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.
This Christmas, Bishop David invites us to pause and reflect on the simple yet profound message of the angels to the shepherds in Bethlehem: "I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people." In a world often overshadowed by darkness and uncertainty, the message of Christ’s birth offers a timeless reminder of hope and light. Just as the shepherds were invited to come and witness the miracle in the most ordinary of places, Bishop David encourages us to draw near to the joy of the season, whether at home with loved ones, through community celebrations, or in the quiet reflection of Christmas services.
In this article, which was published in the Manchester Evening News, Bishop David shares his concerns about the Assisted Dying Bill.
My thoughts and prayers are with the survivors, in this country and in Africa, who have had to live with the consequences of Smyth’s abuse for many years. They have shown great courage in coming forward, and as bishops we must listen carefully and act to ensure such abuse and failings in safeguarding are never repeated.
This November 17, we're inviting all churches in the diocese to come together and mark Safeguarding Sunday. It’s a special opportunity for us as a community to pause, reflect, and have a conversation about creating safer spaces for everyone in our churches.
Last Saturday's Diocesan Synod marked the first meeting of the new triennium, welcoming new members alongside those who have served for many years.
Last week marked the conclusion of Canon Phillip Blinkhorn's tenure as Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance. Phillip has dedicated nearly five decades to serving the diocese, first joining Diocesan Synod in 1976 before becoming Chair of the DBF in 2012. At Synod, Bishop David presented Phillip with a gift as a token of the diocese’s appreciation.
On Sunday and Monday, over 300 members of clergy and readers gathered at Holy Family Failsworth and Manchester Cathedral On Sunday and Monday, over 300 members of clergy and readers gathered at Holy Family Failsworth and Manchester Cathedral for a day to study the Gospel of St Luke.
Last weekend, over 90 Authorised Lay Ministers were authorised and commissioned at Manchester Cathedral. This included 40 new ALMs who have just finished their training and 50 ALMs who were being re-authorised for ministry in their parish. Between them they represented ten areas of ministry and many there we also marking ten years of service!
The Bishop of Manchester, The Rt Revd Prof David Walker is delighted to announce the appointment of The Revd Phil Cansdale as Manchester Diocese’s new Director of Mission and Ministry.
