Cllr John Walsh's new appointment by Bishop of Manchester

Cllr John Walsh, an honorary lay Canon, has been approached by the Bishop of Manchester to become the chairman of the board of finance.

Cllr Walsh said: "I am delighted to have this opportunity to work with others, laity and clergy together, at this important time in our history.

"The recent structural changes to the organisation of the diocese, the on-going review of our investment strategy and property portfolio, plans for mission and growth are all linked in the newly prepared 10 Year Financial Strategy which creates the platform for the diocese as we go forward.

"Every challenge presents an opportunity. I want to ensure that together we rise to the challenges and identify the opportunities."

Cllr Walsh He added: "I want to pay tribute to Philip Blinkhorn for the role he has played in delivering the changes so far. For my part I want to build on that work to ensure that as a diocese we financially stable so that we can be focused on being mission led, not finance driven.

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"As a churchwarden I know only too well the challenges faced by our parishes. I want every parish, every church, every member of our diverse congregations to understand the important role they have, each as an important part of our diocese. I am always open to listening to the ideas of others and want everyone to feel they are able to contact me.

"My one regret in taking up this role is that I must step down as chairman of the diocesan advisory committee for the care of churches, a role I greatly enjoy but I could not resist the opportunity to help take the diocese forward."