Disestablishment 150 – An introduction
A message from Archbishop Michael Jackson on Disestablishment 150.
Disestablishment has seen a renewed focus on ourselves as a developing and evolving spiritual community. It has enabled the Church to find afresh its independence and mission. It has conferred freedom for laity and clergy to develop a synodical way of life and understanding and to engage with confidence with those of other traditions.
Recognising these positives, we plan to commemorate the 150th anniversary through a number of initiatives in 2019 and 2020 at national level entitled ‘Free to shape our future’.
The Church of Ireland Youth Forum was the first event of the 2019 commemorations marking the 150th anniversary of Disestablishment with the theme of the forum being ‘Free to shape our future‘.
The official launch of the National Programme will begin at the opening commemorative National Service in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral which will take place on the 23rd November 2019 with the Archbishop of Canterbury as preacher. We hope to also have a service in autumn 2020 in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, to close the programme.
Dublin & Glendalough’s Diocesan Programme is being coordinated by Canon Roy Byrne and Caoimhe Leppard. Details of events will be available on this page shortly.
There are also liturgical resources available from the Church of Ireland website including a Disestablishment Prayer, Disestablishment Service of the Word and Disestablishment Service of Holy Communion for use in dioceses with episcopal permission as appropriate.
I very much hope that you and members of our diocese will participate in and enjoy both national and diocesan events as we journey together through this time of exciting possibilities.
+Michael