The Church of Ireland Diocese of Connor

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Church of Ireland staff Carol Service at Belfast Cathedral

Monday December 18th 2023

Black Santa, Dean Stephen Forde, front centre, with assistant Santas Canon Raymond Fox and former Cathedral Chorister Laurence Denyer; Bishop George Davison, Bishop David McClay and staff from the Diocese of Connor, the Diocese of Down and Dromore and central church who were at the Cathedral for the annual Carol Service on December 18.

Staff from the Diocese of Connor, the Diocese of Down and Dromore and central church came together in the Chapel of Unity at Belfast Cathedral on December 18 for their annual Carol Service.

On their way out, they stopped on the Cathedral steps to show their support for the Dean of Belfast, the Very Rev Stephen Forde, currently in the middle of his sixth Black Santa Sit-out – the 47^th year the appeal for charities has taken place in the run-up to Christmas.

The Carol Service was introduced by the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison, who led prayers. Readers were Christina Baillie, Connor Youth Officer; Gillian Taylor, Church of Ireland Safeguarding Officer; and Brian Laverty, Down and Dromore Finance Officer.

The Rt Rev David McClay, Bishop of Down and Dromore, gave a reflection and closed the service in prayer. Mr Jack Wilson, Master of Music at Belfast Cathedral, accompanied the carol singing.

Dean Forde’s sit-out continues daily on the steps of St Anne’s until Christmas Eve. To donate, visit belfastblacksanta.org or stop by Donegall Street.

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