Robin Eames facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend and Right Honourable The Lord Eames OM |
|
|---|---|
| Archbishop of Armagh Primate of All Ireland |
|
 |
|
| Church | Church of Ireland |
| Province | Armagh |
| Diocese | Armagh |
| In Office | 1986–2006 |
| Predecessor | John Armstrong |
| Successor | Alan Harper |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1963 |
| Consecration | 9 June 1975 by George Simms |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Robert Henry Alexander Eames |
| Born | 27 April 1936 Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Nationality | British |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Spouse |
Christine Daly
(m. 1966) |
| Previous post | Bishop of Derry and Raphoe (1975–1980) Bishop of Down and Dromore (1980–1986) |
| Alma mater | Queen's University Belfast |
Robert Henry Alexander Eames, also known as Lord Eames, was born on April 27, 1936. He is an Anglican bishop and a life peer, which means he was given a special title that allows him to be part of the House of Lords in the UK Parliament for his lifetime. He served as the top leader of the Church of Ireland from 1986 to 2006, holding the titles of Primate of All Ireland and Archbishop of Armagh.
Contents
His Early Life and School Days
Robert Eames was born in 1936. His father was a Methodist minister. Robert spent his early childhood in Larne, and later his family moved to Belfast.
He went to school at Belfast Royal Academy and Methodist College Belfast. After that, he studied at Queen's University Belfast. He earned a law degree in 1960 and later a Ph.D. in church law and history in 1963.
Interestingly, one of his teachers at Queen's University was Cahal Daly, who would later become a very important leader in the Roman Catholic Church.
Becoming a Church Leader
Instead of becoming a lawyer, Robert Eames decided to become a priest in the Church of Ireland. In 1960, he began studying at Trinity College, Dublin.
In 1963, he started his first job as a curate assistant at Bangor Parish Church. Three years later, in 1966, he became the rector (the main priest) of St Dorothea's Church in Belfast. That same year, he married Christine Daly.
Helping People During Tough Times
While at St Dorothea's, he created a "coffee bar ministry" to help young people. This was a difficult time in Northern Ireland, known as The Troubles. During this period, he showed great bravery. He once helped a Catholic girl escape from a group of people who had set her family's home on fire.
In 1974, he became the rector of St Mark's Church in Dundela, Belfast. This church had special connections to the famous writer C. S. Lewis.
In 1975, at 38 years old, he was chosen to be the bishop of the Diocese of Derry and Raphoe. This diocese covers areas in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. In a special gesture, he invited his Catholic counterpart, Edward Daly, to his consecration ceremony.
Five years later, in 1980, he became the bishop of the Diocese of Down and Dromore. Then, in 1986, he was chosen to be the 14th Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. This was a very important role, and his appointment surprised many other church leaders.
A Peacemaker for the Church
Lord Eames was a very important person within the worldwide Anglican Communion. He was often called a "troubleshooter" because he helped solve big problems and challenges within the church.
For example, in 2003, he was asked to lead a special group called the Lambeth Commission on Communion. This group looked at major issues that were causing disagreements and challenges to unity within the Anglican Communion.
The group published its findings in a report called "the Windsor Report" in October 2004.
Stepping Down and New Beginnings
In 2006, at a meeting of the Church of Ireland, Lord Eames announced he would retire on December 31, 2006. He was 69 years old and in good health. Even though church rules would have allowed him to continue until he was 75, he decided to step down.
The Irish Times newspaper wrote a tribute to him, saying that "behind the warm smile, many know there is a man of steel." This meant he was a kind person but also very strong and determined.
In January 2007, the bishops of the Church of Ireland chose Alan Harper to be Lord Eames's successor.
Working for Peace in Northern Ireland
In 2007, Lord Eames was chosen to co-lead a special group called the Consultative Group on the Past in Northern Ireland. This group's job was to figure out how to help people and communities deal with the lasting effects of the difficult times in Northern Ireland. They focused on supporting those who had been affected by the past.
The group released its report in January 2009, offering ideas on how to move forward and support people.
Awards and Special Recognitions
Lord Eames has received many special honors and awards for his work:
- In 1987, he was a special speaker at Oxford University.
- In 1995, he was given the title Baron Eames, which made him a life peer in the House of Lords. He sits as a crossbencher, meaning he doesn't belong to a specific political party.
- He has received many honorary doctorates from different universities, including Queen's University Belfast, Trinity College, Dublin, and the University of Cambridge. These degrees recognize his achievements and contributions.
- In 1998, he became an honorary Bencher of Lincoln's Inn in London, a special title for legal professionals.
- In 2006, he received the Archbishop of Canterbury's Award for Outstanding Service to the Anglican Communion. This is a very rare and high honor, given only to a few people for exceptional service to the worldwide Anglican Church.
- He received the Tipperary International Peace Award in 2006, which recognizes people who have worked for peace.
- In 2007, Elizabeth II gave him the Order of Merit. This is a very exclusive award, limited to only 24 living members, chosen personally by the monarch. It allows recipients to use the letters 'OM' after their name. He represented the Order at the 2023 Coronation.
- In 2007, he was given the Freedom of the City of Armagh, a special honor from the city where he served as Archbishop.
Images for kids
-
The coronet of a British Baron.
-
The coat of arms for Lord Eames.
See also
- List of Life Peerages
- List of Northern Ireland Members of the House of Lords
