23.10.2022
Report on cultural diversity in D&G to be launched today
Online viewing details and download the report here
The Lord Looks on the Heart, Part 2: International Voices from the Church of Ireland parishes of Dublin & Glendalough is the report of research conducted by the Revd Prof Anne Lodge which was carried out as part of her Self–Supporting Ministry in the dioceses.
If you cannot attend the launch in person it can be viewed on the Cathedral webcam: https://christchurchcathedral.ie/worship/live-video-stream/
You can download a copy of the report here.
In October 2020 the first part of this report was launched. It described the outcomes of a survey of parish incumbents about cultural diversity and presence of international people in their parishes. It the extent to which cultural diversity was now embedded in a significant minority of parishes in Dublin & Glendalough. It also indicated the global nature of the cultural diversity that makes up Anglicanism in our United Dioceses.
Among the recommendations made in that report was the need to follow up the initial survey to hear the voices of some of those international people who belong to our parishes. But the Lord Looks on the Heart, part 2 gives voice to the insights and experiences of some of our fellow Anglicans of international origin. This report also details visits to two parish support activities and commitments to newcomers in their localities, many of who have fled from places of conflict.
In his introduction to the report, Archbishop Michael Jackson writes: “In reading this study, I ask that you pay particular attention to the voices of participants. Their courage and conviction, their faith in God, in themselves and in the future are the primary evidence that makes possible any assessment and any recommendation. Their reasons for being in Ireland are private, complicated and sometimes excruciatingly painful. Front and centre in their voices are the combined energy of open–hearted welcome and care, being entrusted with responsibility and sustained belonging. This three–stage journey asks the fourth question of the diocese and the parishes: How can those who have moved in their self– understanding from being recipients of care to being givers of care be integrated into the full range of lay and ordained ministries in the diocese where they are eager to serve alongside their neighbours? How will the diocese hear their voice? We see in what they say that the simplest sharing builds family belonging. These voices are the voices of today and of tomorrow – here and now.”