A New Bishop for Down & Dromore
The Rt Revd David McClay has become the new Bishop of Down and Dromore following his ordination in St Anne’s Cathedral Belfast, on Saturday 25 January. He succeeds the Rt Revd Harold Miller who retired in September 2019.
Bishop McClay was ordained by the Archbishop of Armagh, The Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke, before a cathedral filled to capacity. Family, representatives from the parishes of the diocese, friends and colleagues had made the journey from all over Ireland, England and the United States. The new Bishop was welcomed to loud applause.
The Dean of Connor, The Very Revd Sam Wright, gave the address. He and Bishop McClay began theological college together 35 years ago and quickly became friends. Dean Wright paid tribute to Bishop McClay’s parents, Roly and Kathleen, whom he has known for many years and who had “modelled the Christian life and upheld their son in prayer every step of the way.”
“Family, said the Dean, “is the precious hidden gem in the church, they love, encourage, worry and pray for us as vulnerable leaders. As I pay tribute to the support and love the McClay Family have been to David, I also pay tribute to the families who have the backs of all church leaders.”
Full details of the service can be found on the Down & Dromore website.