New Area Dean for Lagan
Bishop David has appointed the rector of Willowfield, Revd Clive Atkinson, as Area Dean for Lagan in Down Diocese.
Clive was ordained in 1990 and served as curate in North Belfast with Holy Trinity Joanmount and Emmanuel, Ardoyne. His served his first incumbency in West Belfast, with St John the Baptist, Suffolk Estate, before moving to Switzerland where he spent 18 years pastoring three Anglican churches. Clive was instituted as rector of Willowfield in May 2021.
Clive said of his appointment:
“I am grateful to Bishop David for the opportunity to serve as Area Dean for Lagan. I will be following in the footsteps of Canon John Auchmuty who has served faithfully for the past fifteen years. This will be a first for me and I look forward to learning the ropes and working alongside my colleagues.”
Canon John Auchmuty said:
“It has been a great privilege to have served as Area Dean of Lagan for almost fifteen years. Throughout that time, I have presided over vacancies in each of the parishes in the Area Deanery. I have been fortunate to share in their respective ministries as they looked forward to welcoming their new Rector or Bishop’s Curate. I am most grateful for the invaluable support I have received from Bishop Harold who appointed me, Bishop David, The Diocesan Office, the RCB and from each of the parishes and their Select Vestries. I have valued immensely the wonderful fellowship and friendship from all my clerical colleagues in the Area Deanery and for their great attendance at our regular meetings.
“I am delighted that the Revd Clive Atkinson has been appointed as my successor. I assure him of my prayerful good wishes and support in the years ahead.”
Pictured above, Canon John, Bishop David and Revd Clive