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The Right Revd Andrew Orr Consecrated as Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross
The Right Revd Andrew Orr was consecrated as Bishop of the United Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, at a service in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin.
Bishop Andrew was consecrated by the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, with the Right Revd Adrian Wilkinson, Bishop of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory, and the Right Revd David McClay, Bishop of Down and Dromore as co–consecrators. The bishops of the Church of Ireland and the wider Anglican Communion were joined by Revd Dr Janet Unsworth and the Revd Laurence Graham, representing the Methodist Church, in the laying on of hands during the act of consecration. The President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, was represented at the service by Captain Niamh FitzGerald, Aide–de–Camp to the President. Senator Jerry Buttimer was also among those attending.
Bishop Andrew was joined on the day by his wife, the Revd Susan Green, their adult children Rachel, Ciara and Patrick, and members of their wider family. There was also a large attendance from Cork, Cloyne and Ross, including clergy, diocesan lay readers and parishioners from across the United Dioceses, who travelled to Dublin to share in the service and support their new Bishop as he begins his episcopal ministry.
The lessons were read by Jim Farrell, Chair of Eco–Congregation Ireland, and Hilda Connolly, Diocesan Youth Officer for Cork, Cloyne and Ross.
The preacher at the service was the Right Revd Michael Burrows, Bishop of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe, who took as his text the words of Jesus from St Luke 12:32: “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
The same text was used at the consecration of George Otto Simms as Bishop of Cork in 1952 and Bishop Burrows looked back at sermons preached at the consecrations of successive Bishops of Cork in 1952, 1978, 1988 and 1999, drawing from them a message for the new Bishop and the Diocese today. He encouraged Bishop Andrew to approach his ministry with faith, bringing together different traditions and perspectives, remaining grounded in prayer and compassion, caring for communities large and small, and having the courage to dream boldly for the Church’s future. Above all, he encouraged him to bring joy to his episcopal ministry, trusting that the future of the Church ultimately rests with God.
Bishop Andrew succeeds the Right Revd Dr Paul Colton. He was elected by the Episcopal Electoral College in June, and his election was subsequently confirmed by the House of Bishops.
Ordained deacon in 1992 and priest in 1993, Bishop Andrew has served in a variety of ministries across the Church of Ireland. His parish appointments have included incumbencies in Castlecomer, Castleknock and Tullow, and he previously served as Archdeacon of Ossory and Leighlin. Since coming to Cork, Cloyne and Ross, he has served as Archdeacon of the Diocese since 2023, and as Chaplain to Midleton College and Priest–in–Charge of Youghal Union since 2018.
Alongside his parish and diocesan ministry, Bishop Andrew has had a longstanding involvement in environmental and creation care work. He formerly chaired Eco–Congregation Ireland and has represented the Church of Ireland in international environmental networks.
Enthronements in Cork, Cloyne and Ross
Bishop Andrew will be enthroned in each of the three cathedrals of the Diocese in October. His first enthronement will take place at Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork, on Sunday, 4 October at 3.30 p.m. He will then be enthroned at St Colman’s Cathedral, Cloyne, on Wednesday, 14 October at 7.30 p.m., and finally at St Fachtna’s Cathedral, Rosscarbery, on Sunday, 18 October at 3.30 p.m.
Everyone is warmly invited to attend the enthronement services and to join the people of Cork, Cloyne and Ross in welcoming Bishop Andrew and supporting him and his family as this new chapter in the life of the United Dioceses begins.
