I am delighted with the news that Bishop John McDowell has been elected as the new Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh. I wish Bishop John my sincere congratulations and assurance of my prayers. In due course I look forward to welcoming him to Armagh, and wish him God’s blessing as he begins a new chapter in his ministry.
I have known Bishop McDowell for several years and have already worked closely with him in his previous role as President of the Irish Council of Churches. Bishop John also joined me on a cross-community centenary pilgrimage with young people to the Somme and other significant First World War sites back in 2016.
I very much look forward to working with Bishop John in the months and years ahead. His predecessor Archbishop Richard Clarke and I had a very positive working relationship and we often remarked that, even though there are two St Patrick’s Cathedrals in Armagh, there is only one St Patrick! I hope that Bishop John and I can nurture a similar, shared mission in proclaiming the joy of the Gospel as brothers and friends. Here in the parish and diocese we shall pray for him in the coming days, and especially over the Feast of St Patrick.
I take this opportunity also to once again wish Archbishop Richard Clarke the very best for a happy and healthy retirement.
+ Eamon Martin
Notes to editors:
- Archbishop Eamon Martin is Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Dromore.
ENDS
For media contact: Catholic Communications Office Maynooth: Martin Long +353 (0) 86 172 7678 and Brenda Drumm +353 (0) 87 310 4444.
