Blackburn Cathedral has appointed 14 new Honorary Canons in a series of three services, bringing together people from Blackburn and across Lancashire who will now play a part in the cathedral’s governance, prayer and wider life.
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The appointments were made during services held in early 2026, one of them with a particular focus on education. The three bishops of the Diocese of Blackburn all preached across the services: the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Revd Philip North; the Bishop of Lancaster, Rt Revd Dr Jill Duff; and the Bishop of Burnley, Rt Revd Dr Joe Kennedy.
The new Honorary Canons were welcomed by the Revd Canon Andrew Horsfall, Interim Dean of Blackburn. The services were also attended by the Archdeacon of Lancaster, the Ven David Picken; the Archdeacon of Blackburn, the Ven Jane Atkinson; and the Cathedral’s Canon Missioner, Revd Canon James Lawrence.
Andrew Horsfall said Lay Canons represent “the unity and diversity” of church people across the diocese and contribute to the corporate life, mission and service of the cathedral.
Bishop Philip North said a canonry is “not simply an honour but a shared responsibility in the governance and prayerful life of the Cathedral”. He said the Chapter should reflect “the astonishing breadth of God’s people across Lancashire”.
The new Honorary Canons are:
Canon Sue Champness of St John’s, Leyland, recognised for her contribution to the development of lay ministry across the diocese.
Revd Canon David de Silva of St Silas Church, Blackburn, who will be Canon for Presence and Engagement, rethinking church life in the north of the town.
Revd Canon Munawar Din, Brierfield Vicar of St Cuthbert’s Burnley and St Luke’s Brierfield and the diocese’s Dean of Global Heritage Ministry, recognised for pioneering intercultural ministry.
Revd Canon Linda Tomkinson of Ribbleton Parish in Preston, whose work on estates in Blackpool and Preston has had national impact.
Revd Canon Damian Platt of Christ Church, Thornton, recognised for his work in renewing parish life and for conceiving the diocese’s Fruitful app.
Revd Canon Damian Porter of Torrisholme Parish, who chairs the diocese’s Property Committee and has helped bring fresh life to a number of new parishes.
Revd Canon Lucie Lunn, Vicar of Hornby with Claughton and Whittington with Arkholme and Gressingham, and the diocese’s Dean of Women’s Ministry, recognised as a voice for the rural church.
Canon Becky Gilbert-Rule, a church architect who serves on the DAC and has contributed to the development of church buildings.
Rt Revd Canon Paul Swarbrick, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Lancaster, who becomes an Ecumenical Canon.
Canon Pete Baker, leader of Life Church in Burnley, who also becomes an Ecumenical Canon.
Canon Rachel Gardner of St Luke’s Blackburn, recognised for work in youth ministry, including with Youthscape, and as a preacher and teacher.
Canon Iain Parks, Director of Education for Blackburn Diocese.
Canon Belinda Haigh, the long-serving headteacher of St Gabriel’s Primary School in Blackburn.
Canon Andy Purcell, the long-serving headteacher of St George’s School in Chorley.
