The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell is coming to Manchester to visit community services and churches in the area. This missionary visit is an opportunity for the Archbishop meet with local people and leaders, giving thanks for the work that they are doing in their communities.
Hosted by the Right Revd Prof. David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, the trip will include stops that showcase the unique ways that churches are evolving to meet the needs of their communities. One such example is Nelson Street church in the centre of Rochdale, located in a building has a long history as a Temperance Hall, a dance hall, a nightclub and a restaurant.
Archbishop Stephen will spend the first day in Rochdale, visiting Rochdale foodbank, stopping at Nelson Street Church, meeting students at Rochdale Sixth Form College before ending the day at AFC Rochdale.
On Thursday 2 March, he will visit the Laudate Si’ Centre, hosted by the Bishop of Salford, before heading over to Bury to take a walk around their famous market. Bury is the new home for the Diocese of Manchester’s office, St. John’s House, and we are delighted that the Archbishop will officially open this newly refurbished building. While at St. John’s House the Archbishop will meet with local dignitaries and other faith leaders.
Archbishop Stephen and Bishop David will then journey on to St. Peter’s Church, Bury to learn more about their approach to working alongside their community. Here he will also meet pupils from Bury CE High School. The evening will be spent in the hills of Rossendale leading a parish event on prayer.
On the final day, the missionary visit will stop for morning prayer at Sacred Trinity, Salford, where the Archbishop will speak of his vision for the church with some of the 111 people in the diocese currently training for ordained ministry. Later in the morning, the Archbishop will preach at the Manchester Grammar School Founders’ and Benefactors’ Day service at Manchester Cathedral.
The visit will end with lunch with business and community leaders from the Manchester area.
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell said: “I’m really looking forward to visiting the Diocese of Manchester and for the opportunity to meet, encourage and thank people for the service they give in their churches and communities. My prayer is that God will enable and empower us to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others so they might encounter him themselves and know the unconditional love he has for them.”
Bishop David said “I am delighted that Archbishop Stephen is coming to Manchester Diocese. His visit will be a great encouragement for our churches, and communities, as we seek to fulfil our calling to grow the church, nurture Christians, and serve the places and people where God has set us.
“I know that he will also take back with him the fruits of his conversations with the wide range of church and society groups with whom he will be meeting.”
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, has sent a greeting to all our parishes and to everyone in advance of his visit:
Stay tuned to our social feeds next week to follow along!
The Diocese of Manchester | Manchester | Facebook
Diocese of Manchester (@DioManchester) / Twitter
Archbishop Stephen visited the Diocese of Manchester back in May 2022. Read more about his time here.