New appointment as Archdeacon retires

ON Sunday the new Archdeacon of Londonderry, Rev Robert Miller, Rector of the Combined Parishes of Christ Church, St Peter’s, Culmore and Muff took up the reigns of his new post.

He succeeded the former Archdeacon of Derry, The Venerable Donald McLean, who retired from stipendiary ministry at the end of June 2012.

On June 15 Archdeacon McLean celebrated the 40th anniversary of his ordination and has served all of those years in the Dioceses of Derry and Raphoe. For the last 16 years, in addition to being a busy rector, he has also borne the responsibility of being Archdeacon of Derry as well as serving on several central church committees in Dublin.

At a reception following the Diocesan Council on June 13, a gift from the diocese was presented to Donald by the Venerable Scott Harte, Archdeacon of Raphoe.

At the reception tribute was paid to Archdeacon McLean by the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Ken Good, for the dedicated manner in which he went about his work as Archdeacon and as Honorary Secretary, and commended Archdeacon McLean’s considerable experience, extensive knowledge of the diocese and his hard work over the years.

“During the 10 years since becoming Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, I have relied on Donald’s experience and vast fund of knowledge about the diocese. I personally am very grateful to him,” the Bishop said, adding: “We all wish Donald and his wife Karin every blessing and happiness as they embark on a new chapter of life.”

Bishop Good also took the opportunity to formally announce the appointment of Rev Robert Miller, Rector of Christ Church, Culmore, Muff and St Peter’s, as the new Archdeacon of Derry, and said Rev Miller would take up the post on July 1.

Commenting on the new appointment Bishop Good said: “From personal experience, I know well that serving as rector of a parish as well as being an archdeacon can be a doubly demanding responsibility. It requires careful self-management and organization to cope satisfactorily with both roles. Robert, I know, will appreciate our prayers as he adjusts to the many and varied demands on his time.”

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