Helen Platts to Retire in March 2026
First published on: 16th September 2025Today, we share the news that Helen Platts, our Chief Operating Officer and Diocesan Secretary, will be retiring in March 2026.
Latest News
Summary of General Synod July 2025
First published on: 17th July 2025The Church of England’s General Synod gathered in York for a five-day summer group of sessions (11–15 July 2025), addressing a wide range of theological, pastoral, and administrative matters.
Fifteen New Priests Ordained at Manchester Cathedral
First published on: 2nd July 2025This past weekend marked a significant occasion in the life of our diocese, as 15 people were ordained as priests at Manchester Cathedral during our annual Petertide Ordinations.
Twenty One New Deacons Ordained at Manchester Cathedral
First published on: 2nd July 2025This past weekend marked a significant occasion in the life of our diocese, as 21 people were ordained as deacons at Manchester Cathedral during our annual Petertide Ordinations.
Truth-Telling, Healing and Hope
First published on: 25th June 2025This week, members of clergy and the Shades team joined colleagues from across the country for the Truth-Telling Gathering at the University of Liverpool - a city with a deep and complex history tied to the transatlantic slave trade. This significant location set the tone for a powerful and moving experience of reflection, truth, and learning.
Bishops respond to Government Spending Review
First published on: 12th June 2025Yesterday, The Rt Revd Dr David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, and The Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Newcastle, responded to the Chancellor's statement on the Comprehensive Spending Review.
Diocesan Synod Meets to Discuss Strategy, Safeguarding, Vocations and Finances
First published on: 12th June 2025On 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.
Bishop David Makes Presidential Address to Synod
First published on: 12th June 2025On Saturday, 7th June, Bishop David made his Presidential Address to Synod.
National Association of Diocesan Advisers in Women’s Ministry Conference
First published on: 20th May 2025Last week, the National Association of Diocesan Advisors in Women’s Ministry (NADAWM) met for their annual conference. Our representative for Manchester Diocese is The Revd Jenni Beaumont who writes this report following the event.
New Area Deans for Rochdale and Salford & Leigh
First published on: 6th May 2025We 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.
