Commentary on the Constitution of the Church of Ireland

The Church of Ireland, which was disestablished in 1869, is governed by its Constitution, a document which, while understood as an important point of reference, is seen by many members of the Church as somewhat mystifying and inaccessible.  Over the years, the Constitution now includes a considerable body of what is, in effect, statute law for the Church.  This Commentary on the Constitution has been compiled to make it more readable and also to offer suggestions as to how future legislation might be handled, making the language of the Constitution in future enactments more user–friendly in the context of the twenty–first century, and synodical procedures simpler to utilise.

In the words of Archbishop Richard Clarke, above all, the intention of this publication is ‘to make the Constitution a document which the members of the Church of Ireland may feel “truly belongs to them”…’ now and in the years ahead.  As well as illustrated chapters covering all aspects of life of the Church of Ireland, the volume contains a History and Glossary, a list of resources available from the RCB Library, and annexes on areas of the Constitution and Church law with potential for reform and on the legislative process.

The current Church of Ireland Constitution may be viewed on: www.ireland.anglican.org/constitution

• Publisher

  Church of Ireland Publishing

• Year

  2018

• Cover

  Hardback

• Pages

  175

• ISBN

  978-1-904884-65-1