The Rt Rev Alan Harper, Bishop of Connor, has been elected Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland by the House of Bishops of the Church of Ireland Wednesday.

I am certain that he is the person that we were guided by the Holy Spirit to elect to this office.

The Most Rev Dr John Neill, Archbishop of Dublin, on the appointment of Bishop Harper
Making the announcement in St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, the Most Rev Dr John Neill, Archbishop of Dublin said:

"It gives me great personal delight to make this announcement, as I look forward, as indeed do all the bishops, to working in partnership with Alan and under his leadership. Bishop Harper is a man of deep faith, great ability and pastoral insight and

"I am certain that he is the person that we were guided by the Holy Spirit to elect to this office. He will represent the Church of Ireland in situations in Ireland and beyond with great courage and clarity, and it will be a joy to work with him."

Bishop Harper said: "I am deeply humbled and honoured by the trust placed in me by my colleagues. I pray that God will guide me in fulfilling the responsibilities of the role of Archbishop of Armagh. I am conscious of the privilege of serving the Church in this role. I look forward to meeting the people of my new diocese and those members of the Church throughout the island of Ireland.