Archbishop Seán Brady congratulates Bishop Alan Harper on his election as the new Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh

10 Jan 2007

PRESS RELEASE
10TH JANUARY 2007

Archbishop Seán Brady congratulates Bishop Alan Harper on his election as the new Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh

The Catholic Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Seán Brady, today welcomed the election of Bishop Alan Harper, by the Church of Ireland House of Bishops, as the new Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh.

Archbishop Brady said:

“I congratulate Bishop Alan Harper on his election today as the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh.  I convey to him my warmest best wishes on this special day.  I congratulate Bishop Harper’s wife, Helen, and their children, Catherine, Richard, Emma and Ann and wish them well for the future.

I have known Bishop Harper since his appointment as Bishop of Connor some years ago.  We have attended conferences and served on delegations together.

Connor’s loss is Armagh’s gain.  Bishop Harper has always been a clear voice against division and sectarianism.  He has been particularly committed to inter-denominational work in the Diocese of Connor and further afield.  Wherever Bishop Harper has served he has won affection and respect for his calm, incisive leadership both in ecclesiastical and civic matters.”

Archbishop Brady concluded:

“On my appointment as coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh in 1995, I remember the warmth of the welcome that Bishop Harper’s predecessor, Archbishop Robin Eames, extended to me.  Today I offer my support to Bishop Harper and I look forward to welcoming him, his wife and family, to Armagh and to our working together into the future.  I pray that God may guide him and strengthen him for the challenges that lie ahead.”

ENDS