The new Bishop of Bolton has been announced by Downing Street as the Reverend Dr Matthew Porter, it was announced today.
He's currently vicar of St Michael le Belfrey in York and will be consecrated as the next and sixth Bishop of Bolton at York Minster in June, succeeding the Rt Revd Mark Ashcroft, who retired as Bishop last month. The Church of England said Rev Porter, who's also an author, was ordained in the Diocese of Sheffield in 1996 and served his curacy at Christ Church in Dore, South Yorkshire.
The father-of-five has held the role of vicar of St Michael le Belfrey since 2010 and in 2022, was appointed an Honorary Chaplain to the Queen, and then the King. Rev Porter and his wife Sam have five sons and he's a Manchester United supporter.
Making the announcement, the Church of England said: "He is passionate about evangelism, discipleship and developing leaders, and particularly serving people in poverty and young people in the North of England.
"Matthew often describes himself as 'a follower of Jesus and a leader in God's church - in that order'. He believes that nothing of lasting significance happens without prayer."
Rev Porter said: "I'm humbled and thrilled to be called to be the next Bishop of Bolton, working with Bishop David and Bishop Mark. While sad about leaving the Belfrey in York, I'm coming to the Manchester area in prayerful expectation, excited to be the lead bishop in mission, growth and church planting, and looking forward to serving the people and church of such a fantastic part of the North."
He was being introduced to representatives from across the Diocese of Manchester in Salford on Wednesday morning, before meeting local dignitaries at Bolton Town Hall.
The CoE said he would then travel to St John's House, the new diocesan offices in Bury, to meet clergy, staff and lay leaders.
The Rt Revd David Walker, Bishop of Manchester said: "I am delighted that Matthew Porter is to be the next Bishop of Bolton. He will build on the work done in recent years, further strengthening our skills and passion for mission both in the Bolton and Salford archdeaconries and across the wider diocese.
"He brings us immediate experience of parish life and particular gifts in enabling church planting and church growth. He is deeply committed to God's mission here in the North, and will be a great asset not only in Manchester Diocese but across the Northern province."
Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, said: "Having recently spent a few days in the lovely Diocese of Manchester, I have no doubt that Matthew Porter will make a great addition to the team. He will bring his experience, passion and expertise in parish development, church planting and mission. But also his prayerful humility and godliness."
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