An ex-curate of multiple Congleton churches is celebrating as they have become a bishop.

Lynne Cullens has been appointed as the Bishop of Barking.

The ex-Congleton priest with a passion for social justice and reform has been announced as a new Bishop.

From June 2012 to October 2015, she oversaw the four Anglican churches in Congleton - Holy Trinity, St. John's, St. Peters and St. Stephen.

She was a curate for the group of churches, located on Biddulph Road, Buxton Old Road, Swettenham Lane and Brook Street respectively.

She is currently Rector of Stockport and Brinnington, and will be consecrated in her new role in the New Year.

After the Downing Street announcement, Lynne said: "I was really surprised to be invited to take up the role, but I am delighted, I'm humbled and thrilled.

"If you said to me 'have you always been called to be a bishop', the answer would be 'no'; have I always felt a calling to change the Church and position myself in order to do that, then 'yes'.

"I think the role of bishop will enable me to have greater agency and to be used by God to facilitate that continuing change and reform of the Church."

Lynne served her curacy in the Parish of Congleton before becoming a non-stipendiary minister in The Benefice of Sandbach Heath (St John the Evangelist) with Wheelock in 2015 before moving to Crewe.

She has also worked as the CEO of the Tranmere Community Project, a Wirral-based charity.

The Bishop of Stockport, Sam Corley, said: "Lynne has made a huge contribution to the town and borough in Stockport.

"She has been quick to spot opportunities for mission, adept at creating effective partnerships with a wide range of individuals and organisations, and consistent in creating spaces where the voices of those who are too often marginalised can be heard and responded to effectively.

"Lynne has this incredible ability to ask difficult questions and name uncomfortable truths."

This will be the first role down south for the University of Manchester graduate.

Many congratulations to Lynne on her new endeavour, from Congleton Nub News.

Congleton: Do you have any memories of Lynne from her three-year tenure in our town?

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