The Bishop of Chester, Mark Tanner warmly welcomes the appointment of the Revd Dr Joe Kennedy as the next Bishop of Burnley in the Diocese of Blackburn. "Joe has been an outstanding parish priest and Rural Dean, serving with grace, love, and wisdom. Our prayers go with him and his family as he moves on to this next chapter in his calling.”
On Friday, Revd Joe Kennedy was in Blackburn Diocese for the announcement that he is to be the next Bishop of Burnley. Now back in the Diocese of Chester, he meets with Bishop Mark who offers his congratulations and asks Joe about his appointment.
Edinburgh-born Rev. Dr Joseph Joe Kennedy, is currently Vicar of Oxton on the Wirral Peninsula, where he and his family have lived for the last thirteen years. It's a place that he dearly loves, "We've had an amazing time here in Oxton and I'm really sad to be leaving when it seems like the spirit is alive in the diocese."
On the day of his announcement at Burnley Faith Centre, Joe thanked the Bishop Of Blackburn. "It’s fantastic to be with you here. I am delighted and humbled to be announced today as the next Bishop of Burnley, and to be joining Bishop Philip’s team later in the year. My family are thrilled to be coming here to Lancashire and to the Diocese of Blackburn."
Rt Rev. Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn, made the appointment following consultation with a representative group of people from the Diocese and was approved by His Majesty The King.
It's been a bit of a whirlwind for Joe during the last few days, but he and Bishop Mark managed to coordinate their diaries for a short interview. "We owe you such a debt of gratitude," said Mark, who went on to say how it's a joy that Joe will still be in the North West, and they will continue to be in contact with each other to build on God's ministry in the region. Married to Emily and with two children: David, 13 and Mary, 7, Joe and his family will be new to Lancashire, and asked for Mark and others to pray for a "good ending" and to pray for his children, who have been living in our diocese of all of their lives. "It will be an exciting time for them but it's a big move as well."
Joe was educated at Edinburgh University (Mathematics and Theology) and then Oxford University where he trained for ordination.
More about the announcement of Joe's appointment can be found on the Diocese of Blackburn website.
The date of Joe’s Consecration Service later this year at York Minster will be 19 July 2024 at 11am.
Joe's ‘Installation Service’ will be on 08 September at 4pm in the presence of civic, faith and community leaders from across Lancashire at Blackburn Cathedral.