Summary of Diocesan Synod, March 2026

Diocesan Synod met on Saturday 21^st March to discuss the impact of the recent grant awarded by national church, the work of the Racial Justice Team, the financial position of the Diocesan Board of Finance, and the Vacancy in See process. The opening service, led by Archdeacon Karen Best, provided the opportunity to explore different expressions of worship through singing, reflection and dance.

Opening address

Following the announcement of his retirement, Bishop David reflected on his role. As Diocesan Bishop he acts as chief pastor to the diocese as well as shaping its future direction. The Bishop also has a public role as an ambassador for the Christian faith, both within the diocese and nationally. Understanding the role is an important part of the discernment process that is now getting underway to appoint his successor.

The Diocese’s Strategy

Synod was updated on the award of significant additional funding to Manchester Diocese from the national church, with £15m being allocated for the four years to 2029, and a further £20m being awarded in principle up to 2033.  There were presentations explaining the practical impact this increased investment will have for each of the diocese’s four strategic priorities of Parish Renewal, Growing Younger, Church Planting & Revitalisation, and Developing Missional Leaders. There will be further opportunities to learn about the next steps with implementing our strategy at the deanery events which are being held in April and May and which all are encouraged to attend – see here for more details and to sign up.

This film from the visit of the Archbishop of York of Thursday, 19th March was shown to Synod. The schedule for the day was designed to illustrate the many different ways in which parishes, schools and communities are living out our vision and strategy.

Racial Justice

Diane Gray-Stephenson, Racial Justice Programme Lead, presented the annual report on progress towards achieving racial justice in the diocese. Based on Romans 17:7 and Micah 6:8, she reflected on what racial justice means in the context of our parishes, schools and chaplaincies and encouraged Synod members to consider whether our churches feel like home to all, especially those from Global Majority Heritage communities.

2024 Financial Results

Canon John Walsh OBE (DBF Chair) reported that the diocese’s operating deficit for 2024 is £1.89m, which is close to the agreed budget. Parish Share – at £5.69m – had increased slightly compared with the previous year, although 49 parishes are only paying the minimum Parish Share of £10,274 or less. In addition the DBF received proceeds of £3m from the sale of the St Peter’s House chaplaincy building and £3m for grant-funded programmes.

Future finances

Looking ahead, the diocese has been awarded additional time limited funding of £3.75m over the next three years, to help alleviate the operating deficit and achieve a break-even budget. It is important that parishes continue to meet their Parish Share commitments to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the diocese.

The Parish Share scheme remains largely unchanged for the next three years, and parishes are encouraged to engage in the Discussion and Agreement process to confirm future levels of giving of Parish Share.

Synod was also advised that national church has increased the amount of Lower Income Communities (LInC) Funding to £3m from 2026. This contributes to clergy costs in our most deprived parishes and is equivalent to 50 out of the diocese’s 175 clergy posts.

Feedback from General Synod

John Hobson, newly elected to General Synod, reported back on its February meeting which had considered a wide range of issues with debates on mental health, the future of social care, vocations and further work on Living in Love and Faith.

Vacancy in See process

Fr Alan Murray-Simpson advised that the Vacancy in See Committee has now entered its formal period of work in preparation for the appointment of the next Bishop of Manchester. The Committee comprises 38 members and is being chaired by Keith Lewis, Lay Chair of Bolton Deanery. The current General Synod concludes in July after which the newly elected Synod members will join the Vacancy in See Committee from November. Consultations across the diocese will get underway in February 2027 with a view to holding interviews for the role in October 2027.

Farewell to Helen Platts

Synod members joined Bishop David and Canon John Walsh OBE in expressing their thanks to Helen Platts on her retirement after seven years as Diocesan Secretary.