A statement from the Diocese of Down and Dromore regarding the Theological Working Group
On 25 June, the diocese was pleased to announce the membership of the Theological Working Group, which will examine the theology of the Royal Black Preceptory and the theology of Bethel Church, Redding, California. It is as follows:
- Canon Dr Christina Baxter (Chair), formerly chair of the House of Laity in the Church of England, and sometime principal of St John’s Theological College, Nottingham
- Dr David Shepherd, assistant professor in Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, Trinity College Dublin. Formerly principal of Belfast Bible College. Member of Kill O’the Grange Parish
- Canon Dr Heather Morris, Home Missions Secretary, Methodist Church in Ireland, and former President of the Methodist Church
- The Very Revd John Dinnen, formerly Dean of Down
The Working Group will be gathering information and studying the organisations concerned from a theological perspective, and hopes to be able to conclude its work by the autumn. Bishop Harold Miller has already asked that this be considered a period of ‘gracious provisional judgement’ about both organisations.
We request that everyone concerned helps the Working Group to progress its work quickly and efficiently, for the sake of all.
If you wish to make any submission, please be in touch with the secretary to the Working Group, Mrs Jan Peach, by writing c/o Church of Ireland House, 61–67 Donegall Street, Belfast BT1 2QH, or by email to theologicalworkinggroup2015@outlook.com
It will not be possible to communicate directly with the individual members of the group.
Bishop Miller said: “Please pray for the group as its work begins, and remain open with regard to its conclusions. I know that all the members of the group are serving with a spirit of openness and integrity.”
Dr Christina Baxter said: “As a lifelong member of the Anglican Church, it has been a pleasure to learn more about the Church of Ireland in recent years, and this opportunity to Chair the Working Group will enable me to understand it more deeply. I am praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we begin our work.”