10/01/2007

New Church of Ireland Primate named

The Church of Ireland has named the man who will succeed Archbishop Robin Eames as the new All-Ireland Primate.

The Right Reverend Alan Harper, the current bishop of Connor, who was one of the favourites to take over from Dr Eames, will now be known as Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland.

Commenting on his new appointment, Dr Harper said: "I pray that God will guide me in fulfilling the responsibilities of the role of Archbishop of Armagh.”

He added that he felt privileged to be able to serve the church in this role.

Dr Harper was voted as Church of Ireland Primate during an election held in Dublin today.

Eleven Church of Ireland bishops met in the city to cast their vote for the person they felt would best fill the position.

Dr Harper succeeds Dr Robin Eames who retired on December 31, after 20 years as head of the Church of Ireland.

(EF/KMcA)

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