The Bishop of Manchester, The Rt Revd Prof David Walker has today announced the appointment of The Revd Phil Cansdale as Manchester Diocese’s new Director of Mission and Ministry. When he takes up the role in January 2025, Phil will be responsible for championing all aspects of mission in the diocese, and for the development of our lay and ordain
ed leaders.
Phil is currently Vicar of Trinity Churches Shrewsbury in the Diocese of Lichfield and has served in the parish since 2009. He oversees a large, multi-congregational parish seeking to resource, serve and bless the local area and beyond. During this time, he has also held the role of Area Dean, served on National Church projects, and – in Phil’s words - “endured the ups and downs of being chaplain at the mighty Shrewsbury Town Football Club.”
Born in Bristol, Phil’s journey to Manchester has brought him via Pakistan, Oxford, Canterbury, Wolverhampton, and most recently Shropshire. After spending some time on the team of staff at St Aldate’s Oxford he was ordained in 1999, and served his curacy in a city-centre church with a particular emphasis on training young adults. He then served for seven years as vicar in the Black Country, which gave Phil experience of families and community ministry on a vibrant outer-suburban estate.
Phil is married to Tracey, and has three young adult children, Lottie, Hamish and Barney. Tracey is currently a primary school headteacher near Shrewsbury, and is excited that in January 2025 she will be starting as Headteacher at St John’s CE Primary School in Radcliffe. So, the new year will mark a new start for both Phil and Tracey, we look forward to welcoming them both to Manchester Diocese.
Accepting the role, Phil said,
“I’m thrilled to be starting as the new Director of Mission and Ministry in Manchester, and getting involved with colleagues, churches and communities. With the Transformation Programme underway it feels a great time to be stepping into the role, and I’m excited to be rolling up my sleeves and joining in with what God is doing here already. Shrewsbury – and the Shropshire hills – will always remain in my heart, but I’m very much looking forward to the next stage of God’s adventure in Manchester in the new year.”
Offering his warm congratulations, Bishop David said,
“I am delighted that Phil has chosen to continue his ministry in our diocese. His breadth of experience and approach to developing, supporting and encouraging others made him the ideal person for the role. I look forward to working with him on Bishop’s Leadership Team at this exciting time for our diocese.”
A date for The Revd Phil Cansdale’s licensing will be announced in the coming weeks.