Diocesan News19 Apr 18

New Canon installed at Belfast Cathedral

The Rev Stephen Fielding, rector of Agherton Parish, Diocese of Connor, was installed as a Canon of Belfast Cathedral on Sunday April 15.

Family, friends and parishioners travelled from Portstewart for the service, which took the form of Choral Evensong.

The new Canon, who until his appointment was a Minor Canon of St Anne’s, was installed by the Dean, the Very Rev Stephen Forde – the new Dean’s first installation service since he arrived at the Cathedral on March 4.

A native of Londonderry, Stephen has a degree in Economics and Geography from the University of Ulster and worked as a geological technical assistant in London before studying theology at Trinity College, Dublin.

After his ministry training he was curate in the parish of Bangor Abbey, Diocese of Down, and in 1997 he was appointed to the parishes of Templepatrick and Donegore, Diocese of Connor. He was instituted as rector of Agherton in April 2007.

Stephen said he was delighted to have been offered the Canonry by the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev Alan Abernethy. “It is lovely to have the chance to serve the Cathedral in a different way and I am looking forward to working with Dean Stephen Forde and other members of the Chapter,” he said.

Speaking after the announcement of Canon Fielding’s appointment, Dean Forde said: “For many years Stephen has been a Minor Canon in the Cathedral and has lent his voice to lead worship on many important occasions.

“As Dean, I am looking forward to welcoming him as the newest member of the Cathedral Chapter and seeing him take his place within the life of the Cathedral.”