The Revd Canon Rachel Firth is to be licensed as the new Vicar of Huddersfield this evening in a ceremony conducted online.

During the current Coronavirus pandemic Huddersfield Parish Church has been closed for both public and private prayer in line with guidance from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and the UK Government.

Rachel will be licensed via Zoom video conference at 7:30pm today by the Rt Revd Jonathan Gibbs, Bishop of Huddersfield.

You can read the words of Rachel’s licensing by clicking here.

In light of physical distancing restrictions and guidance preventing large gatherings, Revd Firth will be joined by her immediate family, with the Bishop, clergy and churchwardens participating via online video conference facility.

We ask that you hold Rachel and her family in your prayers as she begins her new ministry during these challenging times, that through the grace of God she may bring good news and great hope to all she serves in Huddersfield and the surrounding areas.

A full service of welcome will be held at Huddersfield Parish Church as soon as circumstances allow. Nevertheless, please join us in welcoming Rachel now, and in thanking God for all that she will bring to the life of the church and our town.