Press Releases18 Dec 07

Tribute paid to Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin

The Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Reverend Alan Harper and the Honorary Secretaries of the General Synod, the Revd Canon Ian Ellis, Lady Sheil, and Mr Sam Harper, today issued the following tribute to the Very Reverend Desmond Harman, Dean of Christ Church and Honorary Secretary of General Synod:

“We express our prayerful and loving sympathy to Dean Harman’s wife, Sue and their family. The news of his sudden passing earlier this morning following complications after surgery comes as a great shock and will occasion the greatest possible sadness throughout the Church of Ireland.

“Dean Desmond Harman was a man of the highest personal integrity. He exhibited this in his parochial ministry; in his masterly oversight of the affairs of Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin; in his work as one of the Clerical Honorary Secretaries of the General Synod; in his role on the contact group of the Porvoo Communion; and in his personal dealings with everyone he met.

“Des Harman was also a master of detail with the well informed critical eye that ensures that every “i” is dotted and every “t” crossed and therefore, that what is done is well done. He was forthright in speech but generous in friendship as well as being genuinely good company in social settings. It has been a privilege to have worked with him and shared in his friendship. He will be very sorely missed throughout the Church of Ireland but especially in the Diocese and City of Dublin where he served the whole of his ministry since ordination to the diaconate in 1967.

“His loss will be most keenly felt, however, by his wife Sue and their family and close friends. To them we offer deep sympathy and continuing prayers, confident in the knowledge that he has received from the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the reward promised to all those who, like him, have been faithful in life and ministry.”