A new bishop for Cork, Cloyne and Ross
The Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross has a new bishop.
The Church of Ireland recently announced Venerable Andrew Orr following an election during the second meeting of the Episcopal Electoral College in Christ Church Cathedral Dublin.
The Ven. Andrew Orr, who is currently the Archdeacon of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, will succeed the Right Reverend Dr Paul Colton, who retired at the end of April after more than 27 years of episcopal ministry in the United Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross.
He said: “I am delighted and honoured to have received the votes of the electoral college. I am looking forward to walking together with the wonderful team of clergy and lay people in Cork, Cloyne and Ross and under God’s guidance to journey together into the wonderful future that is ahead of us.”
Most recently, he served as Archdeacon of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, having been licensed and installed in that role by Bishop Paul Colton at Choral Evensong in St Fin Barre’s Cathedral in March 2023.
During the vacancy in the See, he has also served as Commissary to the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Reverend Dr Michael Jackson, helping to support the ongoing life and ministry of the diocese during the interim period.
Andrew also currently serves as Chaplain to Midleton College and Priest-in-Charge of Youghal Union of Parishes. He was appointed to that role in 2018, coming to the diocese from the Tullow Group of Parishes in the United Dioceses of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory, where he had served as rector and as archdeacon of Ossory and Leighlin.
Born in Belfast, Andrew attended Sullivan Upper School in Holywood, County Down, before studying Geology and Physical Geography at the University of Sheffield. He later studied theology at Trinity College Dublin and was ordained deacon in 1992 and priest in 1993.
The outcome of the election will now be transmitted to the House of Bishops to confirm the election. Following that arrangements will be made for the consecration and enthronements of the new bishop.