THE Church of Ireland Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe announced the election of its new bishop this week following the retirement of Rev Trevor Williams.
Rev Canon Dr Kenneth Kearon, a native of Dublin born in 1953, was elected by the Episcopal electoral college at Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin on Monday, September 8.
Canon Kearon is Secretary General of the Anglican Communion since 2005; he is also a Canon of Christ Church Cathedral Dublin and an Honorary Provincial Canon of Canterbury Cathedral, St Paul’s Cathedral, London and St George’s Cathedral, Jerusalem.
The new bishop-elect is married to Jennifer Kearon and the couple have three adult daughters.
“I am honoured and delighted to have been elected to the Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe, and I look forward to getting to know the diocese, its people and its clergy well in the near future,” commented Canon Kearon.
“Ireland has been through a very difficult period in its history, and I look forward to helping the diocese play its part and making its contribution to shaping the future. This diocese has made a distinctive contribution to the Church of Ireland in the past, in part through the work of its bishops and most recently through Bishop Trevor Williams, and I hope to be able to continue in their footsteps.”
The Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin, said: “Canon Kearon has expressed his delight at returning to work in Ireland and his intention to serve the people of Limerick and Killaloe and the communities of which they are a part.
“I have known Canon Kearon for many years and have always appreciated his personal friendship. I wish Kenneth and Jennifer all that is best within the love of God in their time in Limerick and Killaloe.”
No date has yet been announced for the consecration of the new bishop-elect.
