06.12.2013
Landmark Book on the Church of Ireland Launched in Dublin
The Dublin launch of a significant new book on the Church of Ireland took place in Church House, Rathmines, yesterday evening, Thursday November 5. The Church of Ireland – An Illustrated History, published by Booklink, was launched by the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson and the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke.
Both Archbishops commended the book and all who had contributed to it and thanked the publisher Dr Claude Costecalde for his work in bringing it to fruition.
Archbishop Michael Jackson thanked Dr Costecalde for drawing together a book which recognised the distinct nature of the dioceses of the Church of Ireland. He added that many people had contributed to the book which captured a picture of the Church of Ireland at this time.
“As people use this book and give it to other people as presents they will be greatly enriched by it and their eyes will light up with the memories that are triggered by it,” the Archbishop said.
Archbishop Richard Clarke said that one of the beauties of the book was that it showed the Church was a continuum. “It is presenting the past in the context of the present and pointing to the future with hope and faith,” he stated. “There are many different voices in this book to be heard and so many different perspectives to be seen. It is a book of great value and great purpose.”
Speaking on behalf of the Central Communications Board, the Bishop of Limerick, the Rt Revd Trevor Williams, said that in terms of communications, despite the prevalence of websites, Facebook and E–zines, it was hard to replicate the book with its stunning design and graphics, in any other medium.
Consultant editor, Professor Brian Walker of Queen’s University Belfast, described some of the many fascinating Church of Ireland figures from the past such as Douglas Hyde, Lord Jim Molyneaux and CS Lewis who are included in the book.
The new 400 page, full colour b ook is produced in hardback. The Archbishop of Armagh and Archbishop of Dublin state in their foreword to it: “This volume comprises the work of over 60 historians, editors and photographers from all over Ireland with a diverse range of interests and approaches. Each tells the story of the Church in his or her own way and the variety of this material reflects the diversity within the Church of Ireland itself … This book achieves the remarkable task of covering every parish or union/group of parishes, with illustrations of over two thirds of all the churches.”
Dr Claude Costecalde, says: “Informed and inspired by the past, the Church of Ireland looks forward with confidence and eager expectation to the future. This illustrated book presents its rich heritage and history in an attractive contemporary style that will appeal to every generation. It reveals at the same time the modern presence of the Church in every diocese. The Church of Ireland – An Illustrated History is a record of the past with an invitation to reflect on the life of the Church in the twenty–first century.”
Photo caption: Pictured at the launch are the Bishop of Limerick, the Rt Revd Trevor Williams; Dr Claude Costecalde, publisher; the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke; and the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson.