Posted on: 2nd May 2024

The whole Diocese of Leeds welcomed the Archbishop of York on a missional tour that helped launch our 10th anniversary year.

The Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell met Christian communities and projects from the region’s tip to its toe as he visited each of our five Episcopal Areas.

The first of many conversations began over coffee high in the north at St Matthew’s Leyburn in our Ripon EA. Thanks to new audio-visual kit provided by the diocese, Archbishop Stephen joined in morning prayer, led by Revd Stephen Hanscombe - who was, unavoidably, some 200 miles away. Serving such a rural location, the equipment helps worshippers keep in contact and also lets lay readers access valuable training.

“I love Leyburn and Bellerby, it’s a fabulous part of the world!” said Archbishop Stephen. "I came for a quiet week in a cottage when we were social distancing due to Covid and my wife and I came in our masks (incognito, we thought) to this church on Sunday morning. So, thank you for respecting us and only letting me know a week later that I’d been recognised.”

Children, cake and fun featured at St Richard’s, Seacroft – an estate church which engages lovingly with its people in a hard-pressed part of Leeds. Family feasts, combined with arts and crafts form part of its outreach work and Archbishop Stephen met Team Rector Revd Anne Russell and Wellsprings Together’s Parish Development Officer Siaa-Liane Mathurin to learn all about it. A Thursday lunch offer that serves some 45 meals on a pay-as-you-can basis is just one example of a church that welcomes all its neighbours, all the time.An early start at Lighthouse at St George’s Crypt, Leeds gave Archbishop Stephen the chance to join its morning service for a Christian community “battered and bruised by the storms of life” in the words of founder Revd Jon Swales. Homeless people, many of whom are battling addictions or fleeing violence find safe shelter at the Crypt and those who wish to, are welcomed into the Lighthouse pattern of worship and support. Some grow in faith and become baptised, as did one young man who spoke movingly of finding new friends and meaning following the deaths of his parents. “This Lighthouse shines bright in this city and is a place where you help people to cry, bind their wounds and help them to flourish as they come to know Jesus,” Archbishop Stephen told those gathered in its Assisi Café.

Speaking at the end of his special visit to the Diocese of Leeds, Archbishop Stephen said: “Thank you for your hospitality and generosity these past few days. It was a joy to be with you to help you celebrate your 10th anniversary. I’m greatly encouraged to see all that is going on to share the Gospel message in this beautiful and diverse part of Yorkshire. 

“From Leyburn to Bradford, from schools to Rock Mass,  your witness to the joy and hope that we have in God is being lived out daily in your communities. As you look ahead to the next 10 years, I pray God’s blessing on all you seek do, to serve your communities and proclaim Christ in this land.”

To read the full article of Archbishops Stephen's tour, click here.