Walk-out protest by angry parishioners

Worshippers walked out of a church service yesterday in a protest over losing their minister.

The move came days after congregations from three Saddleworth churches met the Bishop of Manchester to vent their frustration at the Rev Howard Sutcliffe’s departure.

The Rt Rev David Walker had faced hostile questions from parishioners upset that the popular clergyman at St Chad’s Church, Uppermill, had to retire on his 70th birthday. Parishioners at the three churches in Uppermill and Diggle wanted him to continue until a replacement had been appointed.

Yesterday, the Rev Barbara Christopher, an ordained local minister from Greenfield, took a service at St Chad’s with the Rev Christopher Halliday, Saddleworth team rector based at Anne’s Lydgate.

Six of the congregation walked out. One who remained said afterwards: “It was obvious why some worshippers left. Howard’s departure is causing a lot of friction because he did a marvellous job and locals cannot understand why he could not continue until another minister was appointed. He has gone at a time we when the parish most needs him.”

But after the service, Mr Halliday said: “Barbara and I were always scheduled to take the service. I certainly did not see anyone walk out. The service went ahead as usual.”

Initially more than 80 parishioners signed an appeal urging church leaders to allow Rev Sutcliffe to remain as part-time minister at Saddleworth Parish Church after his 70th birthday.

The church hierarchy stuck to the policy that clergy retire at 70.