Last Friday, churches from across Saddleworth came together in a display of faith and community spirit for the annual Whit Friday Walk of Witness. The day’s celebrations culminated in the world-renowned Saddleworth and Oldham Whit Friday Band Contests, drawing crowds and competitors from near and far.
On Saturday, 7th June, Diocesan Synod met at St John's House to discuss the diocese’s strategy, vocations, safeguarding, and to adopt the annual report and accounts for 2024.
The Manchester and Salford Ecumenical Whit Walk made a joyful return to the city centre yesterday, bringing together churches from across the area for a display of faith and community.
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.
This week, clergy and lay readers from around the diocese took some time to meet together and take part in a ministerial development day titled, ‘The City is My Monastery: Contemplative Prayer and Action', led by the Revd Richard Carter. The day was structured around three aspects of faith – silence, service and scripture – which form part of the Rule of Life that Richard has established at St Martin-in-Fields, London.
On Saturday, 15th March, Diocesan Synod met at St John's House to discuss racial justice, parish share, the Parish Giving Scheme and Growing Missional Leaders.
The Revd Canon Dr Nicholas Bundock, Team Rector of St James and Emmanuel, Didsbury, has been elected as the new Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway. He will be consecrated and take up his new post later this year.
Bishop David spoke in the House of Lords yesterday in the debate on The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill also known as 'Martyn’s Law' in tribute to Martyn Hett who was killed alongside 21 others in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack. He commended the work of those who have drafted the Bill and expressed his gratitude for the amendments that help to balance the needs of smaller venues.
Bishop David shares his message for the Feast of Epiphany, reflecting on the challenges the Church faced in 2024 and reinforcing his commitment to safeguarding. He sets out his hopes for the years ahead that centre around our four themes of Growing Younger, Developing Missional Leaders, Church Planting and Revitalisation and Parish Renewal.
Last Saturday's Diocesan Synod marked the first meeting of the new triennium, welcoming new members alongside those who have served for many years.
