Canon from Down & Dromore is new Bishop of Connor
The Church of Ireland House of Bishops has elected the Revd Canon Alan Abernethy as the new Bishop of Connor. He succeeds the Most Revd Alan Harper, who was enthroned as Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland last month.
Commenting on the announcement Bishop Harold said: ‘‘My good wishes, thoughts and prayer are with Alan Abernethy, his wife Liz and his two children, Peter and Ruth, as Alan prepares to become Bishop of Connor.
The link between Connor and Down & Dromore has always been strong and will be strengthened further by Alan's appointment.
Alan has served all of his ministry since, his ordination in 1981, in Down & Dromore, in parochial ministry, as co-ordinator of Continuing Ministerial Education and as a Canon of Down Cathedral.
His many skills, particularly in leadership and liturgy, have always been a great strength and he carries in his person a great love for Jesus and a great love for people.'
Born in 1957 Alan studied at QUB and at Trinity College, Dublin. He was made a deacon 1981 and priested in 1982. He served his first curacy in Dundonald (St Elizabeth) from 1981 to 1984 and then in 1984 became curate in the Lecale Group of parishes. In 1986 be was appointed incumbent in Helen's Bay (St John the Baptist) until his appointment as incumbent in Ballyholme (St Columbanus) in 1990.
His interests include reading, walking, cooking, family holidays and football.