Death of Ecumenical Pioneer
A Church of Ireland rector who was one of the churchmen who controversially held secret talks with Sinn Fein and Provisional IRA leaders in Feakle in 1974, has died at the age of 79. Canon Bill Arlow spent most of his ministry in the Diocese of Down and Dromore serving in St Patrick's, Ballymacarrett; St Patrick's Newry and St Donard's, Belfast.
Canon Arlow was deputy secretary to the Irish Council of Churches and it was in that capacity that he was part of the Protestant delegation at the meeting in Feakle, Co Clare. The historic meeting brokered an eleven day Christmas ceasefire and led to a truce that lasted several months. He was also instrumental in leading negotiations with the German churches which eventually led to the purchase of the Irish Council of Churches premises at Elmwood Avenue in Belfast. As an ecumenical pioneer he was appointed Ecumenical advisor at St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast and for five years was the Church of Ireland's Central Advisor on Christian Stewardship.
The funeral service was held on Saturday 29th July 2006 in St Columbanus, Ballyholme. The rector of Ballyholme, Canon Alan Abernethy gave the funeral address (click here for full text). Canon Arlow is survived by his wife Pat and children Carol, Brian and Michael