News

Changes to Cathedral and Chapter

 

The Bishop of Clogher, the Rt Revd John McDowell announced the following diocesan appointments on 30th September 2016.

'I am delighted to be in a position to announce that Canon Brian Harper, rector of Magheracross has accepted my invitation to become the new Archdeacon of Clogher following the move by the Revd Helene Steed to take up an incumbency in the Diocese of Down. Brian was ordained in 1986 and has served in rural parishes in Armagh and Clogher throughout his ministry. He brings a wealth of experience to his new post, and has enjoyed the confidence of his colleagues as Clerical Honorary Secretary of the Diocesan Council and Synod.' Archdeacon Harper said "It will be an honour to serve the Diocese, Bishop, colleagues and parishes in the office of archdeacon. I hope and pray that I will be worthy of the responsibility entrusted to me."

Archdeacon Harper's prebend (Tyholland) is to be filled by Canon Geoffrey Bridle, rector of Cleenish and Mullaghdun who has served most of his ministry in the Diocese and who welcomed his new appointment as an "opportunity to contribute more fully to the life of the Cathedral Chapter.'

Canon Bridle's canonry without prebend is to be filled by the appointment of the Revd Kyle Hanlon, rector of Fivemiletown. The Bishop commented that "following his curacy in Bangor Parish Kyle has served in the diocese as rector of Dromore and for the past ten years as rector of Fivemiletown and deserves this recognition of his service to the diocese. Canon Hanlon said "In accepting this appointment, I remember and thank the many people who have encouraged and supported my ministry in the parishes of Dromore and Fivemiletown. My family and I have enjoyed living in the south west of Northern Ireland during the last sixteen years, and look forward to what God has ahead.'

The Dean of Clogher, the Very Revd Kenny Hall has welcomed the appointments. He said 'I have known both Canon Bridle and Canon Hanlon for the last six years since my appointment as Dean and I recognise that they have served in the diocese for many years prior to that. Canon Hanlon having initially served in the parish of Dromore for six years, and latterly as rector of Fivemiletown since 2006. During his time in the diocese he has contributed to the work of both the Diocesan Youth Council and the Diocesan Board of Religious Education, a board for which he worked significantly on the compilation of the Kid's Guide to the Book of Common Prayer. He served as rural dean of Kilskeery Rural Deanery for a time, and currently serves as a clerical member of both Diocesan Council and General Synod.

Canon Bridle has also served as a clerical member of Diocesan Council during his time in Clogher Diocese, and he is a clerical member of General Synod. Since moving to Clogher Diocese in 1999 he has served as rector of the Grouped Parishes of Cleenish and Mullaghdun.

Archdeacon Harper and I have known each other for over thirty years and we have ministered together in both the dioceses of Armagh and Clogher as well as travelling together to visit the Church of Sudan and the Church of Uganda - both his faith and experience will enrich the life of our Diocese as he serves in this senior post. Since his appointment as rector of Magheracross in 2012 he has been involved with many aspects of diocesan life, he currently serves as a Honorary Secretary of both Diocesan Council and Diocesan Synod, he is the Diocesan Director of Ordinands, is a member of General Synod and it's Standing Committee, and has served as Prebend of Tyholland on the Cathedral Chapter since 2014. He is also a Diocesan Nominator and a member of the Representative Church Body.'