Church of Ireland Elect First Irish Female Bishop

Members of the Church of Ireland Community here in Co Tipperary welcome the appointment of the first female Bishop in Ireland and the UK.

The Rev Pat Storey, rector of St Augustine’s in Derry, latter built on the site of St.Columba’s/Colmcille’s monastery, founded in 546AD, has been elected by the Church of Ireland as the new Bishop for the Diocese of Meath and Kildare.

Married to the Rev Earl Storey and mother of two adult children, Carolyn, 25, and Luke, 22, Rev Storey said she was “both excited, daunted by her historic appointment, yet also sad to leave her wonderful city of Derry. However, I count it an enormous privilege to begin a new phase of my ministry with the people of Meath and Kildare, and I look forward to working with the team of clergy who are already there. I would sincerely ask for your prayers for myself and my family, who are the best in the world.”

Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin, said the appointment brought delight to many across the Church of Ireland and throughout the Anglican Communion.

Mrs Storey, aged 53, studied French and English at Trinity College, Dublin, before training at the Church of Ireland Theological College. She was ordained a deacon in 1997 and a priest later the following year.

Mrs Storey will take over as the new Bishop of Meath and Kildare from Dr Richard Clarke, who was appointed Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland last December.