New Irish Bishop named

THE ARCHDEACON of Meath and Kildare, the Ven Leslie Stevenson, has been elected Bishop of Meath and Kildare at a meeting of the diocesan electoral college, held at Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin on 28 January.

Archdeacon Stevenson (53), the Rector of Portarlington in Kildare, will succeed Archbishop Richard Clarke as bishop, following his translation to Armagh last December.

Educated at the University of Ulster and the Church of Ireland Theological College, Bishopelect Stevenson served in Nor thern Ireland in the Diocese of Down & Dromore until his appointment to Portarlington in 1999.

In a statement released following his election, the bishop–elect said: “I have served in Meath and Kildare for over 13 years and enjoyed a very happy working relationship with the now Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Clarke. Now I am about to serve the diocese in a new way as bishop. I am looking forward to working in a rural diocese that I have come to know so well and to the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead as well as making a contribution to civic life. I also look forward to working with my fellow bishops in due course.”

The Church of Ireland’s House of Bishops must affirm the election and at that point a date for his consecration will be set, the Church of Ireland Press Office said.