The Election of Rt Rev. Philip North as Bishop of Blackburn is now confirmed, following the ‘Confirmation of Election’ this evening at York Minster. 

The Confirmation of Election, an ancient legal ceremony, was overseen by the Archbishop of York, The Most Rev. and Rt Hon. Stephen Cottrell … who delivered the Archbishop’s Charge for his Mission in the Diocese of Blackburn and the Church of England. 

During the Charge, Archbishop Stephen said: “You are called to serve Blackburn in all its diversity and with all its need and opportunity. Your voice and your witness as a voice for the poor is needed in Lancashire and beyond. Be among the flock you serve. Know them and let them know you.”

Bishop Philip responded: “I accept your Charge. By the help of God, with trust in Our Lord Jesus Christ and in the strength of the Holy Spirit, I will faithfully endeavour to honour this mission.”

• The full text of the Archbishop's Charge is now available to read and download here in Word and pdf format. 
• View a flickr album of pictures from the event. 

Bishop Philip’s Confirmation of Election was attended by members of his family and other supporters, such as the Diocesan Vision and Strategy Team. 

Also there to witness Bishop Philip’s Confirmation of Election were bishops and other senior clergy from across the North West and beyond, including the Bishop of Manchester, Rt Rev. Prof. David Walker; the Bishop of Carlisle, Rt Rev. James Newcome; Bishop of Chester, Rt Rev. Mark Tanner and the new Bishop of Liverpool, Rt Rev. Dr John Perumbalath.

Ronnie Semley, April 2023