Press Releases17 Nov 08

Lady Sheil's Installation, Armagh: Address Extracts

The following are extracts from the address given by the Right Reverend Lord Eames, OM at the installation of Lady Brenda Sheil as Lay Canon in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh on Sunday, 16 November 2008 at 3.15 pm:

The four Honorary Secretaries withDean Cassidy (formerly Dean of Armagh) at Armagh Cathedral after the Installation

'The appointment of Lady Sheil to be a Lay Canon is recognition of her years of service to the Church of Ireland as a dedicated lay person.  As one of the Honorary Secretaries of the General Synod her influence on the central life of our Church has been immense.  I recall much of her input to the work of the General Synod and its Standing Committee during my time as Archbishop.  Her legal mind brought to our work such valuable insights.  She devoted an immense amount of time to the needs of the Church of Ireland.  During her time as Chair of the Pensions Board she has achieved much for the recognition of the needs of clergy.  As a daughter of the Rectory she knew those needs at first hand.

Lady Sheil and the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Rev'd Alan Harper OBE

I feel her appointment is one more reminder of the importance in the life of the Church of Ireland of dedicated and gifted laity.  Here in a Cathedral she loves her experience and dedication will find one more opportunity to contribute to the well-being of the Church of Ireland.'