A County Armagh cleric has been elected as the next Dean and Ordinary of St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral in Dublin.
The Very Rev William Morton, originally from Poyntzpass, will succeed the Very Rev Victor Stacey, who retired at the end of March.
St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland and the dean is elected from among the members of the Cathedral Chapter by the members of the Chapter.
Dr Morton is currently the Dean of Derry and is Prebendary of Howth (St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin).
Deeply committed to the arts, Dean Morton has diversified the role of St Columb’s Cathedral, Londonderry, in hosting a number of cross–community and ecumenical events in the form of exhibitions, lectures, seminars and guided tours.
He has also been very involved in several community initiatives.
The 59-year-old had previously been employed as a journalist in Armagh.
The Most Rev Dr Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, said: “I wish Dean Morton well on his election as the next Dean of the National Cathedral, and to this new phase of his life and ministry.
“I know that he will draw on his extensive and valuable experience as Dean of Derry in this important role in the life of the Church.”
The Most Rev Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin, added: “I wish to express my good wishes to the Very Rev William Morton, Dean of Derry, on his election as Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral.
“Dean Morton will bring a wide range of gifts to his new position. Personally, I look forward to working with him in the months and years ahead.”
This week’s election was preceded by a celebration of the Eucharist by the Archbishop of Dublin. Following the election, the Dean–elect, together with the collegiate body, processed to the chancel, where a setting of Te Deum was sung by the cathedral choir.
Details of the new dean’s installation will follow in due course.
Read more news:
Borough to stage huge one-off ‘Stars & Stripes’ Independence Day spectacular
Huge jobs fair proposed to highlight EVERY vacancy in ABC borough
Exciting multi-million pound bids to develop borough-wide ‘blueway’ and ‘greenway’
Public realm works at Armagh Courthouse included in new regeneration plan
Approval sought for multi-million pound Southern Regional College new-build in Banbridge
Scarva man appears in court after estimated £300,000 cannabis seizure in Ballymena
Gosford decisions tonight: Inconic Gulliver’s World play trail central to unique £1.57m plan
Armagh woman talks about her struggle with cancer and it’s ‘real shock to the system’
