The Irish Council of Churches (ICC) has announced the appointment of
Dr Damian Jackson to the position of Programme Officer. This is a new joint initiative of the ICC and the Irish Episcopal Conference, with funding from Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. The role will be based in Dublin.
Dr Jackson holds a PhD in Christian ethics and migration studies from the Irish School of Ecumenics (ISE) in Trinity College Dublin, and has also held Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer positions with the ISE. He is a member of Adelaide Road Presbyterian Church in Dublin and currently sits on the Inter-Cultural Relations Panel of the Presbyterian Church. He has extensive experience in supporting inter-church and inter-faith relations and collaboration and has served as Chair of the Dublin City Interfaith Forum.
Commenting on his new role, Dr Jackson said, “I’m very excited to join the team at the The Irish Council of Churches and the Irish Inter-Church Meeting. There are many opportunities for churches to work together to serve their communities and address national issues. I look forward to working with them to build relationships, and to support collaboration and existing inter-church initiatives. When churches work together not only does it benefit the churches themselves, but also their society. Most of all, however, it is a powerful witness to God’s love and His ability to heal relationships.”
Welcoming Dr Jackson’s appointment, ICC General Secretary Dr Nicola Brady said, “The creation of this role represents a significant opportunity to raise awareness of the important work being done by Churches across the island of Ireland. It will support the strengthening of collaboration amongst different denominations. Damian brings valuable experience and expertise to this role and will be an important addition to the team.”
The Irish Council of Churches was founded in 1922 by Christian Communions in Ireland willing to join in united efforts to promote the spiritual, physical, moral and social welfare of the people and the extension of the rule of Christ among all nations and over every region of life.
The Irish Inter-Church Meeting is the formal meeting between the Irish Council of Churches and the Irish Episcopal Conference to develop and provide a voice for Ireland’s Churches to connect through a common belief in Christ. It is co-chaired by Most Rev Dr Brendan Leahy, Catholic Bishop of Limerick, and Rt Rev John McDowell, President of the Irish Council of Churches.
Churches currently represented are: The Roman Catholic Church in Ireland, The Antiochian Orthodox Church, The Church of Ireland, The Greek Orthodox Church in Britain and Ireland, The Lutheran Church in Ireland, The Methodist Church in Ireland, The Moravian Church (Irish District), The Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland, The Presbyterian Church in Ireland, The Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Religious Society of Friends, The Rock of Ages Cherubim and Seraphim Church, The Romanian Orthodox Church in Ireland, The Russian Orthodox Church in Ireland, and The Salvation Army (Ireland Division).