Author: Paul McFadden

The Cathedral Chapter of St Eunan has been restored to its full complement of Canons following a service in Raphoe on Tuesday evening, 24th June 2025, during which Rev Canon David Skuce was installed as Prebendary of Clondehorkey, succeeding Rev Canon David Crooks who retired last August.

Clergy from other denominations mingled with parishioners from the Dunfanaghy, Raymunterdoney and Tullaghobegley Group of Parishes, members of some of Canon Skuce’s previous parishes and members of his family as he was led to his stall in the Cathedral by the Dean of Raphoe, Very Rev’d Liz Fitzgerald.

There were a number of references during the service and at the subsequent supper to the new Canon’s prowess in the kitchen – he has a deserved reputation as an accomplished cook – but, in his sermon, the Rt Rev’d Dr Ian Ellis gave an insight into Canon Skuce’s pastoral strengths, too.

The two men first met after quitting their teaching jobs to begin training at the Church of Ireland’s theological college in Dublin in 1986. About a week ago, they celebrated the 36th anniversary of their ordination, along with seven others from their year group.

Bishop Ellis gave the congregation a potted history of Canon Skuce’s career in ministry. “A good number of students in our year group at college were ordained on the Feast Day of St. John the Baptist, on the 24th of June, 1989. David was ordained curate for Glendermott Parish in Derry Diocese, alongside David Griscome and David Slater, who were in our year, and I, along with two others, were ordained for Armagh on the same day. After three years, David was appointed Rector of Drumholm, Kilbarron and Rossnowlagh Group of Parishes, also in Raphoe Diocese, here. Then, in 1999, David became Rector of Urney, or Sion Mills, in Derry Diocese, and then in 2006, he crossed over into Clogher Diocese to become Rector of Maguiresbridge and Derrybrusk parishes. In 2016, David was appointed Rector of Inishmacsaint Parish, also in Clogher Diocese, and then in 2019, he returned to Raphoe as Rector of the Dunfanaghy Group of Parishes – a full circle from his first parish in this diocese.

“And, as we recall David’s ministerial career and the various postings,” the preacher said, ” we can see the diversity of the parishes in which he has ministered. It has been a long and dedicated term of service to the Church of Ireland and, within the various dioceses, too, he has made a unique contribution to diocesan life, taking part in many committees and serving as rural dean, for example. So, this installation as Canon of Raphoe, is a well deserved acknowledgement of David’s faithful ministry to parishes and dioceses in the Church of Ireland.”

Bishop Ellis gave the congregation an insight into life in the Theological College in the late 80s. “Now, in the close quarters of learning together in the college,” he said, “we got to know one another really well, and we got to know David’s little ways. But what stood out was his abundant kindness and his thoughtfulness, his sense of fun, and, it must be said, his enjoyment of a good argument. I think, most of you know that.

“David has also given great leadership in church life. In Clogher Diocese he was Rural Dean and, over the years, he helped to organise and run the diocesan pilgrimage trips to Israel, to Jordan, to Rome and to other places, trips which brought much enjoyment and inspiration to so many others in the Diocese of Clogher. And the stories of the escapades of the trips are still remembered today.

“David has always shown dedication in his following of the call, and I guess that may have come from the example of his father, Archdeacon Leonard Skuce, who was a highly respected Rector in Clogher Diocese. David grew up in the rectory in Inishmacsaint Parish, and it’s lovely that his brothers and sister have joined us today, along with the wider family circle. And it’s also fascinating to think that he was a Rector in that parish church for a spell, closing another little circle of life for him.”

Practical kindness and thoughtfulness shone through everything that Canon Skuce did, the Bishop said, often at great cost to his own time. “He’s…been a true and a caring friend to those of us who trained with him and with many others whom he served with on the way of ministry. Many of us have enjoyed David’s kind hospitality in his many rectories and had meals in those rectories, too. He is a great host and he has a motto for cooking: anything can be cooked for 180 degrees for an hour and a half – [“No, no, two hours,” Canon Skuce interjected] – no matter what it is, that’s all that’s needed. He also had a great interest and still has in motorcycling – quite fanatical – although I never risked a journey on the back of the bike.”

Bishop Ellis recalled Canon Skuce’s support for the Creeslough families, following the explosion in the village almost three years ago which claimed 10 lives. His presence and support was particularly visible towards the bereaved families in the aftermath of the explosion, the preacher said, as he comforted relatives along with Fr John Joe Duffy .

“All clergy discover that when they come out of college, life for our parishioners is much more challenging than it is for us. Life is rarely lived in straight lines and the things we thought as students were black and white issues rarely turn out to be so. A lot of ministry is about being with people and sharing their joys and helping them to stand through tough times, to say the things that they’re unable to articulate and to offer a listening ear and a compassionate word or voice. In the words of Archbishop Michael Ramsay, ministry is about representing the people before God and representing God to the people.”

“David, you have faithfully and quietly served our compassionate Good Shepherd and we thank God today for the comfort and hope that David brings in his ministry and to his contribution to the church. We are so pleased that Bishop Andrew has bestowed this honour upon him, and I know it will mean so much to David and to his family as he takes his place in his canon’s stall, knowing that the decades of ministry have been recognised and appreciated. David, may the one who called you to his service all those years ago, continue to bless and sustain you in your ministry.”

The readings at Tuesday evening’s service were delivered by Rev Canon Harry Gilmore, Rev’d Canon Mervyn Peoples and Dunfanaghy parishioner Mark Alcorn. Music was provided by the Cathedral Choir, accompanied by Mrs Renee Goudie on the organ.

Following the service, refreshments were served in the nearby Cathedral Hall, where the congregation enjoyed food and fellowship, and listening to speeches by Dean Fitzgerald, Canon Skuce and Bishop Forster.

There’s an old adage which holds that good things come in threes and that was certainly the case in Kilrea, this evening, St Peter’s Day (Sunday 29th June 2025), where – on an historic evening for the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe – three women were ordained by Rt Rev’d Andrew Forster as priests of the Church of Ireland.

In the vestry of a sweltering St Patrick’s Church, Rev’d Linda Hughes, Rev’d Eleanor Craig and Rev’d Gillian Millar fanned themselves with their orders of service before making and signing their declarations of assent in front of the Bishop and the Diocesan Registrar, Rev’d Jonathan Brown.

It was, Bishop Andrew said, a joyful occasion, and he encouraged the three women – who had followed the Ordained Local Ministry path to this evening’s service – to relax and savour the occasion as they prepared to process into the church to be priested. The church doors were left wide open to allow air to circulate among a huge congregation, comprising clergy and parishioners from many parts of the diocese.

The service was organised by the Rector of the Parishes of Kilrea, Tamlaght O’Crilly Upper & Lower (the K.I.T. Group), Rev Gary Millar, whose wife, Gillian, was one of the women being ordained. The service was led by Bishop Andrew, who was assisted by the Archdeacon of Derry, Ven. Robert Miller and Rev’d Canon Carmen Hayes (who was Bishop’s Chaplain for the evening).

In his sermon, Bishop Andrew referred to the historic nature of the service. “This is actually the third ordination in the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe this month,” he said. “I hope a historian of this beautiful church in Kilrea will be able to tell me if there has been an ordination here before. But what a wonderful setting, tonight, in this beautiful church, as we gather with the sun still shining to give God thanks for how his love has shone so brightly in the lives of Gillian, and Eleanor and Linda, and how his love shines so brightly from them. That’s what we’re here tonight to be thankful for, and we’re here tonight to thank God for the gift of ordination.”

Bishop Andrew shared the same advice with tonight’s ordinands as he did at the two previous ordination services in the diocese this month. “Pray, pray again and keep praying. And when you don’t want to pray, pray. And when you feel like giving up in praying, pray. And when you find praying hard, keep praying. Keep praying. You are called to be people of prayer. You are called to pray for the people you are serving. You are called to pray for your own ministry. You are called to pray for greater holiness in your lives. You are called to pray for the in-flowing of God’s spirit in your lives and in the lives of those people you serve. Prayer must be at the heart of all Christian ministry because without it, it is only empty words.”

Today was St Peter’s Day and the Bishop said the occasion allowed us to identify with that great leader of the church and to find lessons for each of us. “Peter’s a remarkable man. He’s a man who walked on water – and then began to sink. He was a man who confessed that Jesus was the Christ, the son of the living God – he was the first man to do that – and then he denied that he ever knew [Jesus].” In Peter, Bishop Andrew said, I actually think for all of us as followers of Jesus Christ we can see ourselves. “We can see the paradoxes and the anomalies. We can see the hearts filled with the desire to serve and yet, at times, the hearts so reticent to serve. We can see ourselves in him as people so keen to speak out and yet, at times, so nervous about speaking out. But the wonderful thing is that Peter is somebody whom Jesus Christ never gives up on. And tonight we have a church full of people whom Jesus Christ will never give up on – even if you think he has, or even if you don’t think you deserve his love.”

Bishop Andrew recalled Jesus’s question to Peter: “Who do you say that I am?” It was, the Bishop said, the most important question to the soul of every man and woman. “And Peter says, ‘You are the Christ, the son of the living God.’ And from that, the Gospel just changes, it steps up a gear. And Jesus says to him, ‘You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.’

“That confession of Peter as to who Jesus was is the rock and for Linda, and Gillian and Eleanor, long ago in their lives they confessed to Christ and he has been the rock of their lives. I hope that’s true of all of us, when we have answered that question – but who do you say that I am – and our response is that ‘You are the Christ, the son of the living God.’

“Because when we say that, that confession is the rock on which we can build our lives. It is a rock that brings hope in pain, that brings light into the deepest darkness, that brings love over hatred, forgiveness over sin, cleansing from guilt, he gives purpose, he gives identity, and he allows us to grow more like him. His name is Jesus and he is the rock. Is he your rock? Is he your rock tonight? He is the rock of these three remarkable women, tonight. He is the rock of their lives. He is the rock, the foundation, on which they’re not only to build their own lives but to build the life of the church.

“You know, I often find, sometimes very uncomfortably, that Scripture – the Bible – becomes like a mirror for us. We read Scripture and we see a mirror that opens up the truth of our own lives, and sometimes that can make us uncomfortable. I see it in Peter so much: he gets it right and then he gets it wrong. He knows failure and he knows success. He knows joy and he knows pain. It sounds familiar, doesn’t it? It’s all of our lives, isn’t it?

“You know, in the challenges of ordained ministry – in the cost that is ordained ministry, as well as the privilege – all of us gathered here tonight who have the joy of being ordained know that at times we get it right and at times we get it wrong. We’ve known failure as well as success. We’ve known joy as well as pain. And that will be true for Eleanor, for Gillian and for LInda.”

Bishop Andrew said Peter’s denials of Jesus were among the most celebrated failures in Scripture. “The truth is that each one of us is a bit like Peter: we deny Jesus at times by our words and by our actions. And yet Jesus doesn’t give up on us.”

The music for tonight’s service was provided by the K.I.T. Group’s choir, accompanied by Barkley Thompson on the organ and Melissa McCombe on the piano. The readings were read by Joshua Monteith, Clara Monaghan and Valerie Ferguson.

After the service, the congregation enjoyed refreshments in 1st Kilrea Presbyterian Church Hall.

Members of three parishes in Donegal came face-to-face ‘officially’ with their new Rector for the first time, on Friday evening (20th June 2025), as Rev’d Johnny Lowden was instituted as the incumbent of the Stranorlar, Meenglass & Kilteevogue CofI Group in the beautiful Finn Valley.

It was a glorious evening for a service marking the end of a two-year vacancy which arose when the previous incumbent, Rev’d Adam Pullen, left in June 2023 to become Rector of Fanlobbus Union in the Diocese of Cork. Since then, Rev’d Canon Mervyn Peoples had been providing vacancy cover.

For the new Rector, who was born in Bangor but grew up in Downpatrick, his appointment represents a new and exciting challenge after almost three years as a curate in Glendermott and Newbuildings: he will be serving in a rural community, in a different jurisdiction, as he gets to know his new flock.

Friday evening’s service was led by the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev’d Andrew Forster, who spoke of its significance not just for the parishioners of the Stranorlar Group and their Rector, but for Rev’d Lowden, his wife, Emily, and for the whole diocese. Bishop Andrew was assisted by the Archdeacon of Raphoe, Ven. David Huss, the Dean of Raphoe, Very Rev’d Liz Fitzgerald, and the Diocesan Registrar, Rev’d Jonathan Brown.

The sermon was preached by the man who had mentored Rev’d Lowden ever since his ordination to the priesthood in September 2022, the Rector of Glendermott, Rev’d Canon Robert Boyd MBE, who was at pains to remind the Group’s parishioners of their own responsibilities as followers of Jesus Christ. “Ministry is not just the Rector’s responsibility,” he told the congregation, “it is a joint ministry of Rector and parishioners, and the Rector is here to encourage and build up the ministry of this parochial group.”

This was an “exciting time” for this Parochial group, the preacher said: “a new term of ministry after a time of vacancy; a new start for Johnny and Emily, and for you the parishioners. Johnny is unknown to you, the people of this group, but I pray that in the not-too-distant future you will find him a faithful preacher and a supportive pastor to you, as he seeks to build you up in the faith of the Risen Lord.”

There was a moment of characteristic levity, from Canon Boyd, as he commended the new incumbent to his new parishioners. “Rev’d Johnny has paid me well,” he joked, “not to spill the beans on what he is like, (sorry, hold for a moment just to check if the money that he promised has transferred). So, you will have to find out for yourselves all his good points that I have instilled in him as his training Rector and – if there are any bad points – they have nothing to do with me; blame the Diocese of Connor for those during his Deacon year.”

Rev’d Lowden would be missed, Canon Boyd said, in the Parish of Glendermott with its two churches, Glendermott & Newbuildings. His quiet pastoral attention in times of need had been gratefully appreciated by those at the receiving end. “I have no doubt that those who will receive his pastoral care in the future will understand what I mean.”

One of the Scripture readings in Friday’s service reminded clergy and lay people present of some of St Paul’s last words, shared in his letter to Timothy. “Anticipating the executioners, Canon Boyd said, “[Paul] passes the baton to his young friend, Timothy, and entrusts to him the next lap of his race. ‘Preach the Word. Be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.’

“What a charge. ‘Preach the Word.’ He sounds that first – because it is first. There is no higher calling. Johnny, the Bishop will be reminding you of those words later in this service. The words are a charge – a charge to Timothy. The authority of Paul to make this sacred charge is Jesus Christ. Listen to him in verse one: ‘In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His Kingdom, I give this charge.’

“Among all the things you do, Johnny – or any licenced preacher – nothing should have more of your attention, time, and energy than preaching the Word. Don’t allow yourself to become dull to this great opportunity that is yours.”

Canon Boyd said he believed that Paul’s conviction was that they could not fulfil their ministry without doing the work of an evangelist – one who shares in word, deed, and sign, the good news of Jesus Christ – the good news that redeems us from sin, makes us whole, and transforms us into participants in God’s Kingdom enterprise. “There’s nothing casual about our calling,” the preacher said. “You can’t approach this calling, this ministry, as a profession that you carefully prepare and plan for, calculating every move with your vestry or bishop. We’re talking about vocation here – passion – a fire burning in your belly that shapes every move you make.

“Rev’d Johnny, and the parishioners of this Group – fulfil your ministry: be evangelists and share the good news.”

The parishioners of Stranorlar will hopefully enjoy getting to know their new Rector. He comes from a family who are well-known in the guitar-making business and he, himself, is steeped in music. Describing himself as passionate about preaching, sacramental ministry, and social justice, Rev’d Lowden says he is eager to help others to deepen their faith and apply it in daily life.

“It is quite something,” Bishop Andrew Forster said this evening, “to come into a building as Mr James Shiels and to leave it as the Reverend James Shiels.” The Bishop was preaching to the congregation in Glendermott Parish Church in general, and addressing James in particular, at his Ordination Service as Deacon. “It is quite something,” the Bishop said, “to take that step and feel that difference that the laying on of hands brings this evening.”

The newly ordained minister now begins service as a Curate in Glendermott and Newbuildings Church of Ireland under the guidance of the Rector, Rev Canon Robert Boyd. Canon Boyd was, himself, singled out for praise by the Bishop at the outset of the service having been honoured with an MBE less than 48 hours earlier in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

There was rapturous applause as Bishop Andrew remarked that in over 20 years of friendship he had rarely seen Canon Boyd blush. “Robert, we’re just delighted – really thrilled – and all your friends, all the family here in Glendermott and in the Diocese are so pleased at this recognition of the man you are and the service you give. You are somebody who always goes beyond and above, and always goes the extra mile and we are thrilled that the King has bestowed on you this wonderful honour. And in congratulating Robert I also want to pay tribute to [his wife] May because if ever it’s true that behind every man there’s a great woman, it’s true in this instance. Bless you, May.”

Bishop Andrew said this evening’s Ordination Service was a significant occasion not just for James, his wife Julie, their son Clark and their family circle but for the parish, the diocese and the whole Church of Jesus Christ. He welcomed the many people who had helped James both discern and live out his vocation in Christ. “It is lovely, also, to have Rev Dr Paddy McGlinchey with us this evening from the Church of Ireland Theological Institute. The Theological Institute do a wonderful job in the formation of clergy and Paddy you’re very welcome; it’s good to have you with us and please always be assured of our support and prayers for the work of the Institute.”

The new deacon’s wife, Julie; son, Clark; and parents Mary and William, were in church to support this important step in his ministry. Sitting in the same pew as the new deacon was another ordinand, Matthew Campbell, while watching with interest in the centre of the church was Rev Canon Walter Quill who was appointed curate in Glendermott 65 years ago this month.

Tonight’s was the second of three ordinations in the diocese this month. In his sermon, Bishop Andrew described ordination as “a joyful but weighty experience”. It is joyful, he said, because it is a moment of stepping forward: stepping forward into greater ministry; stepping forward in your own personal discipleship; and stepping forward into what you believe in your heart that God has called you to, and that the church has validated through its selection and training and appointment of you as a Curate. “It’s also a weighty moment because you realise the responsibility, you realise what you are called to do, and you realise that to work in partnership with God in a parish is a great thing.”

The Bishop assured the new Curate that the parishioners of Glendermott and Newbuildings Church of Ireland would quickly take him and his family into their hearts; they would care for him; they would nourish him; and they would support him.

Bishop Andrew also described ordinations as a time of celebration and a time of anticipation. “Tonight as we celebrate, James, we joyfully anticipate all that God has for you in the years that lie ahead as you serve him. An ordination reminds us that we – the Church of Jesus Christ – all of us are bearers, carriers, of the Good News, that we share light where there is darkness, we share hope instead of despair, we bring purpose instead of disillusionment. Tonight, as we celebrate and anticipate, we delight in the power of the Gospel to bring salvation and hope to a needy world; and we anticipate the power of that Gospel, ministering through God’s servant James in this parish and beyond in the years that lie ahead.

Members of parishes which have featured in the new Curate’s journey of ministry – from the Parish of Agherton (Portstewart), and the Parishes of Donaghmore St Michael (Castle Caulfield) – travelled to support him this evening.

Bishop Andrew was assisted in the service by Glendermott’s Rector, Canon Boyd; the parish’s outgoing Curate, Rev Johnny Lowden; two Deans – Very Rev Raymond Stewart (Derry) and Very Rev Liz Fitzgerald (Raphoe); and Diocesan Registrar, Rev Jonathan Brown. Parish Reader Margaret Boyd delivered the First Reading. Joanne Miller from Church Army gave the New Testament Reading; and the Archdeacon of Armagh, Ven. Peter Thompson, read the Gospel. Music was provided by the Glendermott Parish Choir, accompanied by organist May Boyd.

Following the service, the congregation crossed the road to the Canon Kelly Hall for refreshments and speeches, and for presentations to the new Curate’s wife, Julie, and their young son Clark.

The Rector of Glendermott and Newbuildings, Rev Canon Robert Boyd, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Canon Boyd is one of 70 people in Northern Ireland recognised by the King for their service and achievement.

Canon Boyd’s award was given “for services to the community in County Tyrone and County Londonderry”.

“I am honoured and shocked at the announcement,” Canon Boyd said. “I have been involved in the scouting movement for over 40 years, and served on ten different school boards of governors and sat on various community groups and organisations over the years. But I never, ever thought I would receive such an honour.”

The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster, said he was delighted by the news. “This honour is thoroughly deserved,” Bishop Andrew said. “Robert is a gifted pastor and a fine church leader who gives of himself unstintingly in his service of God and His people, and indeed of the wider community. We, in the diocese, are well aware of his willingness ‘to go the extra mile’ for people, although Robert rarely steps into the limelight. It is wonderful to see his service to the community recognised now by King Charles. I am delighted for Robert, as, I’m sure, his parishioners will be.”

Among other people from Northern Ireland recognised in this year’s list were Astrophysicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, who is to be made a Companion of Honour “for services to Astronomy and Physics and to Diversity”; road racing legend Michael Dunlop, who gets an MBE “for services to Motor Cycle racing”; and Coleraine centenarian Norman Irwin, awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) “for services to the community in Coleraine, County Londonderry”.

A piece of history was made in St Eunan’s Cathedral Raphoe, this evening, as the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe’s “newest priests” were ordained to the priesthood in the Ordained Local Ministry (O.L.M.) by Rt Rev Andrew Forster.

It was “a privilege and joy” the Bishop said, to be with Rev Brian Robinson and Rev Sean McClafferty, on St Barnabas’ Day, for “this very significant and special occasion”.

It was standing room only in the cathedral as family members, friends and parishioners from the various parishes in which the two men served previously as deacons came along to share that joy that Bishop Andrew spoke about and to lend the two new priests their support. The service was especially important for their home parishes, the Bishop said, “where your faith has been nurtured and where that vocation was born and grew to bring you to this point of ordination.”

Among those looking on with interest in the church were Rev Eleanor Craig, Rev Linda Hughes and Rev Gillian Millar who will be ordained to the priesthood – also in the Ordained Local Ministry – in St Patrick’s Church in Kilrea on Sunday 29th June, and Glendermott and New Buildings Church of Ireland’s new curate, James Shiels, who will be ordained to the diaconate in Glendermott Parish Church next Sunday 15th June.

Wednesday evening’s service was led by Bishop Andrew, who was assisted by the Dean of Raphoe, Very Rev Liz Fitzgerald, the Archdeacon of Raphoe, Ven. David Huss and the Archdeacon of Derry, Ven. Robert Miller.

In his sermon, the Bishop said it was a significant and special occasion for the whole church of Jesus Christ. He said Ordained Local Ministry was a new form of ministry that had been absolutely blessed by the Holy Spirit.

Turning to the two ordinands, Bishop Andrew said: “Today is both a milestone in your personal discipleship and it’s also a signpost for the ministry that lies ahead of you. Today as we ordain you in the name of Jesus, be assured of our prayers and support for the ministry that stretches ahead of you.”

This evening’s was the first of three ordination services in the diocese in just over a fortnight, and the Bishop said he wondered what the advice he could give was for people being ordained. “It’s pretty basic advice,” he said, “it’s pretty obvious advice, and it’s the advice I’m sure that your ordained colleagues in the front rows here would say to you this evening, and it’s this: to pray, to keep praying, and whenever you feel you’re exhausted in prayer, pray again.

“Keep praying. Pray for yourself, pray for your family, pray for the people you serve. Pray for others. Keep praying. Because it’s in our own prayers that we find our spiritual life enlivened and strengthened, and it’s within our own prayers that we come to discover the heart of God for those whom we serve in ministry.”

Music for this evening’s service was provided by the Cathedral Choir, accompanied by organist Renee Goudie and afterwards refreshments were served in the Cathedral Hall, a short walk away from St Eunan’s.

Half a century of service in episcopal ministry was celebrated this morning (on St Columba’s Day) when a congregation gathered for a Choral Eucharist in St Columb’s Cathedral to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the consecration of Bishop Robin Eames.

Lord Eames served as Bishop of Derry and Raphoe from 1975 to 1980, and thereafter as Bishop of Down and Dromore, and Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland from 1986 until his retirement in 2006. He was consecrated in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, on 9th June 1975, by Archbishop George Otto Simms, at 38 years of age.

The service was led by Most Rev John McDowell, the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland and the preacher was one of Lord Eames’ successors as Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster. Bishop George Davison (Bishop of Connor), Bishop Ian Ellis (Bishop of Clogher), Bishop Patrick Rooke (formerly Bishop of Tuam, Killala and Achonry), and Rt Rev Ken Good (former Bishop of Derry and Raphoe) were also present, while Archdeacon Mark Harvey (Archdeacon of Dromore) represented Bishop David McClay (Bishop of Down and Dromore).

Scripture was read by Bishop Forster and Dean Shane Forster (Dean of Armagh), and intercessions were led by Ven. Robert Miller (Archdeacon of Derry).

A reception was held afterwards in the Chapter Room, giving many representatives from parish life in the diocese, and guests who had travelled from elsewhere, the opportunity to congratulate Lord Eames, Lady Christine Eames and their sons Michael and Niall.

𝘉𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘱 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳’𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘸:

𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴: 𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘴 15: 1–6 & 𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘯 12: 20–26

We gather in St Columb’s Cathedral this morning with deep thankfulness, full hearts, and in the profound joy and privilege of our shared faith in Jesus Christ. And we gather to mark today a remarkable anniversary – an anniversary that is almost unique in the Anglican Communion.

To put that in some sort of context, if the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe decides to do the same thing for me after 50 years of episcopal ministry, I would be 102.

Back on the feast day of St Columba, in 1975 in the Cathedral Church of St Patrick’s, Armagh, the Primate (the saintly George Otto Simms) consecrated a young man to be the bishop of this diocese. I know that for you Robin, for Christine, for Michael and for Niall, this diocese has always held a very special place in your hearts. You always talk about it with such love and affection and warmth. I can fully understand that warmth and affection for Derry and Raphoe.

Three weeks before Robin was consecrated, the redoubtable Canon John Barry (remember him? Cromlyn?) wrote this in his column in the Church of Ireland Gazette. I quote:

‘We have appointed a really young bishop and how often over the years have we pleaded for just that, asking that a man should be elevated on account of what he might do in the future, rather than a sort of reward for what he has done in the past. An era of great promise has opened up for the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe and indeed for the Church of Ireland as a whole.’

Those words, in some way, were prophetic because that age of great promise certainly opened up. They would come to be true and, in that, it is so fitting that we gather here today to give thanks to Almighty God for you, Robin, and to give thanks to you Robin for all that you have given because in your ministry, you opened up great promise for the people of God and those outside the Kingdom of God here and far beyond this diocese.

Now, just a few hundred yards from here, in 546AD, Columba built his monastery in the oak grove in Derry – and we the people of Derry say that it was his favourite monastery, and we’ll hold to that one!

Columba was born about 30 miles from here in Gartan and he would go on to become the church planter, the evangelist extraordinaire. His vision was of monasteries, abbeys, to be places of good news, of light and hope, amidst the tribal tensions and the dangers of ancient Ireland.

The Gospel reading for St Columba’s Day encapsulates so much of what we saw in that saint’s life and ministry. ‘Sir, we would see Jesus.’ The simple heartfelt request from the Greeks who had come to worship becomes a turning point in the Gospel of John. It is more than simply curiosity, it was a desire for a heart–encounter with the true heart of God.

Now, Jesus’ response to the disciples when they bring these Greeks to him, who have asked this question – ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus’ – is quite striking because he doesn’t just offer a sort of a simple invitation or a simple little bit of teaching. Instead, he speaks to these interested people, these interested followers, of glory through suffering, of a grain of wheat that must die to bear fruit, of following him through the cross–shaped path of discipleship.

Jesus talks of both the cost of faithful ministry and the fruit of faithful ministry in these few short verses. He speaks of the kind of life that draws people to himself, not just in word but in sacrificial love.

‘Very truly I tell you,’ says Jesus. ‘Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a single grain but if it dies, it bears much fruit.’

Columba had a life of great conviction but actually it was also a life marked by deep failure as well. After a conflict with his cousin Finnian over a copy of the Book of Psalms, it led to what became known as ‘the Battle of the Books’ – the Battle of Cúl Dreimhne – which happened on the slopes of Benbulben in County Sligo, when 3,000 people died.

Columba, in this terrible state of guilt and shame because of that, decided he would have to leave Ireland. And not far from here – just up the coast in Inishowen – he left with 12 of his friends and followers and they ended up, as we know, in Iona.

And there this man, broken by failure and guilt, discovered that failure is not final. In the light of Christ, shame loses its grip and hope takes root. What may have seemed like failure and banishment became the birthplace of revival. Like the grain of wheat, the sacrifice became fruitful and Iona became that spiritual beacon across Scotland and Northern Europe.

Columba embraced his call – a call that would heal wounds, build communities of prayer and bridge cultures. Like the grain of wheat, his life multiplied in the lives of others.

Now that young bishop that Cromlyn spoke about, consecrated 50 years ago, stood and still stands in that same spiritual tradition as Columba. His episcopal ministry began in a time actually not unlike Columba’s – a time of uncertainty and division, of tribal violence and fear, during some of the darkest times in our recent history. And in some of the darkest times in this city, Robin, Christine and the boys moved here.

It was a time of great need for courageous leadership and deep spiritual vision. And in Robin the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe found that courageous leadership and deep spiritual vision that led them through a fracturing time and always, always – the hallmark of his ministry – always holding out hope.

Robin’s calling was not to the easy path but to the faithful one. Here in Derry and Raphoe, and throughout Ireland and beyond, he carries and continues to carry the Gospel not only in word but in character, with a heart for peace, a deep, deep passion for people, and a fierce commitment to reconciliation.

In times of conflict, he has pointed us to Jesus Christ the Reconciler both within the Church and outside the Church. In seasons of loss, he has spoken of hope. In the halls of power and in the humblest of parishes, he faithfully has borne witness to the Lord whom he continues to serve.

In Robin’s ministry, we see the very spirit of Columba – not clinging to prestige or position but embracing the life of a servant, not seeking admiration but striving to reflect the life of Christ. His leadership, like the seed in Jesus’ parable, has borne much fruit in the Church, in public life, in countless individual lives, in all of our lives.

And we give thanks today for those 50 years, for the bishop, the pastor, the peacemaker, the statesman of the Church, and perhaps most importantly for all us, the friend.

But I have to say that the legacy of Columba’s ministry in this place – and the legacy of Robin’s ministry in this place – is not something just to be admired. They are to be lived out. In this generation, the call remains: ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’

Who will carry the Good News wherever they go?

Who will speak peace into conflict?

Who will build bridges across divides?

That deep and ancient cry: ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’

Who will comfort the broken–hearted, lift up the lowly, seek the lost?

The answer, by God’s grace, must be us. Whether we are bishops, ordained or lay, young or old, we are called to be part of the great sowing of the Kingdom of God. And unless that grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains a single grain. But if it dies, it produces great fruit.

We’re called not to safety but to service, not to self–preservation but to self–giving. And may the Church of today and tomorrow be found faithfully responding to the legacy of Columba, to the ministry of Robin, that whenever we are asked ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus’, we will point them to the Light and Hope of the World.

Fifty years ago in St Patrick’s Cathedral, in Armagh, at the consecration service, George Otto Simms used this prayer and I want to read it to you now just to prove – if I needed to – that God answers prayer:

‘Almighty God, giver of all good things, who by thy Holy Spirit has appointed divers orders of ministers in thy Church, mercifully behold this thy servant, now called to the work and ministry of a bishop, and replenish him so with the truth of thy doctrine and adorn him with innocency of life, that both by word and deed he may faithfully serve thee in this office, to the glory of thy name and the edifying and well–governing of thy Church. Through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost world without end. Amen.’

God answers prayer and that prayer has been abundantly answered in your ministry, Robin, for which we simply want to say thank you.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

(𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘺, 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘳, 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘐𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥).

We, in the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe, have embarked on our biggest ever consultation exercise as part of our ongoing Diocesan Review. Bishop Andrew’s encouraging parishioners and clergy to complete this survey which will gather your views on a range of matters concerning the ministry, mission and future of the Diocese.

Your responses will be anonymous and will help shape the outcome of the review. We want to hear from the whole of our church family, whether you are a regular and active member of your parish or even if you attend services and events only occasionally. 

The questionnaire can be completed online between Monday 9th June and Wednesday 9th July (if you prefer, you can request a paper version from your local parish contact or from the Diocesan Centre).

Completed surveys – online or in paper format – must be submitted by Wednesday 9th July. 

To complete the survey, please click the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DRsurvey2025

Derry and Raphoe Mothers’ Union’s new President, Kaye Nesbitt, was commissioned by the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster, on Friday evening (6th June 2025), at a service in St Eunan’s Cathedral in Raphoe. The service was led by the Dean of Raphoe, Very Rev Liz Fitzgerald, and during it, two other Diocesan M.U. officers were commissioned – Heather Houston as Diocesan Vice-President and Richard Cotter as Diocesan Treasurer.

A large congregation, comprising members of branches throughout the diocese, converged on Raphoe for the service, which incorporated All-Ireland Mothers’ Union Holy Communion. The procession of banners at the beginning and end of the service always makes for a colourful spectacle.

The sermon was preached by the Very Rev Bob Key, retired Dean of Jersey, who paid tribute to global Mothers’ Union, describing it as “one of the greatest evangelistic bodies on the face of the earth”.

Vocalist Andrew White joined the Cathedral Choir in leading the worship, accompanied by organist Renee Goudie.

The MU’s annual prize-giving also took place after the Service. The Livingston Trophy for Best Programme was awarded to Edenderry and Clanabogan’s M.U. branch and was accepted by Coral Pollock.

It’s a promising sign when extra chairs have to be brought in to accommodate the interested parties at any meeting and that was certainly true of a gathering of educationalists in Letterkenny’s Mount Errigal Hotel on Wednesday 27th May 2025 which celebrated the achievements of schools in Donegal run under Church of Ireland and Presbyterian Church patronage.

The evening was hosted by Bishop Andrew Forster and addressed by two distinguished speakers, the secretary of the General Synod Board of Education, Dr Ken Fennelly, and Mrs Susan Ellis, Education and Governance Advisor.

Appropriately, given its purpose, the meeting began with prayers led by the Moderator of the Derry and Donegal Presbytery, Rev Susan Moore. Principals, teachers and members of boards of management from throughout the Diocese of Raphoe were in attendance.

Dr Fennelly looked at the many challenges facing schools, classrooms and boards in the future including the “ICT revolution”, the growth of AI (artificial intelligence), the role of teachers as educators, the developing role of boards of management, and the possible need for a new curriculum.

Mrs Ellis talked about the importance of school ethos in “shaping how we teach, govern and care in our schools” and of the need for good communication in tackling issues such as bullying and harassment.

Before closing the evening with prayers, Bishop Andrew thanked the principals, teachers and managers in the audience for the work they’d been doing to nurture and instruct their pupils in the many schools represented at the meeting.