The Archbishop of York has offered a ‘heartfelt thank you’ to the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev Julian Henderson, as he prepares to retire this weekend.

There will be a special farewell service for Bishop Julian and his wife Heather on Saturday July 16 in Lancashire’s Anglican Cathedral in Blackburn beginning at 2pm and livestreamed here.  

Speaking at the General Synod of The Church of England this week the Archbishop, the Most Rev and Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell thanked Bishop Julian for the time and energy he has invested in the Diocese over nine years which continues to bear much fruit.

He also paid tribute to Heather Henderson and the couple’s family for all their support ‘and the good things that have happened because of that support in making Christ known’.

Addressing a busy Synod chamber in York and referring to his recent three-day visit to Lancashire in May this year, Archbishop Stephen said: “Since 2013, when Julian became Bishop of Blackburn, he has worked tirelessly to shape the narrative and vision of the Diocese in reaching people across Lancashire. 

“Just recently I was able to visit the Diocese and experience at first hand the great work that is taking place. Three things struck me in particular. First, an unwavering and joyful focus on evangelism and witness; second, a high doctrine of mutual flourishing and third, a bias for the poor. Tremendous things and tremendous for me to be alongside a Diocese so clear on its gospel priorities. 

Archbishop Stephen continued: “Julian, despite being a self-identified Southerner, you have been adopted by the North - not least for your deep desire to champion the North West.

“In your final speech in the House of Lords, you reminded the government of the importance of ‘Levelling Up’ and how vital it is to bring equality and opportunity to the regions that we have served.

“In response, a fellow peer remarked, ‘the Lord Bishop of Blackburn is genuinely humble and totally determined. He really does live his faith’.”

Referencing our ongoing Diocesan ‘Vision 2026 Healthy Churches Transforming Communities’ initiative, Archbishop Stephen continued: “Julian, as the Diocese looks forward to celebrating its centenary in 2026, I want you to know that we know the time and energy you have invested will continue to bear fruit.

“In fact, a recent diocesan consultation showed parishes overwhelmingly energised to continue in the work which you have led and embedded.”

The Archbishop concluded by saying: “Go with our warmest wishes, our thanks and our prayers. And thank you for giving your heart to the gospel of Jesus Christ and to service of the Church of England in this land.

“We have no doubt of your continued faithfulness and that God will continue to use you in many ways to make Christ known.”

• Watch the Archbishop’s tribute here. (Video should begin at precise starting point) 
• Read the full tribute on the Archbishop’s website here.
• Read more about our Vision on our Diocesan website.

The Farewell Service

• The Farewell Eucharist Service on Saturday July 16 will be a major County event and will be attended by many civic and faith leaders from across Lancashire.
• Also in attendance will be current and former members of the Bishop’s Leadership Team; former Bishops and Archdeacons plus clergy and parishioners from churches across the whole Diocese.
• The service will be livestreamed here on the Blackburn Cathedral YouTube channel.  
• Social media: We will be live tweeting on our Twitter account @cofelancs and posts will also appear on Facebook/BlackburnDiocese

Captions for the pictures (top to bottom):

• Bishop Julian with Archbishop Stephen Cottrell
• Bishop Julian and his wife Heather at his consecration service at York Minster in 2013
• Prior to being consecrated as Bishop, then Archdeacon Julian and his wife Heather visited Blackburn Foodbank where the local announcement of his appointment was made in early 2013
• Bishop Julian welcomes Her Majesty the Queen and Prince Philip to Blackburn Cathedral for the Royal Maundy Service in 2014
• Bishop Julian leads a prayer walk of parishes on the seafront in St Annes in 2014
• Bishop Julian with Vision champions and parishioners from Accrington Deanery at the Vision 2026 celebration event at Preston Guild Hall in 2016
• Bishop Julian, with Lord Shuttleworth, Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, and clergy of Preston Minster and St George’s at the launch of Preston Resourcing Parish in 2019
• Speaking in the House of Lords where he was one of the 26 ‘Lords Spiritual’ until retirement

Ronnie Semley, July 2022