The House of Bishops of the Church of Ireland meeting Monday in Dublin
appointed the Revd John McDowell, Rector of St Mark's Dundela in the
Diocese of Down and Dromore as the new Bishop of Clogher, to succeed the
Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, who was recently enthroned as the new
Archbishop of Dublin.
The appointment of the new bishop had passed to
the House of Bishops as the Episcopal Electoral College which met on 4
May failed to make an appointment.
Announcing the appointment of
the Revd John McDowell, the Most Revd Alan Harper, Archbishop of Armagh
and Primate of All Ireland, said: 'I am delighted that the House
of Bishops has appointed John McDowell to be the next Bishop of Clogher.
He has been an outstanding Rector in his current parish and also a very
highly regarded Clerical Honorary Secretary of the General Synod. John
McDowell brings many gifts that will benefit the Diocese of Clogher.
Gifts that are pastoral, administrative and intellectual. His new
Diocese can be assured that their new Bishop will maintain the best
traditions of the Church of Ireland with an openness to that broad
spectrum which is characteristic of this Province of the Anglican
Communion.’
Responding, the Revd John McDowell said: "I am very
conscious of the privilege of being elected a bishop in the Church of
God. My first task will be to get to know the clergy and people of the
diocese of Clogher, whom I look forward to serving. The parishes where I
have served have taught me much about the strengths of the Irish
Anglican tradition and I am particularly indebted to my first vicar, the
Venerable Stephen McBride for his encouragement and advice then and
throughout my ministry."
The Revd John McDowell also serves as the
Clerical Honorary Secretary for the Diocese of Down and since 2009, has
acted as one of the Clerical Honorary Secretaries of the General Synod.
He is married to Mary (daughter of the late Rev SR Jackson) and they
have one daughter Dorothy.
The consecration of the new bishop will
take place in due course, followed by enthronement in the diocesan
cathedrals in due course.