General Synod 2023
The Church of Ireland’s General Synod was held on the 12th and 13th May 2023 in the heart of Wexford and the Pioneer Ministry team were there to meet and connect with people, share the vision of Pioneer Ministry at the meeting as well as for vote on the motion for the establishment of the Pioneer Ministry Council.
Bishop Ferran Glenfield (Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh) proposed the motion and Rev Canon Gillian Wharton (Booterstown and Mount Merrion) seconded the motion. The Pioneer Leadership Team was delighted that members of General Synod then agreed the establishment of the Pioneer Ministry Council, a key step forward and one of the main objectives for the team.
The Council’s main objective will be to support the Pioneer Leadership Team through robust governance, financial sustainability, overseeing the application process for pioneers and their projects in a transparent way, communications and ensuring safeguarding compliance.
The members of the council are: Rt Rev David McClay, Joe Kelly, Canon Dr Maurice Elliott, Rev Isaac Hanna, Very Rev Stephen Farrell, Hilda Connolly, Alan Williamson, Robert Neill and Rev Abigail Sines.
As well as the business in the room, it was a great opportunity to connect with and meet lots of people interested in and inspired by the potential of Pioneer Ministry in the Church of Ireland and the stand was buzzing with chat and questions.
People were able to take away leaflets with all the important information about Pioneer Ministry, such as the vision – ‘to reach those with little or no connection to church’ - as well as the five objectives and how to get involved. The Pioneer Ministry pens which were a particularly big hit! Many also signed up to our newsletter in order to stay informed.
As always, to stay in the loop with all things pioneering in the Church of Ireland, sign up to our newsletter, follow us on Instagram and get in touch with any questions or to find about more about the pioneers training programme or Learning Hubs.
