Hundreds gather for Manchester Chief Constable Thanksgiving service

Manchester Cathedral hosted a celebration service to remember the life of Manchester Chief Constable Michael Todd. The police chief was found dead in North Wales on 11 March this year.

The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Revd Nigel McCulloch, led tributes to Michael Todd in a specially written service which was held at Manchester Cathedral this morning, Friday 11 April.

During his address the Bishop praised Michael as a person who, in all walks of life, was found to be “approachable and friendly, down-to-earth, free from pomposity – with a concern for everyone.”

The Bishop, speaking on behalf of the Christian denominations, and leaders among the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist and other faith communities, said how greatly they valued Michael’s personal contacts, at many levels, and his role in promoting good community relations, and goodwill between people of all faiths and none.

Referring to Michael’s impressive intellectual rigour, the Bishop said that “Michael was an excellent listener, an astute enquirer about complex issues, always willing to visit places of worship, schools and projects, to meet people, reassure them, and frequently give his active support.”

Referring to Michael’s funeral, which took place on Good Friday, the bishop highlighted a Christian message - God’s healing of wounds. He said that “Michael was committed to helping the wounded in society and protecting the innocent who suffer from violence."

The Bishop ended his tribute by calling on Greater Manchester Police to continue to be a force where people are proud of their calling and eager to provide the best possible policing. He said: "It will also be a fine tribute to our Chief Constable if the public come to appreciate all the more the difficult and dangerous job done by the men and women of our nation’s police forces, the huge demands and expectations placed upon them, stretched between neighbourhood policing and national, and regional, collaboration to fight gun-crime and terrorism – but always courageously prepared to put their lives at risk to keep the rest of us safe."

Date article online: 11/04/2008