mrs Roberta Haffey? Last May at the General Synod she received very warm and prolonged applause as we paid tribute to her long years of service as Archbishop's secretary. No Primate could ever have had a more reliable and trusted secretary : no Primate could have had a more loyal and faithful colleague : no Primate could have been as blessed to work with, delegate to and depend upon a secretary as I have been. Perhaps she will forgive me for saying it - but the secret of Roberta Haffey is her personal faith, her personal walk with God - and her undying love for the Church of Ireland. Many a time over the years when the 'going was tough' her quiet confidence and courage meant so much to me. Often she would exercise supreme patience with my comings and goings. Her job called for so much work undertaken under pressure - and she never faltered. I have said it before and I say it again : she has been known and respected by name across the Anglican Communion and by so many in other countries, other Churches and other communities she will never meet face to face. But here today it is for all her work for me and for this diocese that I thank her. When she retires may she and Tom enjoy many years of her beautiful garden - and many years of advising me about mine! Thank you and God bless you Roberta ...

Assessor

Many years ago as a curate in Bangor parish I came to know a young lawyer when his family moved to County Down from England. His father was a respected university professor and the family soon became valued members of that parish. I warmed to his questioning mind - and I have warmed to it for many years since. In fact I have come to rely on that mind and ability at General Synod, Diocesan Synod and Standing Committee in Dublin. We have grown older in the Church together and this morning I thank Michael Davey for all he has done as my Assessor over the years on this platform and at General Synod.

Bereavements

During the past year our Diocesan family has shared the grief of several families in particular.

On 27 October last year after a long illness Mr Alan Stacey passed away. Alan was not only one of our Diocesan Readers but assisted Canon Kennedy in the training and organisation of our Readers. He was widely respected by those who benefited from the training he offered to those whose invaluable work so support our parochial ministry.

On 3 February this year our former Diocesan Secretary, Mr Richard McConnell, died. As I have said elsewhere in this Address Richard served Armagh Diocese for many years here in Church House, Armagh and represented us at a central level with great faithfulness and distinction.

Canon Reggie Kenny died on 7 May 2006. As a devoted lay member of the Church Reggie gave so much of his time and expertise to this Diocese. As a distinguished accountant he audited numerous accounts for our committees and boards. His influence in diocesan administration was immense and I was delighted to honour him by appointing Reggie an Honorary Lay Canon of St Patrick's Cathedral.

Two of our Rectory families suffered loss of a clergy wife and devoted mother.

Mrs Olive Pickering, wife of the Rector of Drumcree the Reverend John Pickering and Mrs Joyce Hoey, wife of Archdeacon Hoey, both passed from us during the year. Both endured long periods of weakness and illness which they faced with courage, patience and great faith in their God. Their lives and manner of passing gave to our diocese and their parish family wonderful examples of Christian belief and practice. The ways in which both ladies bore the burden of weakness spoke louder than any sermon of true and sincere faith. It was a privilege to have known them both.

To the families of all who have been bereaved we offer the sincere sympathy of this diocese.

Gratitude

Throughout my Primacy I have enjoyed one privilege above all others. The privilege of being given a life in which as I said at my Enthronement in 1986, I could encourage others to do the will of Christ. To encourage my fellow bishops, clergy and people to witness to Jesus Christ in their lives and in their work was and is a privilege beyond words. Beside the privilege of trying to proclaim by word and action the Gospel of Christ all else, all the problems, all the difficulties pale into insignificance. That is the task to which we are called above all others. That is the priority. That is the real task of the Church. That is the task to which the Church of Ireland must make its unique contribution.

As I have tried to rise to that challenge I have found dedicated, gifted and sincere clergy and people beside me. To share with them in their lives, to pray with and for them, to receive their confidences, to work with them, indeed to laugh and cry with them, has been for me a pilgrimage of inestimable privilege. I have often fallen short of the confidence they have placed in me but I have never failed to value their trust and support.

As I finish this Address I want to be quite personal.

I was born into a ministerial Methodist home and saw at first hand the real meaning of service. The influence of my father and mother dominated so much of that upbringing. My late father as much in his life-style as by what he said gave me a role model I little thought in those days would take me from the university corridor to parish life. For that influence I will always be grateful. I did not enter university knowing that I would one day be ordained. But I say again as I have often said to those thinking of ordination - there is no more exciting, demanding or fulfilling response to the call of God than fulltime service in His Church.

Now may I risk the wrath of Christine?

I have said how much we both have enjoyed our visits to parishes, to homes and families, our contacts with the clergy and people of the Church. But I want to thank her in public for her love, her support, her understanding and the contribution she has herself made to the Church and society. There is no substitute to a stable and understanding home life and I have been given both in abundance. She has given to me, Niall and Michael, something of her deep personal faith and everyday walk with God. To her and my family I say simply 'thank you'.

So, members of the Diocesan Synod, I prepare to take my leave of you. The life of the Church is so much more vital and important than any individual. We all simply make our contribution and then offer that contribution to God and to those who will take the work of the Church on into the future. Whatever tasks await me and wherever it takes me you will always be in my prayers. Go on doing the work of Christ - and may God bless you all.

Robin Eames