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 similarities1differen￿S 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 re￿iVed from Fermanagh Omagh District Council
officers plus the very valuable input from Mrs Eileen Gallagher, Irish School of Ecumenics.
Esther Millar
Sec.