The Archbishop of Armagh and Church of Ireland Primate of All Ireland, Dr Robin Eames, has retired today at the age of 69.

In his final sermon delivered at St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh, Dr Eames called on unionists and nationalists to grasp the future and find new ways of living together in Northern Ireland, reports the BBC.

"We cannot pass on to a new generation the hatreds and divisions of the past," he said.

"We have got to create a future under God where young people have real pride in their community.

"The Church, politicians and all of us leading ordinary lives must grasp the opportunities for reaching that shared future which now present themselves.

"I welcome the debates within the Protestant and unionist community on a way forward.

He continued: "I welcome the historic attempts within the nationalist and republican community to address issues such as policing. Let us recognise in both communities, individual courage and integrity when we see it in others we may not always agree with."

Archbishop Eames, ordained as a minister in 1963, has been a key advocate for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland over the years.

In his final sermon, he also reflected on his personal walk of faith, expressing thanks to the Diocese of Armagh and the people of the church for their support and being part of his Christian pilgrimage. He appealed for people to "grasp the joy there is in believing and live by it".

In recent years, Dr Eames has played an important role in navigating the rifts in the wider Anglican Communion as chairman of the Lambeth Commission in 2003.

A successor to Dr Eames will be elected from the 11 remaining Church of Ireland bishops in a ballot involving only themselves.

The result of the election is expected to be announced in Dublin on 10 January.