Latest News from the Church of Ireland Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross

The Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, Dr Paul Colton and members of the Diocese recently met online with the Bishop of Lichfield, Dr Michael Ipgrave OBE and members of the Diocese of Lichfield to discuss their ongoing relationship. 

The link between Lichfield, in the Church of England, and Cork, Cloyne and Ross goes back to 2018 and since then several possibilities of connecting parishes, cathedrals and schools have been discussed. Upon the outbreak of Covid-19 many of these plans had to be put on hold, but equally, new opportunities have arisen. 

The pandemic and consequent lockdowns have accented the importance of communication and relationships and at the online meeting the parishes of Perton in south Staffordshire, and Carrigaline presented their approach to forming a lasting relationship during these times. The two parishes connected and stayed in communication via virtual pulpit swaps, quiz nights in aid of the Mother’s Union and Christian Aid, and the exchange of Christmas Cards among other things. 

The sharing of prayers across both dioceses is an essential part of this link and  several other ideas about youth work, the eco agenda, charitable giving, and civic connections were exchanged during the meeting. 

Both dioceses are eager to further strengthen their existing link and after praying together, the meeting ended with a final blessing by Bishop Michael. 

As part of the Journey in Self-belief project, the Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, Dr Paul Colton, has recently been interviewed by Paul McFadden, a former news anchor for BBC Radio and freelance journalist. The project was created by Maynooth University to encourage self-reflection in the Protestant community in Ireland. 

Bishop Colton talks about commemorating events in Irish history from 100 years ago, drawing on his own experiences as a Protestant growing up in Cork, and on the extensive connections he has within the community he serves. 

He discusses how the close historical proximity to the decade of World War One and the War of Independence causes a ‘rawness still for some people’ and that an awareness for the sensitivity of the subject is essential. He also points out how far Cork has come in terms of ecumenism and that this decade of centenaries is an opportunity for remembrance and reconciliation.

In this spirit, the Bishop explains how St Fin Barre’s Cathedral became a World War One remembrance space from 2014 to 2018 and how recently it was transformed into a neutral commemoration space as part of the Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross’s ‘Centenaries, Commemoration and Reconciliation Project’.

At the end of the interview the Bishop says:

“Our population dropped very significantly in this centenary period that we’re talking about, but you’ve got to be what you are and fulfil the calling that you believe has been given to you, regardless of the numbers. And small numbers of people can do significant things and be part of a rich tapestry.”

You can read the full interview here.