Press Releases20 Jul 04

New Secretary-General of the Anglican Communion

CANON KENNETH KEARON APPOINTED NEW SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE ANGLICAN COMMUNION

Tuesday 20th July 2004

The Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Robin Eames and the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr John Neill, today welcomed the appointment of Canon Kenneth Kearon as the new Secretary-General of the Anglican Communion.

Archbishop Eames said: ?The appointment of Canon Kenneth Kearon to be Secretary-General of the Anglican Communion will bring much pleasure to all his friends and colleagues in the Church of Ireland. He brings to this key position in our world-wide family of Churches many gifts and a rich experience of Ministry. His ecumenical work has gained him great respect and at this time of serious challenge within the Anglican Communion he will be called upon to exercise widespread influence as we seek to build up relationships and trust in our diverse Communion. I know only too well in my own work for the Anglican Communion the urgency of those demands at this time and I wish him God?s richest blessing as he undertakes such immense responsibilities.?

Archbishop Neill said: ?The appointment of the Revd Chancellor Kenneth Kearon as Secretary General of the Anglican Communion brings great delight to the Church of Ireland, and in particular to the Diocese of Dublin, and Christ Church Cathedral of which he is Chancellor. Kenneth Kearon has served with distinction for over twenty years as a priest of this diocese, as Dean of Residence in Trinity College, as Rector of Tullow and of recent years as Director of the Irish School of Ecumenics. He has lectured widely in the field of Christian Ethics and has been co-ordinator of training for the Auxiliary Ministry. He brings to his new appointment to this very responsible international post for the whole Anglican Communion pastoral, administrative and academic gifts, coupled with wide ecumenical experience.

?It is with regret that we shall see Kenneth depart from his home diocese, but he goes with our sincere prayers and good wishes both for him and for Jennifer and their family. As his colleague and archbishop I offer to him my very warm personal congratulations.?

See also http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/articles/38/50/acns3855.cfm