The Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, the Right Reverend Dr Paul Colton, is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Assistant Secretary in the Diocese. Dr Chris Ashley, has been appointed as Assistant Secretary and he will also have responsibility for Safeguarding and Education Administration.

Chris said:

I am very pleased to join the team at St Nicholas House supporting the ministry and mission of the United Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross.

Prior to moving to Cork in early 2024, Chris served as Administrative Chaplain at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan. In addition to his work for the diocese, Chris has begun training in Supervisory Clinical Pastoral Education with the Rev. Dr. Daniel Nuzum at Cork University Hospital.

Chris holds a PhD in Systematic Theology from Union Theological Seminary in New York, an MDiv from Harvard Divinity School, and a BA in Literature from Yale University.

A Chicago native, Chris lives in Glounthaune with his spouse, the Rev. Elise Hanley, Rector of Cobh & Glanmire; their two miniature Schnauzers; and four cats. He enjoys choral singing, aikido, and endurance sports.