Home

Church of Ireland Home

Diocesan News

Bishop David is installed in Dromore Cathedral

Bishop David McClay has been installed in Dromore Cathedral, following his ordination and installation in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast.

The Bishop was installed in his episcopal seat by the Dean of Dromore, the Very Revd Geoff Wilson, and received a warm welcome from the congregation who came from parishes across Dromore Diocese.

Bishop David McClay preaching at his installation at Dromore Cathedral.
Bishop David McClay preaching at his installation at Dromore Cathedral.

As with his predecessors, Bishop David sought admission by striking the West Door three times with his pastoral staff. This is symbolic of the fact that Bishops take up their position with the permission of the people (who open the door to let them in), and so are their servants. 

The Pastoral Staff was laid on the Holy Table and the Diocesan Registrar, Canon Simon Doogan, presented the Mandate from the Archbishop of Armagh. The Mandate gives the Bishop authority to exercise his episcopal ministry in the diocese and the teaching seat (cathedra) is a sign of that ministry.

Bishop David’s sermon – his first to the diocese as Bishop – was an encouragement to those who exercise a teaching ministry in our parishes, both lay and ordained. He shared four thoughts on the epistle reading (1 Corinthians 2: 1–16).

Firstly that those who teach the word of God must also bear testimony with their lives. “People need to see as well as hear when we teach God’s word,” he said. To do that “we must not depend upon ourselves but know who we are and who he is. He is God and we are his servants.” We are to live holy, humble and God–glorifying lives.

Secondly, the Bishop urged teachers to share truths centred on the person of Jesus Christ. “Let’s preach Christ with the expectation that lives will be changed by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit,” he said.

“Thirdly,” he said, “there is a trust that we have been given which is to teach the whole counsel of God and to point people to Christ.” He continued, “In our churches we need to grow up and mature as disciples and so as teachers we must stay in step with the Holy Spirit, walking closely with God, so that the transforming presence of God is brought to bear on those we teach.”

Finally the Bishop spoke of the task,which is to preach with an evangelistic edge and the expectation of people crossing from death to life. 

He concluded: “Let’s give direction to those we teach by reminding them of the incredible promises of God. Let’s help them live well as followers of Christ so that the people of God become salt and light in our churches and our communities.”

Worship was led by the Cathedral’s SOMA singers, members of the Choir and the Christ Church Kilkeel worship band. 

The service was followed by a reception in the Cathedral Halls where the Bishop cut a special cake to mark the occasion and Mrs Hilary McClay was presented with flowers.

Bishop David will be installed in Down Cathedral at 3.30 pm on Sunday 16 February.

Our use of cookies

Some cookies are necessary for us to manage how our website behaves while other optional, or non-necessary, cookies help us to analyse website usage. You can Accept All or Reject All optional cookies or control individual cookie types below.

You can read more in our Cookie Notice

Functional

These cookies enable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. You may disable these by changing your browser settings, but this may affect how the website functions.

Analytics cookies

Analytical cookies help us to improve our website by collecting and reporting information on its usage.