Deans call the diocese to prayer for a new bishop
The Deans of Down and Dromore are calling on parishioners from across the diocese to join them for two special nights of prayer for the process of selecting our new bishop.
Bishop Harold retired on Monday 30 September after over 22 years as Bishop of Down and Dromore, and the Episcopal Electoral College tasked with finding a successor will be meeting in due course.
In a joint statement, the two Deans, the Very Revd Geoff Wilson (Dromore) and the Very Revd Henry Hull (Down) encouraged people to hold the process before God in their prayers:
“The task of choosing a new Bishop for our Diocese and for the wider Church is a serious responsibility which will be undertaken by a group of electors from this Diocese and from other Dioceses in the Northern Province of the Church of Ireland. It is extremely important that we each commit to praying for those entrusted with this responsibility, that they will be open to the leading of God’s Holy Spirit as they undertake their task. There will be a night of prayer in each Cathedral during October, but everyone – even those unable to attend either night – is encouraged to pray every day for this process, in order that God’s will should become clear through it.”
The nights of prayer will take place in Down Cathedral on Friday 4 October and in Dromore Cathedral on Friday 25 October. Both nights will run from 7.30–9.30 pm.
Prayer cards are also being distributed to every worshipping member of the Church of Ireland across the diocese.
A Prayer for use during the Vacancy of a See (BCP 2004)
O almighty God, who by thy Holy Spirit dost move the hearts of thy people; May it please thee so to direct the counsels of those who are appointed to choose a bishop for this Church and Diocese, that we may be given a pastor who in faithfulness and wisdom shall lead thy flock in the way of holiness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.