So much has been achieved since the Diocese of Leeds was created just two and a half years ago. Bringing together three very different dioceses was a hugely complex procedure, but we are all now part of a large, coherent body, whose benefits are being increasingly revealed.
The bishops and archdeacons are working closely with their areas, and the combined spiritual wealth of 656 churches, over 240 church schools and three cathedrals has brought increased creative energy.
We now have a central office in Leeds (complete with a charitable coffee shop that’s open to all), a new parish share system, new governance and further delegation of authority from the diocesan bishop to the area bishops.
Some of the challenges we face include: getting the right balance between one diocese and the five episcopal areas, tackling the anticipated fall in clergy numbers, growing our churches and maintaining parish share. And it remains vital to reach children and young people with the Gospel in order to build future generations of strong Christians.
At the heart of all we do are the values captured in our diocesan strap line, ‘Loving, Living and Learning‘.
It’s a useful list to check against everything we do. What does that mean for you and your church?
+Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds

Loving, Living, Learning
We aim to:
Love God, the world and one another.

Live in the world as it is, but, drawn by a vision of something better,
we want to help individuals and communities flourish.

Learn when we get things wrong, by listening and growing together.