Pope Francis Appoints New Bishop of Dunkeld

On 27th May 2024, Pope Francis announced the nomination of Fr. Andrew McKenzie as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Dunkeld, following the sudden death of Bishop-elect Martin Chambers in April.

Fr. McKenzie will succeed Bishop Stephen Robson, who served as Bishop of Dunkeld from 2013 until his retirement in 2022 due to health issues. Since Bishop Robson’s retirement, the diocese has been under the administration of Canon Kevin Golden.

 

Fr. Andrew McKenzie expressed his gratitude in response to his appointment:

“I am humbled by the trust that Pope Francis has placed in me by inviting me to be the next Bishop of the Diocese of Dunkeld. With faith in God’s guidance, and with some nervousness, I accepted his invitation. 

I look forward to getting to know the priests and people of the diocese and to joining them in the work of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I take courage in the understanding that I will not be working alone, for each of us has a role to play in the work of evangelisation.

I have good memories of the diocese from a previous role as Director of Priests for Scotland when I was a regular visitor to Dundee at the invitation of Bishop Vincent Logan. I look forward to reconnecting with people and places.

I know that this has been a difficult time for the Diocese of Dunkeld with the unexpected death of Bishop Elect Martin Chambers. We remember him and continue to pray for his eternal rest.”

 

Fr. Kevin Golden, the Diocesan Administrator of Dunkeld, warmly welcomed the news. He said that the entire diocese, including priests, deacons, religious members, and lay people, looks forward to his leadership and assured Fr. McKenzie of their support and prayers, asking for God’s blessings on his new role as their Shepherd.

 

Archbishop Nolan of Glasgow also congratulated Fr. Andrew McKenzie on his appointment as Bishop of Dunkeld and praised the diocese for gaining such a capable leader.

“In his 36 years of priestly service,” said Archbishop Nolan, “the Archdiocese of Glasgow and the wider Church in Scotland have benefited from his talent, his commitment, his perseverance, and the high standards he has set in a variety of ministries. He has shown care for parishioners and care for his fellow priests, with a devotion also to the worthy celebration of liturgy and the praise and worship of God.”