Congratulations to Canon Barbara Taylor and Canon Geoffrey Tattersall KC, who were admitted to the Order of William Temple on Sunday 3rd March. Taking place at Manchester Cathedral, the service was conducted by The Very Revd Rogers Govender, Dean, and The Rt Revd Dr David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, with The Ven David Sharples, Archdeacon of Rochdale, preaching.
William Temple was Bishop of Manchester between 1921 and 1929, later becoming Archbishop of York and then Canterbury. Temple’s vision of the Christian faith resonated throughout the nation as it prepared to face the evil of Nazism. His social teaching supported the post-war development of the welfare state, which laid the groundwork for housing policy and the foundation of the NHS. The Order of William Temple reflects Temple’s vision of Church and society, and those who are admitted are people with long and distinguished service in the Diocese of Manchester.
Canon Barbara Taylor has served the Mothers’ Union in the diocese for many years, joining in 1982 and resulting in her becoming Manchester Diocesan President. She has also served the Mothers’ Union nationally as York Provincial President and a Mothers’ Union Trustee. Canon Taylor contributes her expertise and varied experience freely to Mothers’ Union activity. Canon Taylor also serves her parish and deanery, including as treasurer of PCC and Deanery.
Canon Geoffrey Tattersall KC has served the diocese and Church for many years. He was its Chancellor from 2004-22, and was a Deanery Lay Chair and Chair of the Diocesan House of Laity before this. For almost thirty years, Canon Tattersall has been a member of General Synod of the Church of England where he has chaired complex and sensitive business, as well as volunteering his legislative skills. He has also served as Chancellor of Carlisle Diocese and Vicar General of the Diocese of Sodor and Man.