FROM THE BISHOP-to-be, the Ven. JULIAN HENDERSON

This is just a brief message to the congregations around the diocese following the announcement of my name as the next Bishop of Blackburn.

I am delighted to have been asked to serve in this role and am grateful to those who considered me suitable for it.

Until becoming an Archdeacon seven and a bit years ago my ministry had always been in a parish. That is the front line job in the Church of England and my view is that if the local church is fulfilling its calling, then we are able to offer a clear and powerful message to the wider community of what Jesus called ' life in all its fullness'.

I will want to encourage the vital work that is going on all round the diocese in the name of Christ, support church leaders, lay and ordained, in their crucial role and get to know you in due course.

I am excited by all the opportunities there are for mission and ministry at this time, not least because we have the Good News of the Gospel to proclaim. It is the power of God for salvation to all who believe. I look forward to sharing in the mission to which God has called us, praying for a fresh wind of His Spirit to blow across the county.

Heather and I look forward to making our home here and value your prayers as we move further away from our four elderly parents and our two children.

The time of our move and start in the diocese is not decided, but as soon as dates are fixed we shall let you know.

In the meanwhile, please pray for those who continue to lead you in this time of vacancy, that the work of the Gospel may be fruitful and bring praise and glory to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

May He bless you in all you do.