During a period of extended sick leave, he found it helpful to reflect on this journey, which for thirty years has been lived out in the context of ordained ministry, in the Church of Ireland. On St. Peter’s Day, 29th June 2007 he was ordained as a bishop and has served since then, as Bishop of Connor.

In these pages, he wrestles with the shadows that have been part of his journey of faith. These include the shadows of scripture, ministry, worship, cultural history, mystery, and these and other subjects are discussed from the perspective of being a priest and a bishop. He discusses the difficulties facing the church today and questions whether the structures of parish life enable the mission that the church is called to live out in the local community.

He also examines possible ways of supporting those in ministry as they seek to fulfil their calling. These reflections begin and end with the disciples on the road to Emmaus on that first Easter Day. Alan Abernathy is the bishop of Connor Diocese. He’s married to Liz and they have two grown-up children. Prior to becoming a bishop in 2007, Alan spent 17 years as rector of Ballyholme Parish in Bangor. During this time he helped develop a Partnership Link with Kajiado Diocese in Kenya, which had a significant impact on Alan and his ministry.