The Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Robin Eames, has paid tribute to Bishop Mehaffey who retires as Bishop of Derry and Raphoe on 31 January 2002.

“Bishop Mehaffey has been and outstanding leader of the Church of Ireland in Derry and Raphoe. Within the community he has shown immense personal courage and integrity, always leading by personal example in word and action and often in situations of community tension. He was widely respected beyond the Church of Ireland by members of all traditions and political outlook. He was an excellent ambassador for his Church and gave inspired leadership to the whole of the North West. In his cross-border diocese he exhibited great sensitivity and identified easily with the feelings of his people in north and south.

“Within the Church of Ireland I recall in particular his vital contributions to clergy training, youth concerns, contacts with other churches and communications. In the House of Bishops his wisdom and ability to identify priorities in evangelism and ecumenical contacts were invaluable to our work.

“In all his Ministry his wife Thelma made a wonderful contribution. Apart from her leadership of the Mothers’ Union as Irish President she gave constant support to Bishop Mehaffey’s episcopate.

“I have enjoyed the Bishop’s friendship for so many years and we have shared in a multitude of projects and endeavours as colleagues in the service of the Church. He has been a devoted and much gifted Bishop whose worth will be sadly missed by us all.

“On behalf of the Church of Ireland I wish Bishop and Mrs Mehaffey many years of happiness in their retirement.”