Manchester is to have a joint mission visit from both the Archbishop of York and the Archbishop of Canterbury between 28th Feb and 3rd March, 2011.
This is the first time the Archbishops have undertaken a joint mission to an industrial city.
During their visit, the Archbishops will be focusing their time in and around the City of Manchester City praying, listening, and sharing.
Praying
On the evening of the 28th the Archbishops will lead a service marking the end of Run the Race, the Bishop of Manchester's five year pilgrimage to the Diocese. During the service the Bishop will carry the Commonwealth baton to Manchester Cathedral, the place where the pilgrimage began, and a new challenge will be given to the Diocese and assembled congregation by the Archbishops. Among other events, the Archbishops will also attend communion services at Manchester Cathedral and St Clement's Ordsall.
Listening
Visits will include time with The School of the Resurrection-Beswick, St Mary's-Moss side, Cheetham C E Community School, Trinity High School, Manchester Prison, Chetham's School of Music, Trinity Drop In-asylum seekers support group, The Mustard Tree project-for the homeless and marginalised across Greater Manchester, The Lighthouse Group–a church based initiative at Christ Church Harpurhey, Manchester Townhall, Mosscare Housing Association, Northwards Housing, and a Youth Project in Miles Platting.
Sharing
The Archbishops will meet representatives from the small business community, Greater Manchester Churches Together Presidents, Street Pastors, Message Trust, Changemakers, the media, The University of Salford and representatives of Christians in Sport. They will also give lectures at Manchester University and Manchester Metropolitan University, address a church schools Headteachers and Chairs of Governors conference, and take part in a discussion panel at MediaCityUK.
The Archbishop of York said:
“I am very much looking forward to visiting Manchester again and getting the chance to see great projects run by great people. I love coming to this city because the residents always give you such a wonderfully warm welcome.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury said:
“I am greatly looking forward to visiting Manchester and seeing the variety of projects and work being undertaken by this dynamic, industrial city. I have visited many times over the past 30 years and watched its creativity and cultural life blossom in many ways.”
ENDS
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