On Sunday 5th February 2006, Bridget Spain was licensed as a minister in the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church of Ireland, following five years of arduous part-time preparation.
As part of her training, Bridget studied for a Diploma in Religious Studies with the Open University, achieving a pass at 2/1 level. She has also undertaken work on Biblical Studies, World Religions, Unitarian Thought & History, and Contemporary Spirituality.
Her licensing was an historic occasion because Bridget is the first female minister ever to be licensed by the Synod of Munster, and one of only a few from the south of Ireland. It was a lovely occasion too, enjoyed by members of the Dublin congregation, and Bridget’s friends and family. Rev.Bill Darlison, as Moderator of the Synod of Munster, delivered the call to ministry. To mark the occasion Bridget was presented with a beautiful stole that was specially designed for her. It incorporates all of what Bridget is and her beliefs. Parts that Bridget alone will understand, there are two identical panels on the four inch width at the front, each fall is fifty two inches long.
The design incorporates the reversing circles from the heart of Newgrange where it is illuminated once each year at the Winter Solstice. This design could also be said to emulate the Buddhist beliefs of continuous renewal, ever reversing entwining circles, rising from within the circles is the Unitarian Challis entwining in the cross of St.Bridget in the flame of knowledge.
Three of the arms of the cross have the Emblem of the Harps of Ireland mirrored so as to form a leaf shape. If you scribe a line round the outside you make the shape of a shamrock.
St.Bridget’s cross with the Harps is repeated on the back collar supported in the symbol for the female form and the glymph of Bridget’s birth sign alongside.
On Sunday 5th March 2006, Bridget took her first service as a minister in the Dublin Church.
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