A FORMER Queen's University chaplain has been appointed as the new Dean of Belfast.
Archdeacon Stephen Forde, who has served as the Church of Ireland rector of Larne and Inver with Glynn and Raloo for the last 18 years, succeeds Rev John Mann, who has moved to Salisbury Diocese in England.
The announcement was made by the board of nomination of St Anne’s Cathedral yesterday.
The Banbridge native (55) is married to nurse Fiona and the couple have three children. He served as curate assistant at St Mary’s Parish on the Crumlin Road for three years between 1986 and 1989 and later as chaplain at QUB from 1989 until 1995, before he moved to Dublin Diocese as incumbent of the grouped parishes of Booterstown and Mount Merrion.
In 1999 he returned to the Diocese of Connor as rector of the Parishes of Larne and Inver with Glynn and Raloo.
Archdeacon Forde said his appointment was a "huge challenge", but one he is incredibly excited about taking on.
“My vision is to see the Cathedral as a spiritual centre at the heart of the city, a Cathedral with doors to pass through, not to pass by. It is a Cathedral open to all, for those who are seeking God and faith in the 21st century. Building on the legacy of those who have gone before, the Cathedral will continue to offer prayer, praise and service.”
The Dean-elect said he did not expect to be in post before Christmas, but added that the Black Santa tradition would continue uninterrupted.
Bishop of Connor and chairman of the board of Belfast Cathedral, Rev Alan Abernethy welcomed the appointment.
"He brings a breadth of experience, a humble spirit and a joyful faith to his new role," he said.
