A holy alliance! Politicians unite to welcome Rev Niblock to Inishowen
New Church of Ireland priest-in-charge formally introduced at Christ Church, Buncrana, as she begins her new ministry in Inishowen
Local politicians have warmly welcomed Reverend Melanie Niblock to Inishowen following her formal introduction as the new Church of Ireland Priest-in-Charge of the Grouped Parishes of Fahan Upper and Fahan Lower.
Sinn Féin County Councillor Jack Murray extended a “very warm Céad Míle Fáilte” to Rev Niblock following the Service of Introduction at Christ Church, Buncrana, on Friday night, September 11.
The packed service was carried out by the Rt Rev Andrew Forster, Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, and Buncrana Parish Priest Fr Francis Bradley was also among those present.
Cllr Murray attended the service alongside Sinn Féin TD Pádraig Mac Lochlainn and said he wished Rev Niblock “every success and happiness” in her new role.
He said he hoped she would feel “very much at home” in Buncrana and across the wider community, adding that he looked forward to working with her in the future.
Fianna Fáil Cllr Fionán Bradley also welcomed the new cleric to the area, describing Friday night’s event as “a lovely evening” for the Service of Introduction.
He wished Rev Niblock and her family “the very best in the future” as she begins her new ministry in Inishowen.
Rev Niblock takes responsibility for Christ Church in Buncrana and St Mura’s Church in Fahan as part of her new role in the Diocese of Raphoe.
Her appointment follows a period serving at All Saints Clooney in Derry, where she was priested two years ago and developed strong links with the congregation.
The Diocese of Raphoe previously said her departure from Clooney would be a wrench after the warm relationships she had established with parishioners.
Her new ministry by the shores of Lough Swilly fills the vacancy created following the death of Reverend Marty McNeely late last year.
The Friday night service in Buncrana formally marked the beginning of Rev Niblock’s new chapter in the two Inishowen parishes, with local representatives joining members of the Church of Ireland community to welcome her and her family.