The new Bishop of Burnley says he is ‘delighted and humbled’ to be taken on the role.

Edinburgh-born Rev. Dr Joseph (Joe) Kennedy, 55, is currently Vicar of Oxton St Saviour in the Diocese of Chester.

He was educated at Edinburgh University and then Oxford University where he trained for ordination; later beginning his ministry in Oxford Diocese.

He is married to Emily, who is head of external financial reporting for Oxfam, and they have two children: David, 13 and Mary, seven.

Rt Rev. Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn, made the appointment following consultation with a representative group of people from the Diocese.

It was approved by King Charles and posted to the Downing Street website on Friday.

Joe succeeds Bishop Philip himself, who was his immediate predecessor as Bishop of Burnley.

The new Bishop of Burnley-designate was introduced by Bishop Philip at Burnley Faith Centre.

Joining them were fellow episcopal colleague, Rt Rev. Dr Jill Duff, the Suffragan Bishop of Lancaster; all members of Bishop Philip’s Vision and Strategy Team; invited civic, faith and community leaders and choir members from St Peter’s CofE Primary School.

Rev. Dr Joe Kennedy said: “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 the Diocese of Blackburn.

“As I look to the future, my hope is to offer you a ministry which is confident in God, rooted in prayer, focused on pastoral care and on mission; and which offers a focus for unity across the diocese.

“Across Lancashire, and across the Diocese, there is such a rich variety of experience: urban and rural areas and their parishes, post-industrial towns and coastal regions, schools and chaplaincies, coupled with the diversity of traditions in the Church of England – different ways of worshipping, of serving communities, and of seeing things.

“My heart sings too as I anticipate the opportunity to begin to work with colleagues across the whole diocese as we continue to implement Vision 2026 together and look to the future – supporting healthy churches, transforming communities.”

Bishop Philip said: “I am delighted to welcome Rev. Dr Joe Kennedy as our next Bishop of Burnley.

"He has overseen a period of significant congregational growth in his current Parish and loves to see lives changed by the Gospel.

“The advisory panel that met to interview candidates for the post was an extremely diverse one in which all traditions were well represented.

"The unity of mind that this group reached was extraordinary and it was incredibly beautiful to discern together a deep sense that Joe was the one whom God was calling.

“Joe brings experience and expertise in parish renewal and in starting new local congregations which will feed into his role in leading across the Diocese and overseeing the ‘Being Witnesses’ portfolio – part of our Vision 2026 work. Joe also has experience of theological education."

In his new role, Joe will have particular responsibility for the ‘Being Witnesses’ strand of the Vision 2026 work.

Joe travelled to Blackburn Cathedral where he was welcomed by the Dean of Blackburn, The Very Rev. Peter Howell-Jones and members of the Cathedral Chapter. 

He was introduced to parishes and schools across Lancashire via a live-streamed interview conducted by Bishop Philip and Bishop Jill.

Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, said: "I am delighted that HM The King has appointed Dr Joseph Kennedy as the Suffragan Bishop of Burnley. 

“Joe joins the Diocese of Blackburn at an exciting time and brings expertise in chaplaincy and teaching, and in ministering alongside others to help God’s Church to grow. I very much look forward to Joe’s consecration and his ministry with us in the north."

The date of Joe’s Consecration Service later this year at York Minster will be Friday, July 19, at 11am.

This will be followed by his ‘Installation Service’ on Sunday, September 8, at 4pm in the presence of civic, faith and community leaders from across Lancashire at Blackburn Cathedral.