It has been a huge privilege to serve for the last eleven years as the Archdeacon of Sheffield & Rotherham, and I am immensely grateful to God and to all those I have worked alongside and learned so much from. Sheffield is an incredible diocese with a clear vision and strategy for growing disciples and transforming communities, and, while I am convinced of God’s call to serve as the Bishop of Wakefield, leaving will be a significant wrench not only for me, but for my family who have all put down deep roots in Sheffield. We keep reminding ourselves that, by God’s grace, we’re only moving a 45-minute drive away!
Even so, Jo and I are sure that God is calling us to Wakefield and to the Diocese of Leeds, and I look forward to getting to know and serving the people and parishes of Wakefield, Barnsley and the surrounding towns and villages as their Area Bishop. Last year, the Diocese of Leeds entered its second decade since its formation on Easter Day 2014, and their newly established strategy for encouraging confidence in mission and discipleship is one that I am excited to be involved in developing. Needless to say, I’m also delighted to be staying in Yorkshire, and will have the special privilege of serving in two Yorkshire counties!
The timing for my move into a new ministry seems to be wonderfully providential, coming so soon after the completion of the process that has led to our refreshed strategy and SMMIB request. I’m so thrilled that we have been successful in the award of a truly transformational sum of money, even though I won’t get to spend any of it! As you enter into this next phase of mission and ministry as the Diocese of Sheffield, it seems the right time for me to move on to a new ministry myself, and I’m truly thankful to God for this opportunity to serve as the Bishop of Wakefield. Bishop Pete and I have agreed that I will lay down my responsibilities in the Diocese of Sheffield on Easter Sunday, to give sufficient space for the move to Wakefield and good preparation for my consecration in York Minster on 11th June. It would be lovely to see as many as are able to make it to that service.
The Diocese of Sheffield, its people and its communities, will always hold a very special place in my heart – thank you for all your love and support over the last eleven years. While my focus will naturally shift to Wakefield, Barnsley and the Diocese of Leeds, I will also be keeping a keen ear out for news of all that God is continuing to do in this wonderful diocese.
