5th June 2026

Four Primary Visitation Services taking place across the County this June

Every year, parishioners elect Churchwardens to represent them and to work with their parish priest in enabling Christian mission and ministry in their parish. 

In June there will be four Visitations, two in each archdeaconry, where wardens will be admitted to office by Archdeacon David and Archdeacon Jane as officers of the Diocesan Bishop. 

In 2026, the Visitations are 'Primary Visitations' because Bishop Philip will also attend, alongside the two Archdeacons. 

Pictured here are shots of churchwardens and supporters taken at the first of the four June services by photographer Sara Cuff, at Christ Church Thornton, as an example of what the events are like this year. 

The visitations in 2026 are also Archdeacon Jane's first since starting in the role last autumn. 

At each service in June the Churchwardens' Charge will be delivered by the Bishop while the Archdeacons will oversee the moment the Churchwardens are officially admitted to office.

The remaining services in June are ... 

Please note, it is important wardens are sworn in by August 31, otherwise your election will not be legally confirmed and it is a requirement that wardens be admitted to office by an Archdeacon unless there are exceptional circumstances.

This year there is more flexibility and wardens could visit another Visitation - let the Archdeacons' PAs know if you wish to do so. 

• jude.causer@blackburn.anglican.org for Lancaster Archdeaconry
• kelly.quinn@blackburn.anglican.org for Blackburn Archdeaconry

Further details about this year's Primary Visitations can be found here on the Diocesan website.