This week, clergy and lay leaders from across the diocese came together to take part in the first training sessions for Cornerstone, a new online learning platform created to support churches in growing giving, generosity, and thankfulness.
It will soon be time for this year’s ordination of Deacons and Priests, which will be taking place on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June at Manchester Cathedral. A total of 38 people are being ordained in the diocese this Petertide - 22 as deacons and 16 as priests.
Join us at Manchester Cathedral on Sunday, 6th July 2025 for our Reader Licensing Service, taking place from 3pm to 4:30pm. This marks the licensing of new Readers — dedicated lay people who have completed their training and are now being formally commissioned for ministry by the Bishop.
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.
After nine years in the role of Local Ministry Officer, Jamie Mackenzie has accepted an exciting new post as Lead Anglican Chaplain at Manchester University, Manchester Metropolitan and The Royal Northern College of Music.
Our Racial Justice Programme took a significant step forward this weekend with a launch event hosted by the Church of the Ascension Hulme. On Saturday, people from across our diocese came together to celebrate the progress made so far, share powerful stories, and look ahead to the next phase of our journey towards racial justice.
St. Peter’s Church in Bolton Deanery is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year – a proud milestone for a church that has long been at the heart of the Belmont community.
It was with great sorrow that we heard the news of the death of Pope Francis this morning. The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Revd Dr David Walker has expressed his condolences and paid tribute to him.
Archdeacon Rachel Mann has shared an update as she recovers in hospital following major surgery. We continue to hold Rachel in our thoughts and prayers, wishing her strength and a smooth recovery.
Today, Durham Cathedral plays host to a historic event —the Royal Maundy Service, a centuries-old tradition that brings national recognition to those who dedicate their lives to service, compassion, and community. Among those honoured today are four individuals from the Diocese of Manchester and two from our ecumenical partners, whose tireless service and faithful dedication have left a lasting impact on their communities.
