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.

The Sing My Soul Choral Scholars are making an impression across the diocese as they share their amazing talents in a variety of our churches✨🎶 Why not experience their music for yourself at one of their upcoming events? For dates and details, click the link below👇

At Diocesan Synod last Saturday, we shared this inspiring short film about our diocese’s latest church plant at William Temple, Wythenshawe. Take a few minutes to watch here:

Grow Your Church Younger Through Toddler Ministry!🎉 We are welcoming Caroline Montgomery, author of Refresh: Introducing Adults to Faith Through Toddler Groups, to our Early Years Conference on November 8th. Tickets are currently discounted to £10. Book here👇 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/early-year...

You are invited to attend our Lukestide Healing Services 🙏 Details: • Thursday 16th October - 7:30pm - All Saints, Stretford • Monday 20th October - 7:30pm - Bolton Parish Church • Wednesday 22nd October - 7pm - St Luke, Heywood For more info, please email: [email protected]

You're invited to our first Early Years Conference! 🎉 Bishop Mark Davies and Early Years Adviser Jo Haslam invite you to join us for our inaugural Early Years Conference, taking place on 8th November 2025 at St John's House, Bury. Book your place: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/early-year...

We’re pleased to share the new schedule for the Sing My Soul Choral Scholars! Their first appearance will be on Wednesday, 8th October at 7pm at St Ann's, Manchester - a debut performance in this historic venue. Come along and enjoy beautiful music in a beautiful setting. Find out more:

October marks the start of Black History Month in the UK. We encourage parishes, chaplaincies, and schools across the diocese to mark Black History Month in ways that are meaningful and relevant to their local context. To help you do so, resources are available on our website:

The Rt Revd Dr David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, welcomes the appointment of the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally as the next Archbishop of Canterbury. Read more: www.manchester.anglican.org/bishop-david... @bishmanchester.bsky.social

The Right Reverend Dr David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, has issued a statement in response to the attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue this morning. Read the statement in full: www.manchester.anglican.org/bishop-of-ma... @bishmanchester.bsky.social

On 18 October, Luther King House in Manchester will host Women’s Voices 2025 - a vital conference exploring the intersection of theology, ministry, and women’s lived experiences. The event is open to all women and those who minister to them. Book here: www.tickettailor.com/events/luthe...

⏳ Just a few days left to apply! Applications for our Foundations for Ministry Course close on Monday, 22nd September. If you sense a call to Christian ministry but aren’t sure what that looks like, this course will help you explore your path. Learn more and apply: www.manchester.anglican.org/ffm

We are pleased to share this update from Archdeacon Rachel Mann @revrachelmann.bsky.social. Rachel remains in our prayers as she continues her recovery. Read the update 👇

‼ Phishing Alert ‼ Sadly, we’ve received several reports today of phishing emails targeting individuals across our diocese. These fraudulent messages are designed to deceive recipients and extort money.

✨Intercultural Kingdom Celebration✨ One of the things that makes the Diocese of Manchester such a welcoming place to live and worship is the rich diversity of our communities and churches. Our Intercultural Kingdom Conference is an opportunity to come together and celebrate this gift. Learn more 👇

The Church in Wales has announced that Cherry Vann, Bishop of Monmouth, is to be the next Archbishop of Wales. Cherry served in the Diocese of Manchester for many years, including over a decade as Archdeacon of Rochdale, and we extend our warmest congratulations on her appointment.

Tomorrow morning, look out for the Revd Hannah Lane, Vicar of Bolton, who will lead the National Online Service for the Church of England. The service will be available at the link below and on the Church of England's social media. Watch here:

The annual ALM Conference took place on Saturday at Brunswick Church, welcoming around 70 Authorised Lay Ministers. The theme for the day was ‘Sharing Faith, Inspiring Mission’, and the speaker was Marie Aitken, author of 'Keep it Simple - How to Share your Jesus Story with Clarity and Confidence'.

Congratulations to the eight newly appointed Honorary Canons of Manchester Cathedral, who have been recognised for their dedicated service to our diocese and the wider Church. You can learn more about them here 👇 www.manchester.anglican.org/honorary-can...