Appointment of Priest-in-Charge in the Glens

Sunday December 7th 2025

The Rev Alan McCracken.

The Rev Alan McCracken, currently Bishop’s Curate in the Parishes of Moville Upper and Lower, Donagh, Cloncha and Culdaff, Diocese of Derry and Raphoe, has been appointed Priest-in-Charge the Grouped Parishes of Ardclinis, Tickmacrevan, Layde and Cushendun in the Glens of Antrim.

Alan, who is married to Karen, grew up in Newtownabbey and worshipped in St John’s Whitehouse, Diocese of Connor. The Boys’ Brigade played an important part in his young life as it introduced him to the Gospels and the teaching of Christ.

Aged 17, Alan joined the army, serving with the Royal Irish Rangers. Following his service, he worked as a financial consultant for several years, but missed army life, and in 2008, Alan re-enlisted into the Army Reserve, serving with the 2^nd Battalion Royal Irish Regiment.

When he could no longer ignore the voice in his head calling him to Christ, he began to explore his faith more deeply and so began his vocational journey.

After completing the Church of Ireland Foundation Course, Alan obtained a Master’s Degree in Theology through the Church of Ireland Theological Institute.

At a Service in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, in September 2020, he was ordained to serve his deacon internship at The United Parish of Christ Church and St John’s, in Ballyclare. A year later, Alan was ordained a priest at a service in All Saints, Clooney, to serve as Bishop’s Curate for the Moville Group of Parishes.

He left the Royal Irish Regiment in 2021, and transferred to the Royal Army Chaplains Department, serving as a chaplain in the Army Cadet Force, supporting young people in their growth and development.

“These experiences of service and pastoral care have continued to shape my ministry in Moville and beyond,” Alan said

“Over the past five years, it’s been a privilege to serve the Moville Group of Parishes. Together we’ve shared worship, built trust, and nurtured ministry in challenging and creative times. I’m especially grateful for the joy of seeing children’s ministry grow, with young voices and energy bringing hope for the future.

“The arrival of the Ukrainian community in early 2022 also shaped my ministry as we sought to welcome and support their integration into the local community.”

Alan said he is ‘deeply thankful’ for his time as Bishop’s Curate in the Moville Group and especially for the people of Inishowen whose welcome and kindness meant so much to him and Karen.

“I wish to thank the Very Rev Liz Fitzgerald, Archdeacon Robert Miller, and Archdeacon David Huss for their care and support during my time in Moville. Their encouragement has been a steady source of strength,” Alan added.

“As I step forward into ministry in the Glens of Antrim, serving the Parishes of St Mary’s Carnlough, St Patrick’s, Glenarm, and St Kieran’s, Cushendall, my vision is to serve in this group of parishes where generosity, creativity, and hope will be nurtured and multiplied.

“I long to see communities strengthened through worship, children’s ministry, and pastoral care that reflects Christ’s compassion. My prayer is that together we will build bridges of trust, amplify stories of renewal, and embrace the future with faith and courage.

“Therefore welcome one another, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. [Romans 15:7]”