OMAGH CHURCHES FORUM Co-chairs: Canon R Clarke & Fr E Hasson (Charity No. 106243) Annual Report 2023 Throughout the year the Forum has continued to meet on a regular basis but with reduced attendance by some lay representatives. At the annual general meeting the Co-chairs changed to Canon R Clarke and Fr E Hasson. Although the annual meeting appointed Mrs H Watson as Treasurer she has been unable to fulfil the role fully as there has been severe delays with the bank in getting the signatories changed. To date at the end of December 2023 the problem has not been resolved. At the annual meeting there was general discussion about how the rotation of Co-chair role when rotation in the Protestant tradition moves beyond Presbyterian and Church of Ireland. The Christian Unity servi in January was well attended and a substantial donation made to Women's Aid Centre. The Forum was saddened in May to record the death of a founder member Fr Kevin Mullan and tribute was paid to his enduring support of the work of the Forum throughout the years. The Forum, with Fermanagh & Omagh District Council. hosted a series of lunchtime seminars on social enterprise activities in other parts of the province. A number of Forum members travelled on a study visit to see the community support work of and similarities1differenS at the Skainos centre, Belfast and the Newtownards Centre. There was considerable work by the Clergy of the Forum in supporting separate groups and shaping the format for Omagh bomb 25° anniversary memorial Community servi which was led by the Co-chairs of the Forum. The Co-chairs also supported the families at a private commemoration on the actual anniversary. During Good Relations Week the Forum led an inter church walk for members and the community around the four main churches at the one end of the town with themes including Creation, Community. World Needs and Health. The evening ended with a time together over a cup oftea. The November meeting was followed by a laughter Yoga session but numbers attending were small due to other commitments. Clergy took part in theAnnual Remembran Service and two members ofthe Forum attended the wreath laying event at the town n0taph. Towards the end of the year members gathered for lunch to say farewell to Rev Robert Herron as he retired and moved away from the area. The Forum is grateful for the support it has reiVed from Fermanagh Omagh District Council officers plus the very valuable input from Mrs Eileen Gallagher, Irish School of Ecumenics. Esther Millar Sec.
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