The Church of England (CofE) is set to receive a substantial boost of over £25m to enhance its outreach and foster a "younger, culturally diverse church".
This injection of funds from the national church is designated for a "nine-year programme of renewal," leading to the creation of 50 new positions. Among these will be an "Ignite Team" of 30 members dedicated to engaging young people across Lancashire to increase regular church attendance.
Rt Rev Philip North, the Bishop of Blackburn, told the Lancashire Telegraph that this funding would significantly enrich the diocese's community life: "It may just be youth drop-ins, and places where any young people can come along," he said.
He elaborated on the opportunities for young individuals to "explore the purposes of their lives and what it means to be a Christian."
The announcement came from the CofE’s Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board (SMMIB) on Thursday. According to SMMIB, this investment aligns with the diocese's objective to establish "healthy churches transforming communities" across the county.
In addition to these efforts, Bishop North highlighted the plan to appoint key roles aimed at increasing diversity, including a Canon for presence and engagement at Blackburn Cathedral and an inter-cultural mission enabler in Burnley.
With a total planned investment of £25.5m over three phases—£12m initially followed by £13.5m (agreed in principle) for further work—Bishop North acknowledged that while the funding from the national church promises significant improvements for Lancashire's community life, it also presents challenges.
He told the outlet: "In the past few years in the diocese we have set a bold path for ourselves... because we long for people across our county to find life in relationship with Jesus."