The next Bishop of Durham, current Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, the Right Reverend Paul Butler, has identified his priority issues as growing the church, tackling poverty, and addressing the role of children and young people in the church. Bishop Butler was announced as the Bishop of Durham-Designate this week, taking over from the Most Reverend Justin Welby, who left the post to become Archbishop of Canterbury earlier this year. He said growing the church in numbers, depth and discipleship was the "highest priority" for the Diocese of Durham."It will not be an easy task but a healthy, growing church is good for the community. I want the church to be good news for the area. I know it is already is but I want it to be better and people to talk more positively about it." He added: "Tackling poverty together must also be a priority.”

Pray: for Paul as he prepares to take up his new role and also that he will be successful in leading the church in the North East towards his declared goals. (Ac.20:28)

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