THE HEAD of the Church of Ireland in Dublin, the Most Rev Dr John RW Neill, who played a seminal role in the introduction of female ordination, is to step down.
Dr Neill, who succeeded the Most Rev Walton Empey in 2002, plans to retire as Archbishop of Dublin and Bishop of Glendalough in January after eight years.
Announcing his decision yesterday, the 64-year-old reverend said the time had come for a new archbishop with “fresh vision and energy”.
“On January 25th, 2011, I will have served for 25 years as a bishop in the Church of Ireland and for over eight years as Archbishop of Dublin,” he said.
“I have enjoyed my whole ministry as deacon, priest and bishop and these last years as archbishop have offered me many opportunities to serve in a rich variety of ways, working with a wonderful team of both priests and laity.”
Born in Dublin, Dr Neill was the only son of the late Canon EM Neill. He was educated at Avoca School in Blackrock and at Sandford Park School, Ranelagh, before attending Trinity College Dublin, where he graduated with a class honours Moderatorship in Hebrew and Oriental Languages.
When he was ordained a deacon in 1969, and as a priest the following year, he became the fourth generation of his family to serve in ordained ministry.
Dr Neill is a widely respected figure in ecumenical circles at home and abroad, having served two terms of seven years as a member of the central committee of the World Council of Churches.
The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland, the Most Revd Alan Harper, said: “Wherever Archbishop John has served the witness of the church has been strengthened, the people of the church have been encouraged, and the liturgy of the church has been enhanced – all of these things empowered by Archbishop John’s consistent and distinctive spirituality and commitment to God and the People of God.”
The Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martin, expressed his gratitude to Dr Neill for his collaboration, support and friendship.
