The Church of Ireland
Press Release

Bishop and Mrs Moore receive presents from Ken Gibson and Eleanor Robinson, Church Warden

A special farewell service was held in Lisburn Cathedral on Thursday, 8 November 2001 at 8pm to mark the retirement of the Bishop of Connor, Rt Revd James Moore.

The service was one of a number of events being held across the Diocese of Connor in honour of Bishop Moore and his wife, Mary. The Bishop formally retires on 18 November.

In a statement the Primate, Archbishop Robin Eames, paid a warm tribute to Bishop James Moore. He said: " 'A true pastor to clergy and their families, a thoughtful and devoted friend to all in need, a courageous leader in community affairs and a tireless servant of the Church of Ireland' - just some of the terms we all think of as we contemplate the retirement of Bishop Jimmy Moore.

"As Bishop of Connor diocese which represents the largest centre of Church of Ireland population in this island he has carried the responsibilities of leadership and pastoral care with immense vision and courage.

"In the widely diverse areas of Belfast and County Antrim Connor diocese requires special qualities of its Bishop. The demands on time and energy are immense. Bishop Moore not only met those challenges with a Ministry of selfless commitment but added to the long list of former bishops his own personal attributes of faith, prayer and pastoral care.

"We all admired his devotion and constant support for his clergy and people. He was known as a true friend in every Rectory of the diocese. In the serious and tragic situations of north Belfast he supported the clergy on the ground at every turn.

"We wish him and Mary every possible blessing and good health in their retirement in Groomsport."

Bishop Moore was ordained for the curacy of Knock, Belfast in the Diocese of Down in 1956. He served a second curacy in Bangor and was then appointed Priest-in-Charge of Belvoir in 1962, where he founded what was to become the Parish of Belvoir. In 1968 he was appointed Rector of Groomsport, serving there until 1975. Thereafter he was Rector of St Mark's, Dundela until being elected Bishop of Connor on 31 March 1995, having been Archdeacon of Down from 1989 until his election.

Following Bishop Moore's retirement on 18 November 2001, Archbishop Robin Eames has appointed Archdeacon Alan Harper to act as his Commissary.

The Electoral College to elect a new Bishop of Connor will meet on Monday, 17 December 2001.