Homecoming for new Bishop of Manchester

The Rt Rev David Walker - new Bishop of Manchester

A MOSSLEY-born clergyman will be the new Bishop of Manchester.

The Rt Rev David Walker (56), who has been the Bishop of Dudley for 13 years, will take leadership of the Anglican Church across Greater Manchester following his Manchester Cathedral enthronement on November 30.

He will begin that day at St George’s Church, Mossley, where he was baptised 56 years ago, before making the pilgrimage to Manchester Cathedral.

Mr Walker said: “I am honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility of being the twelfth Bishop of Manchester. It is humbling for me to return to my home city as bishop.”

The bishop, who was educated at Manchester Grammar School, will walk three miles from Mossley to Ashton before taking the Metrolink to Manchester.

At 2pm, Mr Walker will knock on the door of Manchester Cathedral three times with his staff to seek entry to his enthronement service.

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said: “Bishop David’s return to his home city of Manchester is fantastic news for the city as well as sheer joy to David himself.”