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Diocese of Down and Dromore welcomes a new Bishop

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 Rt Revd David McClay pictured in St Anne's Cathedral.
The Rt Revd David McClay pictured in St Anne's Cathedral.

The Dean of Connor, the Very Revd Sam Wright, gave the address. He and Bishop McClay began theological college together 35 years ago and had quickly become friends. Turning to the question of what the new Bishop was to do, Dean Wright took 2 Corinthians 4:1–10 as his text and the inspiration of a ‘brave, bright and beautiful gospel’.

He said: “It is clear from past experience that David will do many things, but I want to encourage him to keep to the main thing – to share the Good News of Jesus. And as the chief shepherd for the people of Down and Dromore Diocese to encourage, enable and equip the church, to bring this Good News to the world. In this era of scepticism and rejection by many of the Christian Gospel, he will need to be Brave, and to offer a Bright and Beautiful Gospel to all.”

He continued: “In his life and in his sharing of Christ, David has courageously sought to change lives through his teaching and explanation of the word of God and through the power of the Holy Spirit. He has been a champion for the poor. He has spoken out against violence when it would have been easier to stay silent. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:4 are as true today as ever – ‘The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see light of the gospel.’ It takes courage to shine out the gospel into the darkness of the world. David, in your new role, be brave.”

The Dean reminded the congregation that the ordination was taking place on the Feast Day of The Conversion of St Paul. Addressing the Bishop–elect, he said: “As you find yourself dealing with the people and issues of a large diocese, recall your own conversion experience and how God’s bright light broke into the darkness of your life. Flooding people’s lives with the hope found in the good news of the gospel, bringing out the God–colours into the world.  That is to be your primary aim as a Bishop.”

The sermon was followed by the Rite of Ordination and for the ordination prayer and laying on of hands, Archbishop Clarke was joined by the other bishops, the Methodist President and former Presidents. The new Bishop was then vested in his robes and given a Bible before being presented to the congregation who greeted him with loud, sustained applause. The Dean of Belfast, the Very Revd Stephen Forde, then installed Bishop McClay in his cathedral stall. 

At the reception which followed in Ulster University’s Birley Building, Bishop McClay expressed his thanks to all those who had taken part in the service; to his parents and family and to the many people who had travelled a distance to be there.

He concluded, “I’m looking forward very very much to building on the work of Bishop Harold and Bishop Gordon – the two Bishops of Down and Dromore that I’ve been privileged to serve under and I’m very grateful for all that they have put in place by way of a heritage to build upon. But I’m grateful above all to God and to the work of his grace.” 

Dean Sam Wright’s sermon is available in full here

A full selection of photos is available on the Down and Dromore website

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