The Right Revd Ken Clarke, Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh, has been appointed as the new full-time Mission Director of SAMS Ireland (South American Mission Society). He will take up the post later this year and continue as bishop of his diocese until the Autumn. Bishop Ken Clarke is in his twelfth year as Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh, having been elected as bishop on the 13th November 2000.
On the announcement of his appointment by SAMS Ireland, Bishop Clarke said: ‘I have been immensely privileged to serve in this Diocese. I have found many wonderful people who love their Church. We have a great team of clergy, Diocesan staff and hard-working volunteers. With my wife Helen, I have experienced love and loyalty in Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh. We are thankful to God for the many friendships made here. This year in our Diocese the theme is mission and I am looking forward to helping in many of the planned initiatives. For that reason I will not be leaving the Diocese until later this year in the Autumn.’
He continued, ‘I believe that God has called me to become more involved in SAMS Ireland and world mission. I am keen to develop and deepen links with Anglicans in South America and in other parts of the Anglican Communion. The development of leaders and the facilitation of missional opportunities will be amongst my priorities. My links with SAMS Ireland stretch over most of my forty years in ordained ministry and I have served as Chairperson since 1993. This new post will be an immense but exciting challenge.’