Press Releases03 Feb 20

Irish Inter–Church Committee marks the retirement of Archbishop Richard Clarke

The Co–Chairs of the Irish Inter–Church Meeting have released the following statement to mark the retirement of Archbishop Richard Clarke which took place yesterday (Sunday, 2nd February 2020).

During his time as Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Clarke was a representative of the Church of Ireland on the Irish Inter–Church Committee and made a significant contribution to the work of the Irish Inter–Church Meeting. Wishing him every blessing for his retirement, Bishop Brendan Leahy and the Rev Brian Anderson stated:

“Archbishop Richard brought heart–felt commitment to the work of the Irish Inter–Church Meeting. His leadership in the work of deepening relationships between the Christian churches on the island of Ireland began long before his appointment as Archbishop of Armagh, and draws on his significant international experience in ecumenical dialogue. His insightful contributions have helped shape the evolution of the national inter–church structures, emphasising the value of friendship and good personal relations at the heart of our shared Christian witness to a society in need of hope–filled pastoral support. As President of the Irish Council of Churches and Co–Chair of the Irish Inter–Church Meeting (2010–2012), Archbishop Richard gave generously of his time in support of staff. As a facilitator of dialogue between member churches, and a representative of the inter–church structures in the public square, he set a tone for reasoned debate and honest engagement that reflected the Christian call to be good neighbours. We wish him every blessing in his well–earned retirement.”