Press Releases
Resignation of Bishop Peter Barrett - Pastoral Statement from the Archbishop of Dublin
Following the Resignation of the Rt Revd Peter Barrett, Bishop of the United Dioceses of Cashel, Ossory, Waterford, Lismore, Ferns and Leighlin the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr John Neill issued the following statement to all clergy in the dioceses concerned.
PASTORAL STATEMENT FROM THE ARCHBISHOP OF DUBLIN
It is with very great sadness that as Archbishop and Metropolitan, I have had to accept with immediate effect the resignation of Bishop Peter Barrett from the United Dioceses of Cashel and Ossory. Peter served the United Dioceses as Dean and Incumbent in Waterford, and for the last three years as Bishop. He has provided caring pastoral oversight and a faithful ministry of Word and Sacrament. He has led the United Dioceses with both ability and humility.
To the clergy and people of Cashel and Ossory, I emphasize that the decision to resign was not taken lightly. Nevertheless Bishop Peter could not sustain his ministry among you in view of the direction that his life has taken. As our prayerful love and concern is expressed for Peter, our thoughts and prayers are equally strong for Anne, his wife, and for his family. We pray for them in the deep shock and great loss that they have experienced, and indeed continue to experience.
I pray also for all the people and clergy of the United Dioceses. I will do all that I can to assist you in the coming months, and will attempt to meet with those who wish to speak with me.
I have appointed the Venerable John Murray as Commissary for Cashel and Ossory, and the Venerable Paul Mooney as Commissary for Ferns, and they will continue to administer the day to day life of the United Dioceses until a new Bishop is in office.
+John Dublin:
Archbishop of Dublin
Primate of Ireland & Metropolitan
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Further information from:
Mr Garrett Casey,
Diocesan Communications Officer,
Dublin and Glendalough,
Tel: +353 (0)1 6106447
Mob: + 353 (0)87 2356472
Or:
Sarah Williams,
Church of Ireland Press Office
Tel: +44 (0)28 9023 2909 (048 from the Republic of Ireland)
Mobile: +44 (0)7787 881582