Dates Set for Consecration and Installation of New Bishop

The consecration of Rev. Dr Jill Duff as the next Bishop of Lancaster will take place on June 29 in the historic and ancient setting of York Minster. The Consecration Service will be led by the Archbishop of York, the Most Rev. and Rt Hon. Dr John Sentamu. It will be followed a few days later on July 3 by Jill’s official welcome into the Diocese, with her Installation Service at Blackburn Cathedral which begins at 7.30pm. The Minster service on June 29 begins at 11am and all who want to attend from the Diocese are welcome to make the trip across the Pennines. If individuals or groups from parishes plan to attend the Consecration they can visit the York Minster website (click on the ‘Visit’ tab) for helpful travel information and other important advice – including for people with disabilities. The website is www.yorkminster.org. (See the end of this release for more on arrangements for the consecration, including for those who wish to robe and process.) The Cathedral service on July 3 begins at 7.30pm. Likewise, it is open to all across the Diocese and invitations are being sent to all parishes by the Cathedral. (Again, more information about booking for this service is at the end of the release.) Speaking today Jill said: “I am looking forward immensely to my consecration and installation services in late June and early July. “It’s a privilege to become the next Bishop of Lancaster. The Diocese has been much in my prayers and I am very excited at the prospect of joining you in July. “Two big services are such an honour – everyone should get the chance to be consecrated in York Minster and installed in Blackburn Cathedral! It’s as if there can be a taster of heaven when God’s family gather with hope in our hearts for His rich blessing on our next chapter together.” Meanwhile Rt Rev. Julian Henderson, Bishop of Blackburn, added: “I am praying for Jill and her family as she makes the transition into what will be a very different role. I ask the whole Diocese to join me in those prayers.”

• On the day of her announcement as the next Bishop of Lancaster, Rev Dr Jill Duff recorded a video greeting for the whole Diocese. The greeting is still available to watch on the Diocesan YouTube channel.

Service arrangements

• Arrangements for the Consecration Service at York Minster: For Clergy and licenced Readers who would like to robe and process at the Consecration at 11am on 29 June; please send an email stating the name of your parish and the number of tickets required, by 11 June at the latest, to: [email protected]. Tickets will be sent to you for distribution in due course. You can also email general congregation numbers (as well as numbers for Clergy and licenced Readers who are attending but aren’t robing) to the same email address. Please note, tickets will not be issued for those attending as part of the general congregation. All clergy have received a separate communication about these arrangements.
• Arrangements for the Installation Service at Blackburn Cathedral: To assist with planning for seating for this service on July 3 at 7.30pm, parishes are asked to advise Phil Hunwick, Events Coordinator at the cathedral, of the numbers planning to attend. Phil’s email is [email protected] All parishes have also received a separate communication about these arrangements.