Celtic fringe gets to the heart of the matter
Forget the Edinburgh Fringe, it's all been happening in Douglas, Isle of Man, between 5 and 8 October this year at the bi-annual meeting of Celtic Bishops from Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
Hosting the gathering of 13 bishops, which included two Archbishops, the Right Reverend Robert Paterson, Bishop of Sodor and Man, said that he was delighted to welcome them to the heart of the Celtic world, where Manx Gaelic was once again being used in church services. There was much of common interest and practical value which they were able to share, in addition to offering a different model of mission to the wider Church.
The bishops, who were together for three days of meetings and discussions on matters of mutual interest in the Anglican Communion. Topics covered included the role of bishops and clergy, living with diversity, involving young people, inter-diocesan links and mission. In between business, they found time to visit Tynwald, the Isle of Man's parliament, and travel by steam train from Douglas to Port Erin. Our own Bishop Harold was among the representatives from the Church of Ireland.