Diocesan News02 Feb 24

Welcome for new Bishop of Down & Connor

The Church of Ireland’s bishops of Connor and Down and Dromore have warmly welcomed Bishop Alan McGuckian on his appointment as Bishop of Down and Connor.

Down and Connor is the one of the largest Catholic dioceses, by area, in Ireland and Bishop McGuckian succeeds Archbishop Noel Treanor who was appointed as Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union in November 2022, after leading the diocese from 2008.

Bishop George Davison, the Bishop of Connor, remarked: “I’m delighted to hear the news that Bishop Alan McGuckian is to succeed Archbishop Noel Treanor as the Bishop of Down and Connor.

“Bishop Alan has been a diligent overseer to the people of the Diocese of Raphoe in recent years, but is a familiar figure to many in Co. Antrim through his previous service in his native diocese. His collaborative style of ministry, wide experience of the church and deep knowledge of the diocese through his work with the ‘Living Church’ project will be of great benefit both to him and to the dioceses as he takes up this new role.

“I offer my prayers and good wishes to Alan and a warm ‘welcome back’ to Connor! I look forward to the opportunities that God will give us to serve His people together.”

Bishop David McClay, the Bishop of Down and Dromore, commented: “I was thrilled this morning to hear that Bishop Alan McGuckian has been appointed as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Down and Connor. I am very familiar with Bishop Alan’s ministry in the Diocese of Raphoe and the esteem in which he is held there by many. I am also familiar with how he worked closely with the churches of other denominations in Co. Donegal to advance the cause of the gospel and to care for the vulnerable and needy.

“I look forward very much to working with Bishop Alan in the Diocese of Down and assure him of my good wishes and prayers as he prepares for this move.”