The Board of Nomination to appoint a new rector first met on 25 April and earlier this evening we had our final meeting. Unfortunately, despite a concerted effort on the part of both the parochial and diocesan nominators, we failed to appoint someone. As a result, the three-month period as prescribed by the

Constitution of the Church of Ireland has run its course, and so the appointment of your new rector now lapses to me as your Bishop.

This situation, while disappointing, is not unusual in the current circumstances. However, I am not despondent because I believe that God is calling someone to minister among you. Please pray for me as your Bishop as I discern the best way forward for your parish. I will continue to work with the parish as appropriate in the coming months.

Also, I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for the practical arrangements you put in place for the Revd Paul and Mrs Betty Redfern while they were with you earlier in the summer. Unfortunately, Betty’s stroke meant that their time with you was not what they would have wished. However, I do know that they both enjoyed meeting you and I pay tribute to you for the welcome you afforded them and for the Christian

care you showed Paul while his wife was in hospital. This speaks volumes for you as a parish as a caring Christian community. It certainly reassures me to know you would support any rector who would be fortunate to live among you. I look forward to my visit to your parish on Sunday 25 August.