Diocese proposes to change the number and structure of deaneries

Rochdale Parish Church of St Chad's in currently in the Rochdale Deanery

The Church of England Diocese of Manchester proposes to change the number and structure of deaneries, moving from 20 to seven deaneries.

A deanery is a subdivision of a diocese, consisting of a number of churches, over which presides a dean appointed by a bishop.

Rochdale Deanery covers the churches in Rochdale, Littleborough, Milnrow and Newhey, the Heywood and Middleton Deanery includes the churches in Heywood, Middleton, Castleton and Thornham.

Dr David Walker, Bishop of Manchester said: “The current structure of 20 deaneries was set up at a time when we had many more clergy and church members than we do now. Creating larger deaneries will help us focus on mission and growth by increasing the opportunities for joint working and sharing resources.

“This change will also make it easier for us to focus on developing clergy and lay leadership at local level. We believe that having a smaller number of larger deaneries is central to transforming the diocese and achieving our vision for the future.

“In September briefing meetings are being held to communicate the proposals, to clergy and representatives from each church.

“A formal consultation exercise will be held after the final proposals have been received at Diocesan Synod in October 2019 with final proposals will be agreed at Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee and in May 2020 a final model presented to Bishop’s Council.

“The plan is that from January 2021 new deanery arrangements fully in place.”