Yesterday the Most Reverend Dr John RW Neill announced his intention to retire at the end of January 2011 as Archbishop of Dublin and Bishop of Glendalough to the House of Bishops.
Speaking of his decision to retire, Dr Neill stated, ‘On January 25th, 2011, I will have served for twenty five years as a Bishop in the Church of Ireland and for over eight years as Archbishop of Dublin. I have enjoyed my whole ministry as deacon, priest and bishop and these last years as Archbishop have offered me many opportunities to serve in a rich variety of ways, working with a wonderful team of both priests and laity. The time has come for an Archbishop with fresh vision and energy to lead the United Dioceses and to serve as Metropolitan of the Province.’
Archbishop Neill has served as Archbishop of Dublin since 12 October 2002, succeeding the Most Revd Walton Empey. During his time as Archbishop, he has been heavily involved in issues such as ecumenism, immigration, health and education. He proposed the Bill to the 1990 General Synod that led to the introduction of female ordination. An avid ecumenist, he is a widely respected figure in ecumenical circles and is well known internationally for his work in this area, having served two terms of seven years as a member of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches.
The Archbishop of Armagh, The Most Revd Alan Harper, paid tribute to the Archbishop Neill, saying, ‘Wherever Archbishop John has served the witness of the Church has been strengthened, the people of the Church have been encouraged, and the liturgy of the Church has been enhanced – all of these things empowered by Archbishop John’s consistent and distinctive spirituality and commitment to God and the People of God.
‘In the international engagements of the Church the Archbishop has served at the highest levels in the World Council of Churches, the Council of Churches for Britain and Ireland and Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, and the Anglican Communion, most recently in connection with the drafting of the proposed Anglican Covenant.
‘In wishing Archbishop John and Mrs Betty Neill all happiness and wellbeing in their forthcoming retirement, I should wish them to be assured of the affection and respect in which they are held throughout the Church of Ireland and of my personal gratitude for their friendship, support, wisdom, guidance and generous hospitality.’
Speaking of the announcement, the Venerable David Pierpoint, Archdeacon of Dublin, commended Dr Neill’s commitment and energy over the past eight years, saying, ‘He has challenged Churches, Governments and people alike, to frame their responses in accordance with best Christian values. In particular, he has been forthright and outspoken in defence of the role of minorities in education and in his call for a new vision for education in the 21st century.’
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