New Archdeacon of Blackburn announced.

As the next Archdeacon of Blackburn, a “lively” vicar with a “rich sense of humour” will serve Church of England parishes throughout Lancashire.

Rev Jane Atkinson, who is currently the area dean of Poulton and vicar of St John’s Little Thornton, will take over the position in November, succeeding the Venerable Mark Ireland, who retired in April.

She will be one of two Archdeacons in the Diocese of Blackburn, serving alongside the current Archdeacon of Lancaster, the Venerable David Picken.

She expressed her delight at taking on the “vital role,” which includes responsibility for buildings and the well-being of clergy and their families.

Reverend Atkinson stated that she recognised “the unique challenges and pressures of ministry life in our parishes and have been fully supportive of the work the Diocese has done in the past 10 years” .

According to the Bishop of Blackburn, Right Reverend Philip North, she “brings to the role a lively and life-changing faith in Jesus Christ which she longs to share with others, together with a rich sense of humour”. Lancashire’s Church of England is divided into two archdeaconries:

the Archdeaconry of Blackburn, which covers the south, and the Archdeaconry of Lancaster, which serves the north.

Rev Atkinson will work closely with churches in the deaneries of Accrington, Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Chorley, Leyland, Pendle, and Whalley.

The Venerable David Picken stated that he was “really looking forward to working” with the new Archdeacon.

On November 23, Rev. Atkinson will be installed during Evensong at Blackburn Cathedral.

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