On Sunday afternoon, we gathered at Manchester Cathedral to celebrate the vital ministry of Readers across our diocese. In a joyful service led by Bishop Matthew Porter, six new Readers were admitted, and five were honoured with the title of Reader Emeritus.
We share today the news that Revd Jonathan Bramwell, Head of Clergy Development, will be stepping down from his diocesan role this summer to return to local church ministry.
We are pleased to announce two appointments to the role of Area Dean within our diocese. The Revd Anne Gilbert, currently serving as Vicar of Rochdale and Acting Area Dean, has been formally appointed as Area Dean of Rochdale, and The Venerable Richard Worsfold, currently Archdeacon of Leicester, has been appointed as full-time Area Dean of Salford and Leigh.
This Christmas, Bishop David invites us to pause and reflect on the simple yet profound message of the angels to the shepherds in Bethlehem: "I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people." In a world often overshadowed by darkness and uncertainty, the message of Christ’s birth offers a timeless reminder of hope and light. Just as the shepherds were invited to come and witness the miracle in the most ordinary of places, Bishop David encourages us to draw near to the joy of the season, whether at home with loved ones, through community celebrations, or in the quiet reflection of Christmas services.
In this article, which was published in the Manchester Evening News, Bishop David shares his concerns about the Assisted Dying Bill.
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.
Our annual schools conference, held in Manchester Monastery on Friday, was a great success with over 180 school and church leaders attending. The day was entitled ‘Distinctly Christian in a Changing World.’
The Bishop of Manchester, The Rt Revd Prof David Walker is delighted to announce the appointment of The Revd Phil Cansdale as Manchester Diocese’s new Director of Mission and Ministry.
The Bishop of Manchester, The Rt Revd Prof David Walker is delighted to announce the appointment of The Revd Canon Rachel Watts as Director of Vocations following in the successful footsteps of The Revd Canon Nick Smeeton.
