Brian Mayne was born in Belfast. He graduated in history from Queen's University in 1955 and trained for ordination at Trinity College, Dublin. Ordained in 1957, he served curacies in Ballymoney and Knock (Belfast), and was in charge of the new area parishes of Knocknagoney and Belvoir (1963-80). After four years as Dean of Waterford, he was rector of the Lecale parishes including Down Cathedral (1984-2001). He has served on General Synod committees for over twenty years and is the editor of the 2004 edition of the Book of Common Prayer.