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The eleven bishops of the Church of Ireland have chosen Bishop as the new Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. The election was held at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin and the decision has just been announced. He will take up office on 2 February.

Alan Harper (62) has served as Bishop of Connor since March 2002. He is an Englishman who has lived in Northern Ireland for his entire adult life. He was educated at Leeds University (studying geography) and Trinity College, Dublin, and worked as an archaeologist before entering the ministry. In 1996, he was appointed an OBE for services to conservation in Northern Ireland.

Bishop Harper has served in parishes in both Northern Ireland and the Republic. He is married to Helen, and they have four children (Catherine, Richard, and twins Emma and Ann).