Posted on: 7th August 2025

The meeting was an opportunity to discuss more fully our consultation questions, and to share experiences and hopes. Some 20 women attended, from curates to those who are retired, from each Episcopal Area and from both rural and urban parishes. Those present appreciated the consultation and the importance of feeling confident to minister in the Diocese of Leeds. 

It was noted that the work that Bishop Nick has done in bringing the three historic dioceses together means that the new Bishop will be dealing with a very different diocese from what Bishop Nick inherited. 

A wide variety of qualities, skills and hopes were shared at the meeting, and included someone who can bring unity across various aspects of diversity, including theology, protected characteristics, funding, church tradition and context. 

Also sought is someone who is warm, approachable and a good communicator across all ages; and can communicate within and outside the church, at local, diocesan and national level.

Other characteristics mentioned included being a person of integrity, commanding respect within and outside the church and able to reach out to communities of different backgrounds, from rural farming communities to inner city parishes.

It was agreed that Bishop Nick will be a hard act to follow!

To find out more about our public consultation, and to respond to it, please click here.

To read the full article on the women's response to the public consultation, please click here.