James Mehaffey
James Mehaffey[1](29 March 1931 – 6 January 2020) wasBishop of Derry and Raphoeof theChurch of Irelandfrom 1980 to 2002.
Early life and ministry
[edit]Born on 29 March 1931[2]and educated atTrinity College, Dublinhe wasordainedin 1955.[3]
He began his clerical life withcuraciesat St Patrick's,Belfastand St John's,Deptfordafter which he was aminor canonatDown Cathedral.He wasBishop's Curateat St Christopher's,Belfast.He then served asthe incumbentatKilkeelandCregaghbefore his elevation to theepiscopate.[4]
Bishop of Derry and Raphoe
[edit]Mehaffey was elected Bishop of Derry and Raphoe on 27 June 1980 and consecrated on 7 September 1980. He worked very closely with his Catholic counterpartBishopEdward Dalyfrom his arrival in the city, organising joint carol services at Christmas, releasing joint statements at New Year and in the face of civic unrest. This collaborative ministry was recognised when both bishops were awarded the Freedom of the city of Derry in 2015.[5][6]
BishopDonal McKeownsaid at the time both bishops were "recognised for their enormous contribution to the common good and to the welfare of society at a difficult time when politicians weren’t even talking to each other.”[7]
Mehaffey's presence at the funeral of Bishop Daly was widely reported and interpreted as a sign of the conviction and courage of both men.[8]
He resigned 31 January 2002.
James Mehaffey was married to Thelma; the couple had three children.
References
[edit]- ^"Church of Ireland - A Member of the Anglican Communion".www.ireland.anglican.org.
- ^Who's Who2008: London,A & C Black,2008ISBN978-0-7136-8555-8
- ^Crockford's Clerical Directory1975-76 Lambeth, Church House, 1975ISBN0-19-200008-X
- ^“Handbook of British Chronology” By Fryde, E. B;. Greenway, D.E;Porter, S; Roy, I: Cambridge,CUP,1996ISBN0-521-56350-X,9780521563505
- ^"Bishop Daly says 3,000 jobs would lift Derry".15 April 2015.
- ^"Derry honours retired Bishops Edward Daly and James Mehaffey".BBC.24 March 2015.
- ^"Church leaders" acutely aware "of cost of divisions".28 March 2015.
- ^"Bishop Edward Daly... Immensely Brave".The Pensive Quill.27 August 2016.
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