The Church of Ireland primate Archbishop Alan Harper has expressed his delight at the forthcoming visit of Queen Elizabeth, writes Patsy McGarry.
“I rejoice that relationships between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom have so changed as to make the visit of her Majesty possible,” said Archbishop Harper.
“I salute the tireless efforts of President McAleese and Dr Martin McAleese in seeking to break down barriers and heal divisions in both parts of Ireland,” he continued, during his presidential address to the opening session of the Church of Ireland general synod in Armagh yesterday
In his address he criticised the lack of passion at general synods over many years.
In his opinion, “meetings of the general synod, whether or not they gain the notoriety which will influence the wider world, should aim to inform, reform and stimulate the Church of Ireland . . . I see little evidence that this is the case.”