The new Bishop of Bolton is set to be consecrated at a ceremony in York next week.
The Revd Dr Matthew Porter will be consecrated as one of the town's key religious leaders by the Archbishop of York next Thursday, June 22, at 11am.
The service, which will take place at York Minster, will be shared with the new Bishop of Huddersfield, the Revd Canon Smitha Prasadam, and Bishop of Ripon, the Revd Canon Anna Eltringham.
Next Sunday, June 25, there will also be a welcome service for the new Bishop at Manchester Cathedral at 5.30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend, with no booking required.
Matthew will be the sixth Bishop of Bolton, and is moving to the town from York where he has been serving as the Vicar of St Michael le Belfrey.
He describes himself as ‘a follower of Jesus and a leader in God’s church – in that order.’ He believes that nothing of lasting significance happens without prayer.
Accepting the role of Bishop, Matthew said: "I’m humbled and thrilled to be called to be the next Bishop of Bolton, working with Bishop David and Bishop Mark.
"While sad about leaving The Belfrey in York, I’m coming to the Manchester area in prayerful expectation, excited to be the lead bishop in mission, growth and church planting, and looking forward to serving the people and church of such a fantastic part of the North."
Matthew is an author, has recently completed doctoral studies in church planting, and in 2022 was appointed an Honorary Chaplain to the Queen, and then the King.
He is passionate about evangelism, discipleship and developing leaders, and particularly serving people in poverty and young people in the North of England.
The Rt Revd Prof. David Walker, Bishop of Manchester said: "I am delighted that Matthew Porter is to be the next Bishop of Bolton. He will build on the work done in recent years, further strengthening our skills and passion for mission both in the Bolton and Salford archdeaconries and across the wider diocese.
“He brings us immediate experience of parish life and particular gifts in enabling church planting and church growth.
"He is deeply committed to God’s mission here in the North, and will be a great asset not only in Manchester Diocese but across the Northern Province.”
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