Kildare gets new Church of Ireland bishop
Archbishop of Dublin and Bishop Elect Meath and Kildare, Dean Stephen Farrell.
THE EPISCOPAL Electoral College for the Diocese of Meath and Kildare has elected Dean of Ossory, the Very Rev Stephen Farrell, as the new Bishop of Meath and Kildare.
Dean Farrell succeeds the Most Revd Patricia (Pat) Storey, who retired in July of this year, following a 13- year stint as the first-ever woman elected as bishop in the Church of Ireland.
“I have much pleasure is announcing that Dean Farrell has been elected Bishop of Meath and Kildare,” said the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland, who chaired the Electoral College, meeting in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin.
“I look forward to working with Stephen in his new capacity and role as he serves the church anew in the diocese and across the Church of Ireland.
“Stephen has many skills and talents to offer to the diocese and its clergy and people.
"I wish him and his family all that is best for the future.”
The Bishop–elect said: “I am humbled and delighted in equal measure to have been elected to serve as Bishop of Meath and Kildare."
"I ask for the prayers of all those with whom I will work as we labour together in this corner of God’s Kingdom.”
Following confirmation of the election by the House of Bishops, the Bishop–elect will be consecrated as a bishop on a date to be determined.
Dean of Ossory, the Very Rev Stephen Andrew Farrell, was appointed to his current position in 2022 after serving as rector in Zion parish, Diocese of Dublin 2011-22, having previously served as curate in Taney parish, Diocese of Dublin 2008-11.
Dean Farrell studied law at Jesus College, Oxford before completing a Masters in Canon Law at Cardiff University in 2015 and then studying for the ministry at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute.
He is married to Laura with three children.
