Archbishop Bernard Longley has announced the appointment of Canon Paul McNally as Episcopal Vicar for the Pastoral Area of North Staffordshire, Stafford, Lichfield and Walsall, and Dudley and Wolverhampton, with effect from Sunday 1 October 2023.

The appointment was made earlier this summer following Bishop Stephen Wright’s nomination, and subsequent installation, as the Bishop of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle.

Canon Paul is Parish Priest of Holy Trinity, Newcastle-under-Lyme, and Sacred Heart in Silverdale.

He is the Dean of the North Staffordshire Deanery and also the Chair of the Council of Priests. He was appointed to the Metropolitan Cathedral Chapter in June.

Canon Paul was ordained to the sacred priesthood on 1st July 1989.

Previously he has served as Assistant Priest at Holy Cross Parish, Lichfield and Chaplain to St Francis of Assisi School, Aldridge and taught extensively at St Mary’s College, Oscott.

Archbishop Bernard said: “I am extremely grateful to Canon Paul for taking up this new responsibility alongside his current duties as Parish Priest of Holy Trinity, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Dean of the North Staffordshire Deanery.

“I know that you will keep him in your prayers and support him in his new role, serving the clergy and parishes of the four deaneries currently in this Pastoral Area.”