Urban bishop retires

Bishop Stephen Lowe


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Published: 20 July 2009

The Bishop of Hulme, The Rt Revd Stephen Lowe, marked his retirement with a Celebration of Urban Life and Faith at the William Temple Church in Wythenshawe yesterday.

Bishop Stephen Lowe was appointed the first Bishop for Urban Life and Faith three years ago. He has spent most of his life working in urban parishes across the country and as Bishop for Urban Life and Faith has supported clergy working in the poorest communities and facing the most challenging circumstances.

Hundreds of people gathered at the William Temple Church to say farewell and to celebrate the life of churches in urban areas. Three Manchester parishes were featured in videos.

St Agnes, Longsight - an ethnically diverse neighbourhood with church and school at the heart of the community. St Peter's, Levenshulme - which helps run the South Manchester Credit Union. And St Thomas, Kirkholt, which offers hope in a community blighted by poverty and addiction.

Children from the School of the Resurrection in Beswick performed a beautiful Resurrection Dance accompanied by solo flute.

The Archbishop of York preached on Luke 10.36. The theme of his sermon was "Live radically. Spend time with Jesus."

The Archbishop and other bishops present sprinkled the congregation with water that has been blessed, to signify that we are all part of the body of Christ through baptism.

Tributes were paid to Bishop Stephen by many people representing the churches of Manchester, other faith groups, and the city. The Bishop of Manchester presented Bishop Stephen with a cheque on behalf of the diocese. Bishop Nigel said:

“Bishop Stephen, you have heard warm words of appreciation from across our local communities and also from across the world; and this large congregation is a further tribute to your ministry among us.

We surround you now with our love in Christ, as we praise and thank God for the many ways in which He has used you as a channel for His blessings upon clergy and laity in this diocese.

May God continue to cherish you, to enrich you with His peace, and to bless you and Pauline – that together you may enjoy a long, healthy and happy retirement."

Amongst the gifts Bishop Stephen received were a pair of braces from St Paul's Blackley to stop his trousers falling down, a wonderful framed painting from children at the school of the Resurrection, Beswick and a paper knife with dagger- like qualities!

Bishop Stephen said "I would like to thank to those who made it possible for such a generous cheque as a gift. Part of it is going on a new television and part of it on a gym/swimming subscription to get myself into better shape to face retirement! My thoughts, prayers will be with all in the Diocese of Manchester who I have known and grown to love over the past 10 years."

A collection for the Church Urban Fund taken during the farewell service raised £2500.


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