The Bishop of Clogher has announced a new initiative to promote vocations in the church.

The Right Revd Dr Ian Ellis made the announcement during his presidential address at the Clogher Diocesan Synod on Thursday, September 26.

During his address, Bishop Ellis reviewed changes in clerical personnel over the past year, highlighted the impact of global conflicts on communities, and spoke of the need for positivity in church work.

He also emphasised the importance of denominational education in schools and reported on the Diocesan Review of parish structures.

Bishop Ellis is the joint patron of Monaghan Collegiate and recently became chair of the Board of Governors of Enniskillen Royal Grammar School.

He spoke about the vital link these roles create between the church and the wider community.

In his address, Bishop Ellis also spoke about the Diocesan Review, which is the most important change process in the diocese.

He explained that the last review took place in the early 2000s during Bishop Michael Jackson's episcopacy.

The Diocesan Council has decided that 2024 is a good time for a comprehensive review of the structure of parish organisation across the diocese.

A review team, comprising members from every rural deanery in the diocese, has been set up and is already conducting consultations in parishes.

An online survey has also been opened to allow any Church of Ireland member of the diocese to submit their views.

The review team will analyse the responses from the various consultations and report to the Diocesan Synod in 2025.

Bishop Ellis also expressed gratitude for the work of the Holy Spirit in calling Peter Booth from Ardess parish to the ordained ministry.

Bishop Ellis ordained Mr Booth in St Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen, on September 8.

Mr Booth will serve a year as a deacon intern in Derryvullen North and Castle Archdale parishes.

Bishop Ellis has also announced plans for a vocation conference in the new year.

The conference aims to present the full range of responses to the call of God on the life of every baptized member.

Bishop Ellis expressed his gratitude to Archdeacon Paul Thompson for his support and practical approach to challenges faced in parish and diocesan life.

He also thanked Lord Ben Stephens for his role as Diocesan Chancellor and for his expertise in addressing legal queries.

In his recent pastoral letter, Bishop Ellis addressed issues such as street protests, the rise of hate crime and intimidation, and the spreading of fear around topics of racial diversity and immigration.

The letter, signed by all bishops serving in Northern Ireland, thanked clergy and parishioners for their hard work in caring for all neighbours, often in challenging circumstances.

It concluded by encouraging practical ways to put into practice the teaching of the Parable of the Good Samaritan and to stand with those in need.

Bishop Ellis's address at the Clogher Diocesan Synod highlighted various important aspects of church life, from education to community care, and set the stage for future developments in the diocese.

As the church navigates these changes, the bishop's leadership and vision will be crucial in shaping the future of the diocese.