At a meeting of the Church of Ireland's Chapter of St. Anne's Cathedral in Belfast on Wednesday, two Methodist clergy were appointed as ecumenical canons following recent retirements.

The appointments are Rev. Ruth Patterson of Restoration Ministries and the Rev. Dr. Brian Fletcher, Minister of Cullybackey Methodist Church and former President of the Church in Ireland.

The appointments come after the retirement of Rev. Wilfred Orr and the Rev. Ivan McElhinney.

The cathedral serves two dioceses. Rt Rev Alan Abernethy, the Bishop of Connor and Bishop Harold Miller Rt Rev Harold Miller, Bishop of Down and Dromore both welcomed the appointments, the Cathedral said in a statement.
The installation will take place On October 21 at the Cathedral.