Church synod to debate blight of sectarianism

The annual Church of Ireland Genral Synod gets underway today with subjects ranging from sectarianism to poverty up for debate.

Delegates from both sides of the border will attend the three-day meeting in Armagh.

Among the bills presented, the Synod will be asked to consider proposals for the funding and appointment of child protection officers in the North and the Republic.

There will also be a motion focusing on support for Christians living in the Palestinian Territories.

It will recognise the right of all people to live in peace with justice and call for the synod to condemn the harsh treatment of Palestinians, both Christian and Muslim, by the Israeli authorities.

Ecological practice and the church, Christian unity and ecumenical relations, education, reform in the North and developments in the South and issues regarding disability will also be discussed.