Commissioning of new Pioneer Minister for Connor Diocese

Monday December 1st 2025

The Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison, commissions Jonny Diamond as a Pioneer Minister for Gathered – a Partnership Ministry, at a service in Dunluce on November 30. Photo: David Johnston.

Jonny Diamond of Gathered, a partnership ministry comprising parishes on the north coast, has been Commissioned and Licensed as a Pioneer Minister by the Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison, at a service in Dunluce.

Gathered – A Partnership Ministry is a Pioneer Ministry project in partnership with The Grouped Parishes of Ballyrashane & Kildollagh; The Grouped Parishes of Ballintoy & Dunseverick with Rathlin Island; St Patrick’s, Coleraine, and St Andrew’s, Ballysally; and Dunluce Parish, Bushmills.

The Ministry is particularly focused on young people and young families.

Representatives of all the parishes within the partnership attended the packed service in the Church of St John the Baptist, Dunluce, on the evening of Sunday November 30.

Other guests included the Rev Rob Jones, National Director for Pioneer Ministry, and Simon Henry, National Youth Officer with the Church of Ireland Youth Department. The preacher was the Rev Canon James Boyd, Pioneer Ministry Advocate for Connor Diocese.

The service was followed by refreshments in the Parish Hall which, as the pictures reveal, were enjoyed by all.

Photos courtesy of David Johnston.