Andrew Forster facts for kids

Andrew James Forster is an important leader in the Church of Ireland, which is a Christian church in Ireland. He is currently serving as the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe. He started this role on December 8, 2019.

Andrew Forster's Journey to Becoming a Bishop

Early Life and Education

Andrew Forster studied at Queen's University, Belfast. He also attended the Church of Ireland Theological College. This is where people train to become church leaders.

Starting His Church Career

He became an official church minister, or was ordained, in 1992. His first job was as a curate at Willowfield. A curate is a new priest who helps a more experienced one. After that, he became the Dean of Residence at his old university. This role meant he helped students, often with their spiritual lives.

From 2002 to 2007, he was the Archdeacon of Elphin and Ardagh. An archdeacon is a senior church leader who helps the bishop manage a part of the church's area, called a diocese. During this time, he was also the main priest, or rector, for the Drumcliff group of churches in County Sligo.

Later, from 2007 to 2015, he was the rector of Drumglass. Before becoming a bishop, he served as the Archdeacon of Ardboe from 2015 to 2019.

Becoming a Bishop

On August 29, 2019, Andrew Forster was chosen to be the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe. This happened after the previous bishop, Kenneth Good, retired. His special ceremony to become a bishop, called a consecration, took place on Sunday, December 8, 2019. It was held in St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh. In early January 2020, he officially took his seat in the main churches, or cathedrals, in Derry and Raphoe. This ceremony is called an enthronement.

Other Important Roles

Andrew Forster was also the President of the Irish Council of Churches. This group brings together different Christian churches in Ireland to work together. He held this important position from March 2022 until March 2024. Bishop Sarah Groves took over from him.

Andrew Forster's Family

Andrew Forster is married to Heather. They have three children named Hannah, Patrick, and Megan.