Last Saturday, the Racial Justice Team was joined by almost thirty people who gathered for a Prayer Walk to remember Stephen Lawrence. The sun shone as everyone walked together around Heaton Park, taking time to pause, reflect on Stephen's legacy, and pray for racial justice and an end to prejudice.

This week, we announced the appointment of the Revd Dr Trevor Hutton as our new Head of Church Growth and Evangelism. In his new role, Trevor will work alongside clergy and lay leaders to support the delivery of the Church Planting and Revitalisation element of the diocese’s vision.

We are pleased to share the news that the Revd Canon Simon Cook has been appointed as the next Archdeacon of Salford and Bolton. Simon succeeds the Ven Dr Rachel Mann, who will retire at the end of July after many years of faithful ministry in our diocese. Read more:

Hear from the Bishop of Middleton as he invites you to our final Deanery Celebration Evenings. 🙏🎉 We have three events remaining across the diocese, we'd love to see you there! Full details and registration for all events can be found here: www.manchester.anglican.org/celebrating-...

Who was St George and why do we celebrate him today? George the Martyr is the patron saint of England. But his story doesn’t start here... Find out more about about St George and a range of resources to mark the day at cofe.io/StGeorge.

Today marks the Centenary of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We invite you to join @churchofengland in prayer—giving thanks for her life and Christian witness. Access different versions of the prayer, here on the Church of England website 👉 https://bit.ly/48XtKGY

Don't forget to register for the Manchester and Salford Whit Walk! 🙏🥁🎺☀️ Registrations close tomorrow - Friday, 10th April. This year's fees are as follows: • Parish/Benefice £75 • Mission Community £150 (new category) For a registration form, please email: [email protected]

In his Easter message, Bishop David invites us to reflect on what it means to stand alongside fellow Christians around the world - especially those who face hardship, danger, and uncertainty. He reminds us that even amid global conflict and suffering, the joy of Easter continues to break through.

We were delighted to welcome Archbishop Stephen @www.archbishopofyork.org to our diocese yesterday. With spring in the air, we enjoyed a glorious day that highlighted the many ways our parishes and schools are living out their faith. youtu.be/rLiEd7h0ijI

Archbishop Stephen @www.archbishopofyork.org and Bishop David @bishmanchester.bsky.social met clergy and lay leaders involved in intercultural mission, gaining an insight into how our churches support international congregations and nurture diverse worshipping communities.

The second stop on Archbishop Stephen’s visit to our diocese was all about singing! Pupils at Holy Cross CE VA Primary School and the Sing my Soul Choral Scholars showcased their talents at Oldham Parish Church.

Students at The Blue Coat School in Oldham have enjoyed their visit from Archbishop Stephen Cottrell @www.archbishopofyork.org, Bishop David and Bishop Mark.

We are delighted to be welcoming Archbishop Stephen to our diocese today on the latest leg of his Lord’s Prayer Tour. Join us this evening for the Lord’s Prayer Event at Manchester Cathedral. Doors open at 6.45pm for a 7.15pm start.

You are invited to join Archbishop Stephen Cottrell at Manchester Cathedral, as he shares the meaning of the Lord's Prayer in today's world. Date: Thursday, 19th March Time: Doors at 6:45pm for a 7:15pm start Everyone is welcome - book your place here👇 tinyurl.com/3zda7ueh

Today is International Women’s Day, and this week the leadership, faith and creativity of local women clergy is being celebrated with a special series of BBC Daily Service broadcasts 🎧✨

The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Revd Dr David Walker, has announced that he will retire in the summer of 2027. Bishop David shared the news today in a pastoral letter to our diocese. Read more www.manchester.anglican.org/bishop-david... @bishmanchester.bsky.social

God laid on my heart an idea to teach The Lord's Prayer across the north of England. This year, on 19th March, I'm coming to Manchester Diocese. I look forward to visiting different places and meeting different people, and will be at Manchester Cathedral for an evening of prayer and reflection.

This morning on BBC Radio 4, Bishop David @bishmanchester.bsky.social shared his Thought for the Day, reflecting on the latest news from Iran: www.manchester.anglican.org/bishop-david...

Our new exhibition focuses on the many pioneering women associated with the cathedral - including Ann Lee, subject of a new Hollywood film Come see the exhibition and also our special event to coincide with International Women's Day, 7th March at 2pm, when we will share archive materials & stories

We’re delighted to welcome Archbishop Stephen Cottrell to our diocese on Thursday, 19th March, for a special evening at Manchester Cathedral. We will come together to reflect, pray, and explore the Lord’s Prayer in fresh and meaningful ways. Book your place today 👇 tinyurl.com/3zda7ueh

In the House of Lords, Bishop David @bishmanchester.bsky.social highlighted the importance of key educational transitions - from preschool to primary and from primary to secondary. He drew attention to the diocesan Places Project in Bolton, which supports children during these crucial stages.

📺 Did you watch Archdeacon Rachel Mann on Sunday’s Songs of Praise? Rachel appeared in the first of two programmes exploring the parables of Jesus, speaking with presenter Sean Fletcher about The Parable of the Good Samaritan.

In September we announced that Helen Platts, our Chief Operating Officer and Diocesan Secretary, will retire at the end of March. We remain deeply grateful for her exceptional leadership and service over the past seven years. We are now pleased to confirm the appointment of Helen’s successor.

Bishop David @bishmanchester.bsky.social spoke in the Lords yesterday urging the Government to give long‑term funding certainty to the UK’s specialist music and dance schools.

Today, on Holocaust Memorial Day, we pause to remember the millions of men, women, and children whose lives were taken or forever scarred by the horrors of the Holocaust. We honour their memory and commit ourselves once again to the work of compassion, justice, and peace.

We are delighted to share that we have been awarded significant funding by the national church for an inspiring investment programme to resource mission and ministry in our diocese. This support will strengthen the work already taking place in our parishes, schools and chaplaincies.

Please join us in prayer for the people of Iran – for peace, for protection, for comfort for grieving families, and for hope to shine in the midst of great darkness. We also hold in prayer those from Iran living in this country, who are deeply concerned for their loved ones.

This week, Bishop David @bishmanchester.bsky.social shared his Epiphany letter, reflecting on the evidence of God’s work among us and looking forward to all that this year has in store. Read it here: www.manchester.anglican.org/bishop-david...

Today, Lucie Reilly - Reader at Holy Trinity, Waterhead and Executive Assistant to Bishop David - shares her thoughts on the theme of Epiphany. Thank you for journeying with us through the Twelve Days of Christmas, and a thank you also to each of our brilliant contributors!

As we look ahead to a new term of study in the schools, colleges and universities in our diocese, we caught up with Jamie Mackenzie, Lead Anglican Chaplain for Central Manchester Universities, to find out what inspires hope within him.

As schools start to reopen again after the Christmas holidays, Ni-Cola Scott, Shades Lead, encourages us to take a prayerful attitude to our work and make space for quiet moments with God. youtu.be/uODz9Gmj-Pk

Today, James Cowley, Lay Chair for Salford and Leigh Deanery, reflects on Christ’s presence in our everyday lives, meeting us in the ordinary moments. He reminds us that God is with us, and that the light of His presence continues to bless our communities and our diocese.

Celebrating Christmas is as much about giving as it is about receiving. Revd Hannah Rudd reflects on our call to love our neighbours - gathering as communities to serve and be served. Hannah reminds us how Jesus embodied this, showing us how to live among one another with grace and compassion.

As we welcome the first day of 2026, Kim Morgan-Jones reflects on what this year might hold. It promises to be a hope-filled year for our diocese, with opportunities to deepen our involvement in its mission. Kim invites us to consider how we can walk with God through every step.

As we prepare to welcome New Year’s Eve, Canon Grace Thomas fondly recalls the best New Year celebration she’s ever experienced. Reflecting on the kindness of her neighbours, Grace invites us to consider our call to Love Thy Neighbour as we mark the close of 2025.

As we reflect on 2025 and look ahead to the new year, Bishop David shares a message of thanks to all who contribute to the mission and ministry of our diocese. @bishmanchester.bsky.social

As our Twelve Days of Christmas series continues, Nia Edwards, Sing my Soul Choral Scholar in the Diocese of Manchester shares her favourite Christmas song and why it means so much to her.

Today, the Revd Michaila Roberts, Hulme Lecturer at Bolton Parish Church and Village Church Chaplain reflects on The Holy Innocents.

Today, Dean Rogers Govender reflects on St John the Evangelist and his unique telling of the Christmas story. He explores how John’s Gospel reveals the profound mystery of the Word made flesh inviting us to encounter Christ as the light that shines in the darkness.

As we celebrate St Stephen's Day, Dominic Budhi-Thornton reminds us of the charitable roots of Boxing Day, and explains how Urban Outreach works to ensure that those who might otherwise go without at Christmas receive 'Christmas Dinner on Jesus.'

Bishop David shares his Christmas message of hope and light in these challenging times. His message reminds us that, just as Christ’s light shone into a dark world over 2,000 years ago, that same light continues to shine today. @bishmanchester.bsky.social

Today on #WorldAIDSDay, Bishop David @bishmanchester.bsky.social raised a vital issue in the House of Lords asking what plans the government have to support children who lose both of their parents as a result of AIDS.

Today, as Bishop David @bishmanchester.bsky.social celebrates 25 years of ministry as a bishop, he launches our diocesan strategy – a vision for our future shaped by months of prayer, consultation, and collaboration within our communities. Bishop David explains here: youtu.be/j4-vsRfI_BI?...

Prayer Vigil for those affected by the fire in Tai Po, Hong Kong. In response to the Call for Prayer issued by the Archbishop of Hong Kong, the Most Revd Andrew Chan, Bury Parish Church will be holding a prayer vigil for all who have been affected by the devastating fire in Tai Po, Hong Kong.

I was at Manchester Cathedral today for a round table discussion on poverty - part of this year’s events marking 40 years since the Church’s landmark Faith in the City report. Its call to action remains as urgent as ever — to build a bold vision and a clear plan to end poverty.

Did you hear our bells on the radio this morning? They are 100 years old today. Catch up on BBC Sounds from 08.25 am. Watch out this evening for features on BBC Northwest Tonight and ITV Granada reports and do come to our launch itself, which begins at 6.30pm today! www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

🛡️There are just ten days until Safeguarding Sunday 🛡️ The day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of creating safe spaces for all, especially children, vulnerable adults, and those at risk. Resources and support can be found on our website:

In the House of Lords, Bishop David spoke to his amendment that seeks to lift the ban on asylum seekers undertaking paid work. @bishmanchester.bsky.social

Bishop David spoke in the House of Lords debate on Gaza and the preservation of the ceasefire. He noted that the last three functioning ICU beds are in the Al-Ahli Anglican hospital and asked how health services can be protected and improved in Gaza @bishmanchester.bsky.social

During this afternoon’s House of Lords session, Bishop David @bishmanchester.bsky.social commended the vital work of prison chaplains with young people and asked how they can be better supported and resourced in their roles.