Hundreds gather to celebrate the ministry of Archdeacon Rachel Mann

Hundreds of people gathered at Manchester Cathedral yesterday for a special service of Choral Evensong to mark the retirement of the Ven Dr Rachel Mann, Archdeacon of Salford and Bolton.

Friends and colleagues contributed to the service while many travelled miles to be there. From left Rachel’s Personal Assistant, Ayanda Reiss, read the first lesson from the Book of Samuel, Archdeacon Karen Best read the Gospel reading from St Luke, and Archdeacon Karen Smeeton led the prayers of intercession.

In a moving sermon, Archdeacon Rachel Mann reflected on the Gospel story of the blind beggar who cries out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” Drawing on her own experiences of illness, disability and vulnerability, she spoke honestly about the challenges she has faced in recent years and how they have reshaped her understanding of faith and dependence on God. She described finding hope in a Christ who stops to listen to those on the margins and whose love remains available to all.

Contemplating her retirement, Rachel expressed gratitude for the people and communities who have supported her throughout her ministry and spoke candidly about the challenges faced by LGBT+ people within both the Church and wider society. She shared her desire to see the world more as Jesus sees it – a wounded world still worthy of love and redemption.

She concluded with three enduring convictions: that the future will not be neat and tidy; that God will provide what is needed to meet its uncertainties with love; and that ultimately, “the future, wonderfully, gloriously, is God’s.”

Paying tribute to Rachel, Bishop David Walker reflected on his long ministry alongside her. He praised the “undying hope in Jesus” that had shone through both Rachel’s ministry and her farewell sermon, saying that these qualities had been heard “loud and clear” by everyone present and by those watching online.

Reflecting on Rachel’s journey from parish priest and Area Dean to Archdeacon, Bishop David commended the wisdom, gentleness and authenticity she had brought to every role, noting that she had always “brought your true self to everything that you have done and everything that you have been.” He also highlighted her influence beyond the Diocese of Manchester through her work with the Church of England’s Faith and Order Commission, General Synod and her much-valued broadcasting ministry with the BBC.

Describing Rachel as someone who is “loved widely and hugely,” Bishop David spoke of her commitment to inclusion, dialogue and understanding. He thanked her for all she had given to the diocese and beyond, saying that while she was retiring from full-time ministry, it was clear she was “not leaving the service of Jesus.” He praised the way she continued to convey “the greatness of God’s love, the wideness of God’s mercy, and the hope that we can have in Christ,” before offering his blessing and thanks for all that is yet to come.

The service ended with a standing ovation in recognition of Rachel’s ministry and the impact she has had on the Diocese of Manchester and countless individuals during more than twenty years of service.

Watch the service: Manchester Cathedral Choral Evensong marking the retirement of the Archdeacon of Salford and Bolton.