A Bill seeking to amend the management of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, to make provision for a second archdeaconry in the Diocese of Armagh received its first and second readings at General Synod today (Thursday May 7).

The Bill follows the passing of a resolution to establish a second archdeaconry in Armagh at Armagh Diocesan Synod on October 21 2014 and subsequent consent from Standing Committee in November 2014.

The Bill seeks to allow for the inclusion of a second archdeacon, the Archdeacon of Ardboe, in the list of dignitaries constituting the Cathedral Body of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh and to provide for the election, by lay members of Armagh Diocesan Council, of an additional member of the Cathedral Board in order to maintain the parity of lay and ordained members of the board.

The Bill was in the names of the Very Revd Gregory Dunstan and Canon Lady Sheil.

Proposing the Bill, Dean Dunston stated: “With the bishop, the members of the chapter represent the unity of the diocese; they are a resource in the mission of the diocese. As the bishop’s deputy in the diocese, the archdeacon must be among them. We therefore ask General Synod to amend the Armagh Cathedral statute, so that the Archdeacon of Ardboe may be given a stall in the Cathedral and a voice in the Chapter”.

The Bill has now passed its first and second stages and will receive its third reading on Saturday morning.

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