Speaking in Armagh today following his consecration as Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh, the Rt. Rev Kenneth Clarke said it was particularly apt to be consecrated Bishop on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul.

He said: "Paul was a terrorist caught up in a mixture of religion and politics, a member of a paramilitary pressure group, a participant in a murder gang, a man who saw violence as a legitimate means of achieving his aspirations. Yet suddenly he is changed and transformed into becoming the greatest missionary the world has ever seen.

"The conversion of this one man has not just impacted one community but the whole world. I dare to believe that such transformation is possible in Ireland today. To be consecrated a Bishop in a church which believes in conversion, change and transformation is of particular relevance to Ireland at this time of economic prosperity in the South and continuing political uncertainty in the North."

Bishop Clarke said: "A Bishop is called to be a presbyter, pastor, teacher and prophet…a first among equals…a servant of servants. To care for and nurture God’s people is not some narrow in-house activity. It is to enable the Church to be salt and light in families, homes, offices, schools and throughout society. It is to help Christians engage in local, national and international issues.

"Today is a new beginning and a time of hope. I pray that my episcopate will help facilitate a new beginning in the lives of many people both inside and outside the Church. I long to be a channel of hope and a signpost to the Risen Christ who so radically changed a Saul of Tarsus."