The Dean of Christ Church – Address to mark the Retirement of the Most Revd Dr John Neill
Today we celebrate the twenty fifth anniversary of the consecration of our beloved archbishop, John Neill. Here we have someone who embraced the life of ministry truly in a Pauline way. If I were to write a current CV for John Neill I believe the personal character section would read as follows in bulleted points:
The most Revd John R W Neill
• Is primarily a deeply spiritual man who nourishes his spirituality through regular prayer and the reading of the scriptures, through the celebration of the sacraments and through deep reflection on the nature of Christ and the pathway of Christianity.
• He is a wise man and his wisdom has served not only the Irish church but the whole Anglican Communion through his contributions to many committees of the Communion.
• He has a deep and loving care for people which is borne out in a rich and fruitful pastoral ministry both as a priest and as a bishop.
• He is not afraid to speak out in a measured way on issues affecting society nor is he afraid to admonish.
• He is one who always seeks balance and is always willing to see the other side of the story
• He is good at delegating tasks
• He is passionate about Anglicanism and its particular spiritual expression within the Christian Church without being sectarian. His ministry goes beyond the bounds of church and tradition and reaches out to the whole of society.
• He is comfortable in all traditions of the church. Often seen on the floor of a youth camp or on the lofty chair of the cathedra.
• His organisational skills are the envy of many
• He is pastorally sensitive to his priests and a good confidant
• An inspiring ecumenist he has deepened the bond between the churches on this island
• He is diligent in his attention to detail and meticulous in carrying out the duties of office
• He is a strong leader on the bench of bishops
• He is good humoured and enjoys a good joke
• A loving husband, a caring father and a loyal friend
In short: A brilliant bishop
Sermon preached at Eucharist. More at:
http://www.ireland.anglican.org/index.php?do=news&newsid=3412