A BOLTON vicar has become the first black woman to be appointed Archdeacon of Manchester in the near 500-year history of the Northern Province of the Church of England.

The Rev Karen Lund, 54, has been appointed to the province, which makes up the whole of the North of England and takes in dioceses from Newcastle to Carlisle, York and Chester.

Karen came to the Diocese of Manchester from Chelmsford Diocese in 2014, when she was appointed team vicar in the Turton Moorland Team in Bolton.

Her role in the local area involved ministry at six churches at: Walmsley, Christ Church; Bromley Cross, St Andrew; Turton, St Anne; Edgworth, St James Mission; Bradshaw, St Maxentius; Belmont, St Peter.

Since moving to Bolton, she has also taken a lead in the diocese on raising awareness and training senior staff on unconscious bias, and has represented the diocese at events and conferences.

The Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, said “I’m delighted that Karen has accepted my invitation to be the next Archdeacon of Manchester.

“She is a person of great warmth and empathy, combined with the resilience necessary for the demands of the role.

“She brings a strong grasp of the key theological and missional issues facing the Church and has a real commitment to the challenge of growth. The people and parishes of her archdeaconry and beyond will find her a good and true friend, one who will journey with them in taking the risks and rising to the opportunities that God sets before us.”

Karen said, “I feel enormously privileged to be taking up the role as the next Archdeacon of Manchester. I look forward to becoming established in my role and continuing the work of Christ in loving service to all, and maintaining our diocesan values, to lovingly nurture others, labour for growth in God’s church, be of service, and celebrate the fruits of mission in God’s Kingdom.”

Karen and husband Richard live in Egerton with their son.

Her interests include bird watching, walking music and plays flute and guitar. She also enjoys wool felting and circle dancing.

Karen expects to take up her new post in May.