Published Friday 3 December 2021 at 15:41
Blackburn is home to it’s very own Cathedral alongside a variety of historic church buildings that have become established landmarks across the town.
Religious leaders within the community have come forward to show their support for Blackburn’s city bid and the positive impact it will have on Blackburn and it’s residents.
Rt Rev. Julian Henderson, Bishop of Blackburn, said:
I welcome the news Blackburn with Darwen Council is bidding for City Status. They have my wholehearted support. Securing City Status would be good news for residents of the town of course and for the whole County of Lancashire.
It is already the home to the County’s Anglican Cathedral which brings many benefits to the area. Being bestowed this honour by Her Majesty The Queen would also reflect the heritage of the town in relation to worship and community cohesion; as well as its rich cultural and industrial heritage.
It would also point to an exciting future based upon that strong foundation including ongoing investment in modern businesses; building further on recent town centre revitalisation work, most significantly the magnificent Cathedral Quarter.
Rev. Canon Dr Rowena Pailing, Vice Dean and Canon Missioner at Blackburn Cathedral, said:
Most people think that Cathedrals are in cities. They see our building and the work we do at the heart of civic life, in the arts, business and charitable sectors, with people of all faiths and none, and they assume that Blackburn already has city status. Wouldn’t it be exciting and energising if that became a reality?
Blackburn has a strong community spirit and is such a creative place; with a history in cotton and an exciting future. As a city that creativity would only continue to grow.
Rev. Sarah Gill, Vicar of Blackburn St Stephen and St James, said:
When I moved into Blackburn, in 2019, I received a very warm welcome, acceptance and hospitality from the local and wider community; while I also found it to be a real cultural hub. Blackburn has a rich tapestry of different languages, ethnicities, religions and multiple religious worship places and cultural expressions.
There is exemplary cohesive living here, which reflects the true plural society in the country as whole; with 75% of youth from our minority ethnic groups born in the UK. There is also a confident spirit of unity and community amongst different faiths and cultures.
Blackburn models incredible relations between different faith communities. It is very encouraging when people at the grassroots work together to secure a better future for all and for generations to come.
It would be an exciting moment of celebration if we were to be given city status by Her Majesty; releasing much energy for growth in Blackburn itself of course and, by extension, Lancashire. I offer my full support for this bid.