News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

bishop-nick-baines-main_article_image.jpg
Philip Talmage
UK News

Diocese of Leeds facing 'serious financial situation'

A letter sent to all members of the Leeds diocesan synod asks for prayer as senior staff tackle a £3 million deficit.

The diocese was formed four years as a merger between the diocese of Bradford, Ripon and Leeds, and Wakefield.

It's headed up by Rt Rev Nick Baines (pictured), employs 110 people and serves 460 parishes.

In a statement acknowledging the financial difficulties, a spokesman said: "The measures needed to deliver a balanced budget will impact on the organisation and staff in different ways - we are deeply concerned for all members of our staff teams and all impacted by the decisions we need to take.

"A strong future demands strong action now.

"We are grateful for the understanding and support of colleagues as we work through the challenges before us."

Although part of the Church of England, each diocese is financially independent.

The difficulties faced by Leeds have led to some calling for a change.

Writing on Twitter, Bishop of Burnley Rt Rev Philip North said: "A northern diocese 'in crisis' because of a debt of less than 1% of the funds held by some southern dioceses.

"This 'crisis' is no more than a symptom of a much deeper financial and spiritual institutional sickness. The solution is in Acts 2."

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate