Hundreds of people including, civic leaders from Lancashire witnessed the consecration service for the Bishop of Burnley.

The new Bishop took part in the ancient ceremony at York Minster on Friday, which was conducted by the Archbishop of York, The Most Rev. and Rt Hon. Stephen Cottrell.

Rt Rev. Dr Joe Kennedy is now the 12th Bishop of Burnley and will work alongside the Diocesan Bishop, the Rt Rev. Philp North, Bishop of Blackburn and Rt Rev. Dr Jill Duff, Bishop of Lancaster.

The Archbishop was assisted by more than 20 Bishops from across The Church of England and the sermon was delivered by Rev. Canon Dr Michael Leyden, Dean of Emmanuel Theological College.

Also assisting the Archbishop, in the role of Liturgical Deacon for the Consecration, was Rev. Sarah Gill, Vicar of St Stephen’s and St James’ in Blackburn and Bishop’s Advisor on UKME Matters.

Archbishop Stephen said: “Today it's been my great joy and honour to ordain Joe Kennedy as the next Bishop of Burnley, serving in the wonderful Diocese of Blackburn as a pastor, a teacher and an evangelist.

“I knew Joe 20 years ago when I was the Bishop of Reading. I’m delighted that our paths have reconnected and I pray that Joe's ministry will be richly blessed, as will the Diocese of Blackburn.”

 Joe's wife Emily and their children David and Mary, other members of their family as well as friends and former parishioners of the new Bishop and other colleagues from his ‘sending Diocese’ of Chester, attended the ceremony. 

The service itself featured a series of flourishes steeped in history, from the opening procession of clergy; to the Oath of Canonical Obedience and the Declarations; all culminating in the emotional moment for the new Bishop of Burnley with the laying on of hands by the Archbishop while surrounded by fellow Bishops during The Ordination Prayer.

Two of the new Bishop’s close friends, Gabrielle Higgins and Oliver Critchley, also gave the Old and New Testament readings respectively.

Civic dignitaries who made the trip to York included Helen Bingley, High Sheriff of Lancashire; County Councillor Alf Clemson, Vice Chair of Lancashire County Council; David Hodge KC The Diocesan Chancellor; Charles Hadcock; Deputy Lord Lieutenant; Councillor Shah Hussain, Mayor of Burnley and Burnley County Councillor Cosima Towneley.