Canon for Presence and Engagement and Priest in Charge of Blackburn St Silas

Introduction

We seek to appoint a priest who will help us to rethink the shape and purpose of Christian life, in order that the Gospel may be lived out in fresh and ambitious ways in a setting which includes one of the largest concentrations of Muslim communities in the country.

Are you called to reimagine Christian presence in a vibrant, multi-faith community? 

The Canon for Presence and Engagement will also serve as Priest in Charge of St Silas, Blackburn and be an Honorary Canon of Blackburn Cathedral.  

The parishes of North Blackburn, comprising of three large, urban benefices serving between them six congregations and seven church primary schools, offer an unique and exciting opportunity for a Canon for Presence and Engagement to work across the diocese and in collaboration with the local churches. 

The ideal candidate will:

• Be a person of prayer, confident in its transformative power
• Be passionate about the church’s mission and the Gospel
• Communicate the Christian faith clearly and credibly, even under challenge
• Articulate a compelling vision for the Church in multicultural settings
• Bring experience in mission and church growth, especially in tough contexts
• Be a skilled listener who can support and strengthen fragile congregations
• Be a collaborative, resilient leader and natural relationship-builder
• Confidently engage across cultural and religious boundaries
• Be committed to urban ministry
• Have experience (or willingness to learn) in presence and engagement areas
• have a good working knowledge of Islam and a thirst for continuing growth in this field
• Have been in priests’ orders for at least six years

In addition to this the parish of St Silas are praying for a priest who is:

• An encourager, connector, and bridge-builder
• Creative, visionary, yet grounded and practical
• A reflective listener with a good sense of humour
• Emotionally intelligent, organised, and child-friendly
• Theologically and lovingly inclusive

Closing date:  Monday 1^st September

Interviews will be held on:  Tuesday 23^rd September 2025 

Applicants are strongly encouraged to arrange a telephone conversation with The Rt Revd Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn as part of their discernment.

To arrange an appointment please contact appointments@bishopofblackburn.org.uk 

The Diocese of Blackburn believes that diversity enables us to thrive and develop and is committed to race equality, welcoming applications from UK Minority Ethnic/ Global Majority Heritage backgrounds  

The Diocese of Blackburn is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. 

For information about Blackburn diocese please follow this link https://jobs.churchofengland.org/blackburn/vision-2026/

For information on making an application through Pathways please follow this link https://jobs.churchofengland.org/HELP/candidate-faq/