Peter harney
Resignation and Appointment to Edmund Rice International
I was nominated by the Brothers in 2007 to join the group that set about discerning leadership for the new Oceania Province and was subsequently appointed to the position of Deputy Province leader by Philip Pinto. The move to establish the Oceania Province had been carefully planned over the previous six years to ensure a smooth transition. Since October 2007 I have had the privilege and honor to share life and ministry with Vince, Julian, Dean, Joe, Chris and Paul. It has been a time of planning, actioning and building a sense of belonging to a wider and very diverse Oceania community. After 4 years in leadership much has been put in place to ensure the Province serves the needs of the brothers, the wider ERN and especially those who suffer disadvantage through unjust structures and societal exclusion leading to lack of opportunity and a decent way of life.
I find that it is now time for me to stop, take stock, look around and within, to peer attentively into the present moment and seek future possibilities. So over the past few months I have been discerning, with spiritual and professional accompaniment, where the Spirit is calling me to be and how I might better serve the larger earth community. The recent visitation by Philip Pinto, Peter Dowling and Francis Hall afforded me the opportunity to explore in some depth the broader needs of the Congregation. After much reflection and prayer I have responded positively to Philip's invitation to join the Edmund Rice International Team (ERI) in Geneva in 2012 after the resignation of Br Denis Claivaz, a Presentation brother, following his election to the Presentation Brothers Leadership Team. The appointment to ERI is for 3 years effective from February 2012. I am familiar with the ministry of the ERI team as I have been a member of the Edmund Rice International (ERI) Board for the past 3 years.
My decision to resign from the OLT has not been easy but one that I feel is grounded in a deep sense of who I am and what I am being called to at this time in my life. One of the real gifts of being in leadership in Oceania has been to get to know the brothers from every region and many in the Edmund Rice Network. I ask for your prayerful support as I take this next step in my life as brother.
| Statement from Province Leader |
Peter Harney (23/09/2011)
