The clergy of Meath and Kildare joined with clergy in Bangor diocese for a two-day residential conference in Llandudno, on the north coast of Wales. It took place from 20th to 22nd November.
Some three years ago both dioceses formed a link relationship with each other. This has involved a number of visits to each other’s dioceses to learn from each other. It has also included a joint youth residential. These visits have usually involved up to a dozen visitors. The joint clergy residential is the most ambitious expression of the link, to date.
Similar priorities
Our dioceses share many demographic similarities, with both being largely rural, with some large towns. We also share the experience of the rest of the Anglican Communion on these islands, in having to respond to the changing place of the Church in society.
Bangor diocese has three priorities:
- Nurturing disciples
- Growing new ministries
- Welcoming children, young people and families.
‘Together in God’s love transforming lives’ is the vision of Meath and Kildare. Under this it also has three priorities:
- To develop discipleship:
- To develop different models of ministry:
- To deliver practical action in our local communities, delivered across the diocese.
The themes of the conference grow out of our shared emphasis on nurturing discipleship.
Over the three days, the clergy from both dioceses explored ways of forming missional communities. A keynote address and a series of workshops allowed clergy to explore different types of missional communities and different ways of engaging with those we live amongst.
It is hoped that both dioceses will be able to learn from each other in a time of change, as both dioceses seek to prosper and grow.
A full conference programme may be downloaded by clicking here
