The results of an in-depth study of attitudes to and perceptions of sectarianism among members of the Church of Ireland is likely to be one of the most important reports to be presented to this year's General Synod of the Church, which opens in Dublin tomorrow.
The 109-page report to the church's Sectarianism Education Project Committee is the beginning of "a process of dealing positively with sectarianism and difference, and the General Synod will be asked to refer it to diocesan synods for appropriate study in every diocese", said Canon Des Harman, honorary secretary to the General Synod.
The study will be presented to delegates on Wednesday, which the committee proposes should be the beginning of a "process of reflection". It further proposes that conclusions from this process should be presented for consideration by the church's standing committee next January.
The study, conducted by Dr Gareth Higgins, has been circulated already to Synod delegates.
Last year the Church of Ireland and the Methodist Church in Ireland agreed a covenant and a motion before this year's General Synod proposes the setting up of a covenant council, with 10 members from each of the two churches, to facilitate implementation of the covenant at local, regional, and national levels.
A key topic for discussion at the General Synod, as last year, will be on a new Book of Common Prayer which is due for publication next year.
A total of 13 Bills relating to liturgy, including a new order for confirmation, general directions for public worship, and a service for Ash Wednesday, will be debated.
Four other Bills relate to the use of inclusive language in the constitution of the Church of Ireland, the consolidation of the constitution, the provision of a severance fund for clergy and the procedure for making parish appointments. In 1997 and 1998 the General Synod agreed to undertake a thorough revision of the Book of Common Prayer to include traditional and contemporary texts, with 2004 a target date for publication of a new edition.
Debate on its content has dominated recent General Synods and, as Canon Harman has remarked, "it will be interesting to see how the General Synod will develop in the next few years when the time given to liturgy in recent synods will not be required".
An Irish language edition has also been prepared, but must yet be approved by the House of Bishops. One matter likely to provoke further lively discussion is a motion proposing that no lay person should be allowed serve any more than nine consecutive years on any select vestry, diocesan council, General Synod, or on any church committee.
