The 12th Bishop of Burnley, was installed as Episcopal Canon at Blackburn Cathedral during a special service.

The event was attended by civic dignitaries from the Lancashire area and HM Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire and marks the formal start point for his ministry.
 
The Bishop of Burnley is 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. 

He will also take on pastoral responsibilities in support of clergy and lay leaders in the diocese as well as lead the Being Witnesses strand of the Diocesan Vision. 

This service marks the official start of his work across the diocese and will be the launchpad for the initiatives and areas of work he will oversee.

Joseph Kennedy was nominated for the role of Bishop of Burnley earlier this year and was ordained to the episcopate in July at a service in York Minster.

Prior to this, he served for 13 years as Vicar of Oxton St Saviour in the Diocese of Chester.

Bishop Joe is married to Emily, and they have two children.

Bishop Joe with Bishop Philip (right)
 
Bishop Joe said, "If you were to ask me about what most enthuses me about our diocese here in Lancashire, I would point you to St Paul’s phrase, ‘the ministry of reconciliation’. 

"This phrase from God’s Word – ‘the ministry of reconciliation’ – points to so much that is important and beautiful in the life of our church communities, schools, and chaplaincies across Lancashire: – the commitment of so many people to seeking to really live out their faith, to mutual flourishing and unity in the church, to social cohesion and justice, helping neighbours in need, and centrally to prioritizing evangelism and deepening faith in our lives and in our communities. 

"For all these reasons, it is for me an inspiring thing to be part of the life of this diocese.”
 
The Bishop of Blackburn, Bishop Philip added, “This was a great opportunity to show a proper Lancashire welcome to Bishop Joe and to mark the start of his public ministry here in Blackburn Diocese. 

"Bishop Joe brings a wealth of experience in parish ministry and in 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.”