| The Ven. Dr Rachel Mann, Archdeacon of Salford and Bolton, has shared the following message ahead of an upcoming leave of absence, beginning Friday 21st March, for at least three months. We hold Rachel in our thoughts and prayers and wish her the best as she takes this time away to focus on her health. |
| Dear colleagues and friends, Those of you with whom I have had a close working relationship over the past few months may – perhaps – have spotted that my health has not been the best due to my complex Crohn’s Disease. On April 1st I shall be having major surgery to address those symptoms. In order to help prepare for this I shall be taking some leave from Friday 21st March. Please be assured that measures will be in place to ensure that my work continues during the three months I am due to be off, including the appointment of Simon Cook, Area Dean of Bolton, as Acting Archdeacon. Please pray for him during this interim role. Should you wish to visit me while I’m in hospital or afterwards, please contact the Bishop’s Chaplain for advice before doing so. Please pray for me and for those who love me. Your prayers are not only welcome, but of almost incalculable value. As the Psalmist says, ‘To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I hope all the day long.’ Those are my words too. I would be lying if I did not acknowledge how demanding this surgery will be. Your prayers, especially during this Lenten season, will bring both comfort and a reminder of the deepest truth: that we are all held in the beautiful bonds of our truest life in Jesus Christ.  Archdeacon Rachel Mann |
