John McDowell (bishop)

The Most Reverend John McDowell
Archbishop of Armagh Primate of All Ireland
Church	Church of Ireland
Elected	8 March 2020
In office	28 April 2020 –present
Predecessor	Richard Clarke
Other post(s)	Bishop of Clogher (2011–2020)
Orders
Ordination	1996
Consecration	23 September 2011 by  Alan Harper
Personal details
Born	Francis John McDowell 1956 (age 68–69) Belfast, Northern Ireland
Nationality	United Kingdom Republic of Ireland
Denomination	Anglicanism
Spouse	Mary
Children	Dorothy
Profession	Businessman
Alma mater	Queen's University Belfast London School of Economics Trinity College Dublin

Francis John McDowell (born 1956) is an Anglican bishop, who is the current Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. ^[1]

Early life and education

McDowell was born in 1956 and was educated at Annadale Grammar School, an all-boys grammar school in south Belfast, Northern Ireland. He studied history at Queen's University Belfast, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. He also holds a diploma in business studies from the London School of Economics and a Bachelor of Theology (BTh) degree in theology and biblical studies from Trinity College Dublin. He pursued a career in business before being ordained in 1996. ^[2]

Ordained ministry

McDowell was ordained in 1996. ^[2] He initially served as Curate of Antrim, in the Diocese of Connor (1996–1999), and subsequently Rector of Ballyrashane, in the same diocese (1999–2002), and Rector of St Mark's Church, Dundela, in the Diocese of Down and Dromore (2002–2011), during which time he was also an Honorary Secretary of the General Synod (2008–2011). ^[3]

Episcopal ministry

He was appointed Bishop of Clogher by the House of Bishops on 30 May 2011; and consecrated on 23 September that year in St Macartin's Cathedral, Enniskillen. ^{[4] [5]}

McDowell was elected Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland in 2020 and took up his role on 28 April of that year. ^[6] On 14 September 2021, he was enthroned during a service at St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh. ^[7]

References

1. Conneely, Ailbhe (28 April 2020). "McDowell takes up role as head of Church of Ireland". www.rte.ie. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
2. Church of Ireland Directory 2020
3. "Irish Inter–Church Committee congratulates Bishop John McDowell on his election as Archbishop of Armagh".
4. Province web site
5. "Bishop of Clogher, John McDowell, elected Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland". Anglican Communion News Service. 17 March 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
6. "Welcome Archbishop John". Church of Ireland. 28 April 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
7. "John McDowell: Church of Ireland enthrones new Armagh archbishop". BBC News. 14 September 2021. Retrieved 13 May 2023.

External links

• "Archbishop John McDowell: Money In Scripture: The Influence Of Christian Thinking On Finance" on YouTube

Anglican Communion titles
Preceded by Michael Jackson	Bishop of Clogher 2011–2020	Ian Ellis
Preceded by Richard Clarke	Archbishop of Armagh 2020–present	Incumbent