New Bishop

 ARMS OF THE BISHOPRIC OF MEATH 
Three mitres labelled

The Church of Ireland, part of the Anglican communion, has appointed its first female bishop.

The Rev Patricia (Pat) Storey, rector of St Augustine's Church in Londonderry, is to be the Most Rev the Lord Bishop of Meath and Kildare.

The diocese of Meath is traditionally the premier bishopric in the Church of Ireland and the bishop is styled Most Reverend.


The House of Bishops meeting yesterday in Dublin appointed the Revd Pat (Patricia) Storey to succeed The Most Rev Dr Richard Clarke, who is now Lord Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland and Metropolitan.

The Rev Pat Storey is currently Rector of St Augustine’s Parish Church, Londonderry. She said:

‘I am both excited and daunted by this new adventure in our lives. I have had an extraordinarily happy experience in St Augustine’s and in this wonderful city which I will be sad to leave. However, I count it an enormous privilege to begin a new phase of my ministry with the people of Meath and Kildare, and I look forward to working with the team of clergy who are already there. I would sincerely ask for your prayers for myself and my family, who are the best family in the world!’

The Rev Pat (53) has been Rector of St Augustine’s, Londonderry (Derry and Raphoe) since 2004. She is married to the Rev Earl Storey and has two adult children, Carolyn and Luke, and a son-in-law Peter.

Having grown up in Belfast and studied French and English at Trinity College, Dublin, she trained at the Church of Ireland Theological College (now Institute) and was ordained deacon in 1997 and priest in 1998.

She served a curacy in Ballymena (Connor) and was a team vicar in Glenavy (Connor) and a part-time youth worker co-ordinator with the Church of Ireland Youth Department.

Among Central Church participation, she is a member of the Standing Committee of the General Synod.

Mrs Storey becomes the first woman to be appointed a bishop in the Church of Ireland.

The consecration of the new bishop will take place in due course, followed by enthronement in the diocesan cathedrals thereafter.