Blackburn Cathedral hosts service for Emmanuel Theological College

The special Eucharist Service took place at 10.30am on September 11 at Blackburn Cathedral and was attended by more than 300 students, staff, trustees and bishops.

Emmanuel Theological College is non-residential and will serve the six Dioceses in the region as well as non-ministerial independently funded students choosing to study theology.

The launch of the new college is an exciting moment for the ongoing work in the North West of England to train future leaders in the Church.

The majority of the initial 2021 cohort of more than 160 full and part-time students are sponsored by their local dioceses, as part of their formation towards becoming vicars and licensed lay ministers.

It has taken more than a year of hard work behind the scenes by a cross-Diocese implementation team chaired by Right Revd Philip North, Bishop of Burnley to get to this point.

Speaking after the service, reverend Dr Michael Leyden, the first Dean of Emmanuel Theological College said: "I'm excited to be leading the College with its rich blend of students, staff and trustees drawn from a range of backgrounds reflecting the beauty and diversity of people from across the region."

Right Revd Mark Tanner, Bishop of Chester and Chair of the Board of Trustees added: "It is such a joy to launch this innovative new partnership today, as we train ministers to serve every person and community in the North West and welcome them into the fullness of life that Christ offers."

Bishop Philip added: "Emmanuel Theological College is a Christ-centred, hope-filled and mission-orientated community that exists to equip the whole people of God to serve the whole mission of God today.

"The college will provide much more than just training; we have a vision to make a difference as we share Jesus’s love and put it in to practice in every single community in the North West."