Diocesan News25 Mar 15

First Ever Ecumenical Canons For Down Cathedral

Bishop Harold Miller has invited Brother Eric Loisel (Order of St Benedict) and Revd John Alderdice (Methodist) to become Down Cathedral’s first ever ecumenical canons.

Brother Eric is with the Holy Cross Monastery in Rostrevor and Revd Alderdice, formerly Methodist Chaplain at Queen’s, is Director of Ministry at Edgehill Theological College, Belfast.

Dean of Down, The Very Revd Henry Hull, said: ‘I am thrilled at the appointment of two ecumenical canons to the Cathedral Chapter.

‘Brother Eric’s appointment represents the Cathedral’s historic roots and special relationship with the Benedictine community in Rostrevor. He also has links with Downpatrick going back to the early 80s when he and Dom Mark Ephrem were part of a House of Prayer in the town.

‘The appointment of Revd John Aldredice underscores our growing relationship with the Methodist Church and I look forward to welcoming them both to the cathedral as canons.’

The new ecumenical canons will be installed, together with Revd Mark Harvey on a date shortly to be announced.