29.10.2026
News from D&G Synods – Day of Reflection on Achievements and Planning for Future
Exploring a vision for the future of our dioceses was the focus of our reimagined and revitalised Diocesan Synods on Saturday October 17. Clergy and lay representatives of every parish in Dublin and Glendalough filled the sports hall of Alexandra College with the buzz of conversation between old friends and reflected on new developments and points of celebration within the dioceses and parishes.
Following the Synod Service of Holy Communion in St Philip’s Church, Milltown, Ruth Gyves, Dublin Lay Honorary Secretary got proceedings underway. Explaining that the new extended Saturday synod was as a result of consultation, she said their aim was for members to leave with a full heart and bring enthusiasm and hope back to their parishes. “As we go through today our desire is that you would think ahead to see how we can develop our dioceses into the future.
Archbishop Michael Jackson set the scene with his Presidential Address in which he spoke of a common mission and vision for the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough and its parishes. The vision the dioceses need is not a product, he suggested. Rather it is a journey of belief. During the past year of prayer and consultation, he suggested that the dioceses had learned a lot about who we are and who we are yet to become. It has also provided a focus for the future. You can read more about the Archbishop’s address on our website here: https://dublin.anglican.org/news/2026/10/17/diocese-and-parish-a-common
The Archdeacon of Glendalough opened with prayer and a reading from Scripture and Garrett Casey BL was appointed Assessor for Synods. This being a triennium year, there were a series of elections and more will be conducted by postal ballot in the coming days.
Synods elected the following as Honorary Secretaries: The Revd David White, Dublin Clerical; the Revd Jack Kinkead, Glendalough Clerical; Ruth Gyves, Dublin Lay; and Derek Neilson, Glendalough Lay. The following were elected as Honorary Treasurers: Lily Byrne, Dublin; and Emelina Dunne, Glendalough.
Kieran O’Mahony OSA Remembered
The passing of theologian and friend of the dioceses, Fr Kieran O’Mahony OSA, was noted by Synods. Archbishop Michael Jackson described his early death as a sadness to all of us and his friendship to the Church of Ireland and Dublin and Glendalough as “second to none”. A motion in the name of the Revd Kevin Conroy (Stillorgan and Blackrock) and the Revd Leonard Ruddock (Irishtown and Donnybrook) acknowledging the significant and important contribution Kieran made to Christian life and witness, and to ecumenism in the dioceses and throughout Ireland was passed by members.
Work of Diocesan Councils
The purpose of Diocesan Councils is to manage the United Dioceses through its own work and that of its sub committees, Derek Neilson (Calary) explained. Proposing the report of Diocesan Councils he said its work could be summed up in two phrases contained in the annual report: ‘Serving the Mission of the Dioceses through good governance, stewardship and strategic leadership’ and ‘Practical support, faithful stewardship’.
Mr Neilson noted the changes councils had made over the past three years to meeting the increasing regulatory and governance challenges and said this work would continue as would the work of serving and supporting parishes.
He noted the development of the Mission Strategy for the dioceses and commended the work of Pioneer Ministry in Dublin and Glendalough and the three pioneers who serve here – Shane Maguire from St Catherine’s, Aaron Halliwell in Crinken, and Shamiso Chigorimbo in Kilternan.
The work of Safeguarding and the new Allocations Sub Group which met those seeking funding from Diocesan Councils was commended. One of Councils’ aims for the future is to provide a comprehensive guide to grants, allocations and financial supports relating to property and other areas of parish life, he noted.
Mr Neilson thanked all who responded to the survey which sought to assess the arrangements and effectiveness of Synods. Recommendations included the setting up of a Synod organising team, the result of which was Synod taking place on a Saturday rather than on a weekday evening, in a new type of venue, with a revamped annual report. He hoped members of Synods found the new format engaging.
Diocesan Councils’ priorities for 2027 include supporting the Mission Strategy for the Dioceses; providing induction for new members of Councils; working with Select Vestries on specific areas; addressing the administrative burden on parishes; strengthening risk management, compliance, budgeting and accounting; working with and supporting entities funded through Councils; providing support to parishes; developing clear communications with parishes; supporting the work of the staff of the Diocesan Office; and reviewing this year’s Synods.
Speaking to the report, Canon Gillian Wharton (Booterstown and Carysfort with Mount Merrion) addressed the area of clergy wellbeing noting the wonderful care provided for clergy at times of crisis through an initiative of the Archbishop. Diocesan Councils also have provided a fund for clergy to be “journeyed with” through their ministry by which clergy are refunded for a set fee for sessions with an accredited specialist of their choice. “Clergy often hear very tough stories,” she said. “They should be accompanied at least once a quarter. The take up has not been what we thought it might be. Maybe clergy feel they are being judged but those of us who have done it have not felt judged. So I say to my colleagues: you are worth this.”
Geoffrey Perrin (Rathmichael) commended the production of the new look annual report which he described as vibrant and engaging.
Alan Rhodes (Tullow) requested a timeframe for the priorities set for the coming year for Glebes, Property and Finance. Alice Jorgensen (Raheny) requested information on the revised methodology for parish assessments. Lilly Byrne informed members that Councils commissioned a review of assessments in 2025, the previous review having taken place in 2014. A group has been set up and it is expected that subject to approval of Synods a new model would be introduced in 2027.
Diocesan Board of Education – Patronage Survey Examined
The recent survey on patronage by the Department of Education and Youth was put under the spotlight when the deep impact of the ethos in Church of Ireland schools was underlined by the Revd David Bowles.
Proposing the report of the Diocesan Board of Education he observed: “Our schools are thriving centres of learning that care deeply about the pupils who attend. Indeed, our schools are whole communities that only work due to the partnership of staff and parents alike; not to mention the very strong links between schools and their local parishes. Research has shown the high levels of parent satisfaction with our schools time and again, yet many outside of our own Church of Ireland community do not seem to know about the significant and positive impact our schools make. In a time where we have seen much turmoil and change in education, we need to focus on highlighting all of the good work going on in our schools. We need to re–examine our ethos (something we all know is there but can at times, be taken for granted),” he stated.
Recent surveys on school patronage had been much debated, he said. But he raised a number of key questions which he said should be asked of any survey to ensure that its findings are trustworthy. These included asking if the questions in the survey were clear and unambiguous; and if are there sufficient respondents to ensure a representative response. He contended the Department of Education survey ran into trouble in both regards.
Mr Bowles suggested that it was not certain how parents interpreted the denominational or multidenominational question. Many would argue that our schools are already multidenominational, he said pointing out that the Patron’s Programme was agreed by four different Patron bodies. He said admissions policies are clear about the welcoming and inclusive nature of our schools regardless of belief. Also, schools can provide access to space after school for First Communion training for Roman Catholic pupils. “All of these realities mean that we look multidenominational in practice,” he commented.
Added to this was a poor average response rate across the whole database of schools. The average response rate for the whole database was 15% of parents per school, he said. However, he said, the Church of Ireland sector was an outlier with schools and principals actively encouraging parental participation out of a sense of duty. This resulted in an average of 33% of parents at Church of Ireland schools responding.
“All of that concern aside, we could perhaps view this as an opportunity to double down on what is good about our schools, and to think of how we now communicate this to a wider societal audience; who could be forgiven for confusing us with other models of religious patronage in this country. It may, even be timely to look at our priorities for funding as a church and how we can best equip our school patrons to hold their own in a time of Instagram, social media, PR and spin,” he said.
Mr Bowles commended Dr Ken Fennelly’s support to schools with the help of Susan Ellis. He welcomed the appointment of Christine Cody as Patrons’ Officer. He encouraged increased allocation of resources. He paid tribute to Christine Richardson who is retiring after almost 12 years as secretary to the board and wished her successor Emelina Duffy well.
He also welcomed the increase in capitation funding for both primary and second level schools. He urged an increase in capitation to match inflation in future so as to avoid schools finding themselves in such dire straits again. He called on Government to listen to pleas for lower teacher pupil ratios. He noted schools’ responses in recent years to the proportion and severity of presentations of additional needs in classrooms. He said that buildings, funding and staffing all needed to be provided to ensure schools are properly resourced to support pupils with additional educational needs. He also hoped the current debate regarding SNA roles and contracts could be agreed as schools could not operate without them.
Welcoming the return of the annual Church of Ireland Primary Schools Management Association conference, Mr Bowles said it was a wonderful opportunity for Board of Management members to meet, support and collaborate. He commended Canon Prof Anne Lodge for all the work she had done in guiding the Church of Ireland pathway B Ed, through the incorporation of the Church of Ireland Centre in DCU. He wished Dr Jacqui Wilkinson every success as she takes over as Director of the Centre. He urged principals to be aware of the grants the board offers. He also thanked the Patron (the Archbishop of Dublin) for his steadfast support of the schools.
Discussion on the report saw the pressure on clergy to sign Protestant affiliation forms for access to secondary schools in Dublin and Wicklow raised. The Revd Ruth Elmes (Dalkey) said that the ‘Proddy’ route was seen as the ‘golden ticket’ for getting a child accepted into certain secondary schools. This resulted in clergy feeling threatened and coerced into signing active Protestant affiliation forms for people who were not active members of the parish. (See separate report on our website here.)
Canon Prof Anne Lodge said that the Department of Education survey had been demoralising and suggested that the Church of Ireland needed to do a better job of branding “our invitational openness” as Anglican. She added that in the near future she would be encouraging all schools to take the Five Marks Challenge, based on the Five Marks of Mission of the Anglican Communion.
Archbishop Jackson acknowledged the strength of feeling and intensity of pressure regarding the Protestant affiliation forms and said he was happy to work with the Board of Education and others in developing a technique to saying no while not closing the door to people becoming part of the parish.
Encouraging Stories from the Dioceses
Members of Synods heard news from two parishes, one in Dublin and one in Glendalough which highlighted how challenges and opportunities in their communities could be met.
The Revd Colin McConaghie, Rector of Castleknock and Mulhuddart with Clonsilla, spoke of his parish’s ministry in an area which is experiencing among the highest population growth in the State. He said that the parish sees its mission as both local and global and with an approach that is rooted in prayer and worship they strive to fulfil both goals.
The Revd Alistair Doyle, Rector of Arklow, Inch and Kilbride, said the Church’s mission was simple – to make God known. To further this mission he offered two suggestions. He urged parishes to develop a culture of invitation noting that if you as someone to come to church the answer may be ‘yes’ or ‘no’ but if you don’t ask the answer will always be ‘no’. He went on to outline his concept of ‘ministry by wandering about’ meaning that he wanders about Arklow on a Friday offering a visible presence in the community.
You can read more on this story here.
Lay Readership – A Gift and Calling
The valued role of Diocesan Lay Readers was under the spotlight at Synods with the Joint Wardens of Readers, Canon Prof Anne Lodge and the Revd Conor O’Reilly, highlighting their work.
The Revd Conor O’Reilly began by paying tribute to the Revd John Tanner for his years of dedication to Diocesan Lay Readers until his retirement. He described a Diocesan Lay Reader as an occasional liturgical role for lay persons who are commissioned and licenced by the Archbishop. They provide support across the dioceses covering services during sick leave, holidays or vacancies. “Diocesan Lay Readership is both a gift and a calling. Like any application process, not all applicants will be successful and those who find that their applications are unsuccessful should not see it as rejection but should listen to the Spirit to see if there is another role.
Canon Prof Lodge informed members of Synods that they had fully updated the list of Diocesan Readers for Rural Deans to enable the system to work more effectively. They are also seeking to handle Safeguarding requirements in a smoother way and streamlining expenses, she said.
Looking ahead she said they are considering a retreat for Lay Readers and hope to develop a charter for how relationships are manged between clergy and Lay Readers. She noted that their recent survey of Lay Readers revealed that almost all Diocesan Lay Readers are over 61 years of age and the lack of young people was noted. She commended Lay Readers like Edward Lewis who was commissioned in 1965, and David Williams who passed away earlier this year, who had given their entire lives to serve in this capacity. She said younger Readers needed to be encouraged and anyone interested in exploring Lay Readership should contact their Rector. They are planning to shorten the training to make it more focused, she added.
Safeguarding – Embedding New Policy
Dublin and Glendalough’s Safeguarding Regulator, Clark Brydon, gave members of Synods an update on Safeguarding developments. He commended parishes saying that last year’s Annual Safeguarding Returns were completed so well that the Dioceses were complimented by Church House. The new Church of Ireland Safeguarding policies, while great, brought challenges and could be overwhelming for clergy and volunteers, he noted, but he urged cooperation. He said his priority was to support volunteers, Rectors and parish panels. Going forward his priorities are embedding the new policies, developing a new diocesan training policy, and strengthening oversight of vetting of clergy and readers.
Ministry of Healing – Finding Solace and Hope
Healing services provide an opportunity to share with people who are at a particular stage in their own journey, Archdeacon Ross Styles told members of Synods. He added that healing comes in many forms and very often it simply brings a sense of peace. As chairperson of Dublin and Glendalough’s Ministry of Healing, he proposed the board’s report noting that they aspire to growth and, apart from weekly services in Christ Church Cathedral, they resource services around the dioceses. They also support the training of people in prayer ministry.
Archdeacon Styles thanked all the prayer ministers and clergy who make healing services possible and highlighted the monthly online prayer course which all are welcome to join. He also commended the dedicated intercessors who pray for healing for those on their list and said that more intercessors were always needed.
Adele Sleator (Howth) told members what it means to be a prayer minister and said that in the Church of Ireland prayer ministry is usually delivered in pairs in a church context. “It is a privilege and humbling being a prayer minister, it can sometimes be a bit scary and risky and sometimes I find that the prayer flows and sometimes it doesn’t. But it is my job to pray and it is God’s job to take the prayer and answer it in whatever way he sees fit. People can find great solace and hope in having their need brought to God,” she commented.
Services take place in Christ Church Cathedral on Thursdays at 12.45pm and there is a monthly service in St Nahi’s, Taney.
Speaking to the report, the Revd Nigel Pierpoint announced an update to the hospital chaplaincy arrangements at St Vincent’s Private Hospital and said that chaplaincy service could continue there. He thanked the out of hours chaplains who enable 24 hour cover.
Renew, Release, Reach – Diocesan Mission Plan Unveiled
A prayerful roadmap outlining the vision for the spiritual growth of Dublin and Glendalough was unveiled at Diocesan Synods. Members of Synods and all people of Dublin and Glendalough are invited to join the journey and shape the future of the dioceses at a ‘Vision to Action’ evening on Sunday November 15 at 7pm in Gathering Grounds at Kilternan Parish Church.
“The mission plan brings together diverse parishes, ministries and communities to grow the Church and communities. It aims to ensure that resources in the dioceses are not merely managed but directed. A good mission plan should inspire us, unite us and enable us to move from a church focused on surviving to a church focused on thriving,” he said.
The new video highlighting Dublin and Glendalough’s priorities was premiered and you can watch it here:
Following consultation, the committee identified six priorities:
· Developing a new focus on mission,
· Investing in young people and intergenerational faith,
· Strengthening welcome, hospitality and inclusion,
· Renewing prayer, worship and discipleship,
· Equipping every member ministry and sustaining clergy wellbeing,
· Collaborating and stewarding resources well for the purpose of mission.
These are all outlined in the newly publishes Vision and Priorities leaflet, you can download the leaflet here
You can read the full report on the Mission Plan here.
Youth and Children’s Ministry – Plentiful Resources for Parishes
Dublin and Glendalough Youth Council
Supporting local youth ministry is the aim of DGYC and Dublin and Glendalough’s Youth Ministry Coordinator, Emma Fawcett is prepared to travel to every corner of the dioceses to support parishes.
She encouraged members of Synods to ask themselves where they see their teenagers spend their time. “I would love that answer to be Sunday morning worship. But school is a lot of their time, then work, sport, homework… There is a lot of pressure on our teenagers and we expect them to come to us. But our challenge is to go to them,” she explained. “We want to be involved in young people’s lives outside Sunday morning, outside what we expect them to do. We expect our young people to fit in to what we want to do in church and they struggle with that.”
Outlining upcoming events she highlighted the Book of James devotional which has been written by young people for teens. DGYC had two fantastic interns last year. Following on from the recent Big Day Out in Tallaght, opportunities for young people to gather in the coming months include Winder Madness in Dublin in February and Summer Madness in July. DGYC are hoping to step into secondary schools to support teenagers there.
Children’s Ministry
The Revd Cathy Hallissey told Synods that the last year had been really good in Children’s Ministry. At Synod they distributed welcome packs for churches and she said that they have a huge amount of resources available for parishes. She encouraged all with an interest in children’s ministry to join their WhatsApp channel which is a source of many resources. She also encouraged members to look around their own parishes to see who could go forward to lead children’s ministry. “This is one of the most important ministries in our church,” she said.
Final Words
Archbishop Jackson drew Synods to a close by thanking the principal of Alexandra College, Barbara Ennis, for facilitating their meeting in the school. He thanked the many people who had contributed to the day from Worship in the morning to those who addressed Synods. He thanked the Archdeacons, Honorary Secretaries and Treasurers, Garrett Casey for acting as assessor, and the Diocesan Secretary.
The Revd David white thanked Alex, Ms Ennis and the team of staff and helpers who made the day run so smoothly. Archdeacon Styles thanked the Archbishop for presiding.