A NEW LEADER of the Church of Ireland will be enthroned at a ceremony in Armagh later today.

The Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke will be enthroned as Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral at 3pm.

The service will be one of Choral Evensong, and an address by the new Archbishop will be given following his enthronement.

Dr Clarke, 63, has a strong record of in inter-Church an ecumenical initiatives, and is the president of the Irish Council of Churches. He was elected archbishop of Armagh in October after serving as Bishop of Meath and Kildare for 16 years.

In his new position, Clarke we will have to navigate new issues facing the Anglican church – including falling attendance, the ordination of gay clergy, and the appointment of female bishops.

Clarke has two adult children and survives his wife, Linda, who passed away in 2009.

BBC Radio Ulster will broadcast today’s ceremony.

Read: NI census shows Catholic population growing as Protestant numbers decline

Read: Church of England says no to female bishops

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More