My thoughts and prayers are with the survivors, in this country and in Africa, who have had to live with the consequences of Smyth’s abuse for many years. They have shown great courage in coming forward, and as bishops we must listen carefully and act to ensure such abuse and failings in safeguarding are never repeated.
We are delighted to share the news that over 100 of our churches in Manchester Diocese have now received Eco Church accreditation.
On Friday, the Church of England and the Methodist Church celebrated the 21st anniversary of the Anglican-Methodist Covenant, which was signed in 2003 in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II, aimed to strengthen ties and promote unity between the two Churches. The Covenant recognises how much the two churches - which separated in the 1790s, after the death of John Wesley - have in common and commits them to removing further obstacles towards unity.
This November 17, we're inviting all churches in the diocese to come together and mark Safeguarding Sunday. It’s a special opportunity for us as a community to pause, reflect, and have a conversation about creating safer spaces for everyone in our churches.
Bishop Matthew recently led a delegation from Manchester Diocese on a trip to our partner link diocese of Lahore.
Throughout October members of the Transforming Prayer Community have been sharing reflections for Black History Month, a time dedicated to celebrating and reflecting upon the immeasurable contributions of Black people to British culture, history and society.
Last Saturday's Diocesan Synod marked the first meeting of the new triennium, welcoming new members alongside those who have served for many years.
Last week marked the conclusion of Canon Phillip Blinkhorn's tenure as Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance. Phillip has dedicated nearly five decades to serving the diocese, first joining Diocesan Synod in 1976 before becoming Chair of the DBF in 2012. At Synod, Bishop David presented Phillip with a gift as a token of the diocese’s appreciation.
On Sunday and Monday, over 300 members of clergy and readers gathered at Holy Family Failsworth and Manchester Cathedral On Sunday and Monday, over 300 members of clergy and readers gathered at Holy Family Failsworth and Manchester Cathedral for a day to study the Gospel of St Luke.
On Saturday, lay leaders from Bolton Deanery gathered for the very first Deanery Lay Leadership Conference. Readers, ALMs, Churchwardens, Children and Youth Leaders, Treasurers and PCC members came together for a morning of worship, fellowship and leadership training.
