25th November 2025

County celebrates arrival in post of the new Archdeacon of Blackburn

The Venerable Jane Atkinson is ‘anticipating exciting times ahead’ as the new Archdeacon of Blackburn following a special service at Blackburn Cathedral at the weekend.

The Collation Service for Archdeacon Jane took place on Sunday, November 23, as part of the Choral Evensong. You can watch a livestream recording of the whole service here. 

The Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev. Philip North, conducted the collation ceremony while the Interim Dean of Blackburn, Rev. Andrew Horsfall, installed Archdeacon Jane as an Archidiaconal Canon of the Cathedral during the same service. 

Other key senior clergy attending the service included the Bishop of Lancaster, Rt Rev. Dr Jill Duff and the Bishop of Burnley, Rt Rev. Dr Joe Kennedy as well as The Venerable David Picken, who is Archdeacon of Lancaster. Also present to witness the Collation were the Area Deans of Blackburn Archdeaconry.

Jane was supported by members of her family including her husband Mel, her two sons Matt, 35 and Josh, 24 and her sister Gill; as well as several close friends and people from parishes across Lancashire; most notably around 100 people who attended from the parish of St John’s Little Thornton where she was Vicar prior to taking up her new role. 

It was the annual civic Evensong at the Cathedral on Sunday so Archdeacon Jane’s Collation was also watched by Mayors and Mayoresses from across the County.

Some videos featuring Jane have also been appearing on the Diocesan social media channels across the past few days as the Diocese prepares for her arrival in the role. Watch them here on Facebook; also available on Instagram and Twitter/X @cofelancs

Speaking after the service, Jane said: “I’m delighted to be serving as the new Archdeacon of Blackburn — and it’s wonderful that the day has arrived when I can begin this new chapter in my ministry!

“In these early months, I’m keen to spend time in as many parishes as I can - meeting clergy, getting to know congregations, and understanding the unique opportunities and challenges in each community.

“Every parish has its own story, and as Archdeacon I’m anticipating exciting times ahead as I encourage and support local ministry. I can’t wait to begin that journey.”

As Archdeacon of Blackburn, Jane will have special responsibility for the work of the Diocesan ‘Making Disciples Team’ as well as being a key member of the Bishop’s Vision and Strategy Team.

She also speaks passionately about the importance of welcome in our churches and is looking forward to being welcomed herself in the coming months by parishes across the Diocese. 

Speaking in one of the new videos, Archdeacon Jane says: "For me, the heart of God's love is in building relationships and sharing with others, making His love known. I came to faith by first being made welcome into the Youth Club at the invitation of a school friend, and it's that sense of invitation and welcome that I've tried to embrace throughout my Christian journey. Please do invite me to visit you and I look forward to getting to know you over these coming months and years."

Jane will be one of two Archdeacons in the Diocese. The Venerable David Picken is the current Archdeacon of Lancaster. In broad terms, Archdeacon David covers the northern part of the Diocese while Archdeacon Jane will look after the southern part.

Archdeacon David said today: “I am delighted to welcome Jane, together with her husband Mel, as a fellow Archdeacon. She is committed to the flourishing of all our parishes and to growth and renewal as demonstrated by her work in the parish of St John’s, Little Thornton.”

Bishop Philip added: “What a wonderful occasion this Collation and Evensong has been as we officially welcomed Jane as Archdeacon of Blackburn.

“It was a joy to gather with so many from across the Diocese to celebrate her calling and to pray for her ministry. Jane brings energy, wisdom and a deep love for Jesus Christ, and I am excited to see how God will work through her in the months and years ahead as we continue to proclaim His message of hope and joy to the people of Lancashire.

“My heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this service such a memorable and prayerful moment in the life of our Diocese.”

• Click here to download Order of Service

Captions for pictures above, top to bottom:
Pictures taken by Clive Lawrence for the Blackburn Diocese

• The new Archdeacon of Blackburn, The Venerable Jane Atkinson.
• Archdeacon Jane Atkinson, pictured with her husband Mel and members of her family before the service began.
• A scene from the collation ceremony at the Cathedral during Evensong for Archdeacon Jane which was led by the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev. Philip North, right.
• Archdeacon Jane, centre left, with Bishop Philip North, behind Jane; Bishop Jill Duff, back row far right; Bishop Joe Kennedy, back row second from left; Archdeacon David Picken, back row second from right; Interim Dean of Blackburn, Rev. Andrew Horsfall, middle row far right; Diocesan Registrar, Lisa Moncur, front row far left and Diocesan Chancellor, David Hodge KC are pictured with Mayors and Mayoresses from councils across Lancashire after the service.
• Pictured after the service are (l-r) Interim Dean of Blackburn, Rev. Andrew Horsfall; Rt Rev. Dr Joe Kennedy, Bishop of Burnley; The Venerable Jane Atkinson, Archdeacon of Blackburn; Rt Rev. Dr Jill Duff, Bishop of Lancaster; Rt Rev. Philip North, Bishop of Burnley and The Venerable David Picken, Archdeacon of Lancaster.