The event was held at Blackburn Cathedral on [Date] to mark the formal start of the ministry of Bishop Joe Kennedy, the new Bishop of Burnley. The service was attended by civic dignitaries from the Lancashire area, including the HM Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, and marked the beginning of Bishop Joe’s public ministry in the diocese.
Bishop Joe was appointed by the Bishop of Blackburn, Philip North, to work alongside him and the Bishop of Lancaster in delivering leadership in mission across the diocese. In his new role, Bishop Joe will take on pastoral responsibilities, supporting clergy and lay leaders in the diocese, and will lead the “Being Witnesses” strand of the Diocesan Vision. The “Being Witnesses” strand is a key part of the diocese’s vision to deepen faith and evangelism across the region, and Bishop Joe’s leadership will be instrumental in driving this initiative forward.
Bishop Joe was previously the Vicar of Oxton St Saviour in the Diocese of Chester for 13 years, where he developed a strong reputation for his leadership and pastoral skills. He was ordained to the episcopate in July at a service in York Minster, and has since been preparing for his new role as Bishop of Burnley. During his time in Chester, Bishop Joe was known for his ability to build strong relationships with his congregation and the wider community, and his passion for mission and evangelism.
In his inaugural address, Bishop Joe emphasized the importance of the “ministry of reconciliation” in the life of the church. He highlighted the commitment of people to living out their faith, seeking unity, and prioritizing evangelism and deepening faith. He also spoke about the beauty of the diocese’s diverse communities, schools, and chaplaincies, and expressed his excitement to be part of the life of the diocese.
“I am thrilled to be starting this new chapter in my ministry as Bishop of Burnley,” Bishop Joe said. “The ministry of reconciliation is at the heart of our Christian faith, and I believe it is a key part of what makes our church communities so special. I am looking forward to working with clergy, lay leaders, and all the people of the diocese to deepen our faith, share the love of Jesus Christ, and serve our communities with love and compassion.”
Bishop Joe also spoke about the importance of building relationships and working together to achieve common goals. “I believe that the church is at its best when we work together, supporting and encouraging one another,” he said. “I am committed to building strong relationships with clergy, lay leaders, and all the people of the diocese, and to working together to achieve our vision of being a vibrant and dynamic Christian community.”
The Bishop of Blackburn, Philip North, praised Bishop Joe’s experience, heart for justice, and passion to share the love of Jesus Christ. “Bishop Joe brings a wealth of experience in parish ministry and theological education, but more than that, his heart for justice, his desire to see all people flourish, and his passion to share the transforming love of Jesus Christ will be great blessings to the Diocese,” Bishop Philip said.
The service was a joyous celebration of Bishop Joe’s new ministry, and was attended by many people from across the diocese. It marked the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the diocese, and Bishop Joe’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of the church in Lancashire.
Bishop Joe is married to Emily and has two children. He is looking forward to getting to know the people and communities of the diocese, and to working together to build a brighter future for all. He is committed to being a bishop who is accessible and available to all, and who will work tirelessly to support and serve the people of the diocese.
As Bishop of Burnley, Bishop Joe will be responsible for leading the diocese’s mission and evangelism efforts, and for supporting and resourcing the diocese’s clergy and lay leaders. He will also be involved in a range of other activities, including preaching, teaching, and visiting parishes and communities across the diocese.
Bishop Joe’s appointment is seen as a major milestone in the life of the diocese, and marks the beginning of a new era of leadership and ministry. He is widely respected for his leadership skills, his passion for mission and evangelism, and his commitment to building strong relationships with people from all walks of life.
The diocese is a vibrant and diverse community, with a rich history and a strong sense of identity. It is home to a wide range of churches, schools, and chaplaincies, and is committed to serving the people of Lancashire with love and compassion.
As Bishop of Burnley, Bishop Joe will be working closely with the diocese’s clergy and lay leaders to build on the diocese’s strengths and to address its challenges. He will be working to deepen faith and evangelism across the region, and to build strong relationships with people from all walks of life.
Bishop Joe’s appointment is a major blessing for the diocese, and marks the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the church in Lancashire. He is a gifted leader with a passion for mission and evangelism, and is committed to building strong relationships with people from all walks of life. He is the perfect person to lead the diocese into a new era of ministry and mission, and is sure to make a lasting impact on the lives of the people of Lancashire.