Church court to rule on 'doubting cleric'

The bishop (second left) suspended the dean (far right)

The Church of Ireland's Court of the General Synod is to meet on Monday to decide the future of a vicar who does not believe Jesus was the human son of God.

The court will meet in Dublin in a public session to determine the fate of the Dean of Clonmacnoise and Rector of Trim in the Republic of Ireland.

The Very Reverend Andrew Furlong said he did not believe Jesus was the incarnation of God.

His unconventional views on Christianity, which were made last year, startled his congregation, colleagues and his bishop.

His authority as a priest was withdrawn for three months to give him time to reflect on his beliefs.

Beliefs

Last month, Mr Furlong declined an invitation from his bishop, the Most Reverend Richard Clarke of the diocese of Meath and Kildare, to resign.

He once served as a curate at St Mark's Church in Dundela in east Belfast.

The rector said from a scientific perspective, everything which existed on earth had a limited life span.

Mr Furlong said he was aware these were very precious beliefs to many people and that he was betraying the central message of Christianity.

He said his thoughts were ones he had held for 30 years.