Church executive steps aside

John Beck

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A leading figure from the Rochdale Church of England stood down from his position yesterday (Thursday 30 September 2010).

John Beck retired from his role as Chief Executive of the Diocese of Manchester to allow for a review and reorganisation of the post.

Canon Alan Cooper will act as co-ordinating chairman of Church House, where the Diocese is based, to allow time for a reassessment of the organisations requirements.
As part of this process Archdeacon Cherry Vann will act as convenor and chair of the Heads of Department and will continue to explore ways of drawing further together the Cathedral, Church House and Bishopscourt.

Mr Beck said: “It has been a pleasure to serve the parishes, clergy and synod of this Diocese.

“I hope the vacancy I leave provides an opportunity for the Diocese to develop new ways of delivering a strong mission focussed church.”

Mr Beck will also take on the presidency of the Conseil National des Ingenieurs et des Scientifiques de France from next January.

The Conseil is an organisation which embraces a broad spectrum of engineering and scientific organisations throughout France and elsewhere in Europe and has worldwide membership of four million.

Canon Cooper, Chair of the Diocese Board of Finance, said he is sure Mr Beck will be successful in the role.

He said: “We wish John well in his new roles and thank him for all he has contributed to the life of the Diocese over the past two and a half years.”

Mr Beck will be installed in to the office at a ceremony at the Institution of Civil Engineers in Westminster on 24 January 2011.

Mr Beck will also use his time to assist his son with the setting-up and initial running of a legal practice in Bristol.