Nice to be home, says new bishop

THE Bishop knocked three times on the cathedral door to gain entry

THE new Bishop of Manchester told his flock it was nice to be home as he spoke for the first time at Manchester Cathedral.

The Mossley-born Rt Rev David Walker, who was Bishop of Dudley for 13 years, became leader of the Anglican Church across Greater Manchester in an enthronement service on Saturday.

Hundreds of clergy and parishioners attended the ceremony for the 56-year-old father of two, and manty more watched it on the Exchange Square video screens and online.

The bishop gained entry to the cathedral by offering the traditional three knocks on the door with his staff.

The enthronement marked the end of a journey that had started on Saturday morning at St George’s Church, Mossley - where he was baptised 56 years ago.

He renewed his baptism vows at the same font in an 8am service before walking the three miles to Ashton — where he became the first Metrolink Bishop, completing his pilgrimmage to the city by tram.

Mr Walker said: “This is a most remarkable day for me. I am home; home is a place of belonging. It’s been a humbling experience for me to retrace my spiritual journey from where I was born and baptised in Mossley to Manchester Cathedral as bishop.”