Lancashire’s new Bishop consecrated

Julian Henderson was previously Archdeacon of Dorking, in Surrey, before his appointment as Bishop of Blackburn, the most senior cleric in The Church of England in Lancashire (Blackburn Diocese).

The service was led by the Archbishop of York, The Most Rev. and Rt Hon. Dr John Sentamu. He said: “It is great to welcome Bishop Julian Henderson as Lancashire’s next Bishop. He will be a great blessing to the Diocese of Blackburn – join me in praying for his ministry there.”

Clergy and parishioners from across Lancashire attended the service with senior clerics from across the UK and visiting international dignitaries.

They included Bishop of Burnley Rt Rev. John Goddard, Bishop of Lancaster Rt Rev. Geoff Pearson, Archdeacon of Blackburn, The Venerable John Hawley, Archdeacon of Lancaster, the Venerable Michael Everitt, and the Dean of Blackburn, The Very Rev. Christopher Armstrong.

They were joined by Bishop Dintoe Stephen Letloenyane, who made the trip from Blackburn Diocese’s South African link Diocese, Free State.

Bishop Julian Henderson said: “To become the ninth Bishop of Blackburn is extremely humbling. It is an honour to be entrusted with such an important and significant responsibility. As I prepare for my consecration as a Bishop in the Church of God, I am very conscious of the tasks, responsibilities and opportunities that lie before me.

“I am even more conscious of the grace and strength of Jesus Christ to obey this call and of the love, prayers and support of my family and of friends, both old and new. For all of this I am deeply thankful to God.”

The Bishop’s official service of Inauguration in Lancashire takes place next Saturday, October 19 at Blackburn Cathedral and will be led by the Dean of Blackburn.

The historic service saw Julian presented to the Archbishop to be ordained.

Prior to the moment of consecration and the taking of oaths, two bishops made a public presentation of him to the Archbishop, asking that he become Bishop of Blackburn.

Bishop John Goddard, was the ‘receiving Bishop’ and Bishop Christopher Hill, of Guildford, was the ‘sending bishop’, as he was previously Archdeacon of Dorking in the Diocese of Guildford.

Bishops must be ordained by at least three other bishops, joining together in the act of ordination with the Archbishop. 
Diocesan Bishops present at the Consecration are expected to include the Bishops of Manchester, Newcastle, Ripon and Leeds, Sodor and Man, Sheffield, Carlisle, Southwell and Notts and Bradford.

An interview with the Bishop is now available to view on the new Blackburn Diocese YouTube channel, which has launched to coincide with his arrival.

It is an opportunity to get to know a bit about the new Bishop and roams across a number of topics including how he came to faith, his views on women bishops and Lancashire’s love of football.