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What we need in our bishops: four opinions

WITHIN the next few years it is likely that, in addition to the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe’s retirement in May 2019, the Church of Ireland will see significant change in the House of Bishops. Given the internal conflicts within the Church and the threats to its unity and the ongoing challenges of mission and ministry, it may be useful for the electoral colleges in particular to look carefully at what the Church of Ireland needs in its future bishops. Those we elect may be with us for a long time, and on their character and wisdom the Church’s very survival may depend.

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John Mann, Maria Jansson, Ethne Harkness, Andrew Eadie

John Mann was Dean of Belfast from 2011 to 2017. He is currently team rector of Swanage with Studland, Diocese of Salisbury, in the Church of England. Maria Janssen is Dean of Waterford since 2011 and was formerly rector of Wexford. She has a special interest in ethical leadership training. Ethne Harkness was formerly lay hon. secretary of the General Synod and served as chair of the Commission on Episcopal Ministry and Structures from 2012 to 2016. Andrew Eadie is a synodsman of Limerick diocese and past member of four electoral colleges.