About The Church of Ireland Gazette
First published in March 1856 as The Irish Ecclesiastical Gazette, the Church of Ireland Gazette has chronicled the life of the Church for over 160 years. Becoming a weekly publication in 1880 and adopting its current name in 1900, the Gazette continues to serve as a trusted and independent voice for the Church of Ireland today. From its beginning, the Gazette has been more than a newspaper — it is a platform for connection, reflection, and faithful witness. Its founding purpose, as set out in the Memorandum of Association of Church of Ireland Press Ltd (incorporated in 1964), is “to advance the Christian religion among the people of Ireland in accordance with the doctrines of the Church of Ireland by publication and distribution of a weekly Christian newspaper.”
Though owned by Church of Ireland Press Ltd, with members approved by the Standing Committee of the General Synod, the Gazette maintains full editorial independence. The views expressed, including in editorial comment, do not necessarily reflect official Church of Ireland policy — and that freedom has allowed it to report honestly, challenge respectfully, and encourage thoughtfully across decades of social and ecclesial change.
Today, the Gazette continues to inform and inspire. Each issue engages with real lives and local ministry, exploring the joys and challenges of Christian witness in contemporary Ireland. We publish stories from every corner of the island, amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard, and bridging the gap between parishes, dioceses, and wider society.
The Church of Ireland Gazette is not simply about reporting the Church’s story. It is about being part of it. Join us as we continue that story.
Meet the Gazette Team
Clark Brydon
Editor
Clark was appointed Editor of the Church of Ireland Gazette following a diverse career in education, church communications, and governance. With deep roots in the life of the Church, he brings pastoral sensitivity, strategic insight, and a strong editorial voice to the role. Having grown up in Great Britain, Clark completed his undergraduate degree in Music at the University of York, before moving to Ireland in 2020 to begin his PhD at Trinity College Dublin.
Since 2022, he has served as Education Officer at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, where he leads the Cathedral’s learning and outreach programmes, welcoming thousands of children, community groups, and tourists each year. He also oversees the Cathedral’s safeguarding practice and was instrumental in developing robust, child-centred policies that supported the Cathedral’s ministry, music, and educational work. His safeguarding expertise is complemented by broader consultancy work in policy development and compliance for schools and church organisations.
As the Vicar of the Prebendary of Monmohenock at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, he plays a daily role in the choral and liturgical life of the Church. He also serves on the Board of Management of the Cathedral School, where he helps steward the governance of a historic, values-led school community.
Alongside his liturgical and pastoral work, he managed developments to the Cathedral’s website, live streaming, and digital media, playing a key role in communications strategy, engagement, and public interpretation during major projects and daily ministry alike.
Presently the Housemaster at the Royal and Prior Comprehensive School in Raphoe, Co. Donegal, Clark brings together pastoral care, management experience, and a passion for the Church’s witness in public life. As Editor, he is committed to upholding the Gazette’s editorial independence whilst expanding its reach as a forum for honest conversation, thoughtful faith, and informed engagement across the island of Ireland.
Aoife Deasy
Deputy Editor
Aoife was appointed Deputy Editor in February 2024.