THE CHURCH of Ireland Episcopal Electoral College will meet in Dublin’s Christ Church Cathedral today to elect a new Bishop of Limerick and Killaloe.
The successful candidate will replace Bishop Michael Mayes, who retired from the position last March.
The Episcopal Electoral College consists of the Archbishop of Dublin, Most Rev John Neill, who will preside, three other bishops of the Church of Ireland and 48 clerical and lay representatives from Limerick and Killaloe and other dioceses in the Church’s southern province.
After attending a Holy Communion service at 11am in Christ Church Cathedral, the college will meet and conduct its deliberations in private.
The college may elect a current bishop, or a priest (male or female) over 30 years of age to the vacant see.
To be elected, a nominee must receive the votes of at least two-thirds of the clergy present and voting, and two-thirds of the laity present and voting
Archbishops and/or bishops, if they desire to vote, do so as clergy for these purposes.
Following confirmation of the election by the House of Bishops, the bishop-elect will be consecrated (if not already a bishop) and subsequently enthroned in the various Cathedral churches of the dioceses on dates that will be determined.
If the college is unable to reach a decision on the appointment, the responsibility will pass to the House of Bishops.
A result is expected to be known between 3pm and 5pm this afternoon.