Courts / Dublin / Report
Judge urges Archbishop and Minister to resolve differences outside of court
Summary
In a High Court hearing, Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy adjourned proceedings involving Rev Obinna Ulogwara and Archbishop Michael Jackson to May 25th, urging the parties to resolve their dispute outside of court. The judge suggested that Rev Ulogwara accept a pre-litigation offer to meet the Archbishop in a non-legal atmosphere, noting that both are members of the Church of Ireland and that there is no complaint regarding the Reverend's dedication to his ministry. She expressed hope that this adjournment would allow sense to prevail. Rev Ulogwara, a Bishop's curate who worked at the Parish of St George and St Thomas in Dublin's north inner city since 2010, is seeking an injunction to prevent the Archbishop from terminating what he claims is his employment. This dispute arose after the parish was amalgamated with the neighbouring North Strand parish due to a lack of funds. Rev Ulogwara alleges that the absence of assurances regarding his future damaged his well-being and breached his contract of employment, claiming he cannot be removed as a curate without an equivalent position. The Archbishop, represented by Tom Mallon BL, opposed the application, arguing that Rev Ulogwara is not an employee of the Archbishop or the church and did not have tenure at the former parish. While Rev Ulogwara's counsel cited a sworn statement from the Archbishop's predecessor, Dr John Neill, asserting the position was permanent, the Archbishop's legal team strongly contested this, stating the Reverend was not an incumbent. The case remains adjourned pending the proposed meeting.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Judge urges Archbishop and Minister to resolve differences outside of court. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- May 25th Other
- 2017-05-12 Publication
Why: Rev Ulogwara brought the proceedings against the Archbishop because he claims was not given assurances from the Archbishop about his future after the parish was amalgamated. CNI source report
Case subjects
Applicant
Outcome: Given that parties are members of a Christian Church, and that there is no complaint about Rev Ulogwara's dedication to his ministry, the judge said she hoped by adjourning the case to allow a meeting take place would allow "sense to prevail." After lawyers for both sides agreed to the judge's suggestion, the case was put back to May 25th next.
Applicant
Outcome: Given that parties are members of a Christian Church, and that there is no complaint about Rev Ulogwara's dedication to his ministry, the judge said she hoped by adjourning the case to allow a meeting take place would allow "sense to prevail." After lawyers for both sides agreed to the judge's suggestion, the case was put back to May 25th next.
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