The Diocese of Ripon and Leeds website

African drums and incense as Conference goes alfresco.

On final day of the Celebrating Ministry, the Diocesan conference went out into the open for the final celebration.

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Anglicans challenged by Baptist President.

The central day of the three day triennial conference, Celebrating Ministry, has been addressed by Roy Searle, a founder leader of the Northumbria Community and a past president of the Baptist Union.

Church leaders celebrate ministry

Nearly two hundred clergy, staff and lay leaders from Ripon and Leeds have gathered in Derbyshire for the triennial Diocesan Conference, Celebrating Ministry

Filling the City with Angels

Angels in all shapes and sizes have been on display throughout Ripon over the May bank holiday. (Pic - Michael Montgomery working on an exhibit)

Welcoming overseas bishops

Three American bishops, including the first ever Native American woman to be elected as a Bishop in the Episcopal Church of the USA, are to visit the diocese in July.

Treasures Revealed

Places of worship throughout Leeds, from churches to Mosques will be opening their doors during a nine day festival from May 3^rd to 11^th.

Gospel comes to Ripon

The ancient walls of Ripon Cathedral reverberated to the rhythm of Gospel music this weekend

Cathedral crosses church divides with two new appointments

A Roman Catholic dean and a Baptist minister have been made canons of Ripon Cathedral.

Cutting edge on the Cathedral catwalk

Robes make way for haute couture as Ripon Cathedral hosts a major fashion show.

New vicar for hidden 'church gem'

A small Leeds church designed in 1932, and described as an architectural "gem" when it was built, has a new Vicar.

Easter beliefs - new research

Over half of Britons believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead, according to new research.

New senior post to strenghen diocese

A vicar from Sheffield has been appointed to the new senior role of Director of Mission Resourcing

The Passion hits TV screens

Churches are being encouraged to get behind the BBC1 series The Passion which is being screened at peak times from Palm Sunday

Building for the future

A pioneering DVD encouraging parishes to improve and develop their church buildings has been launched .

Lottery Funding for churches?

Church leaders meeting in Richmond have defeated a move to discourage National Lottery Funding.

Art comes to Ripon

The Cathedral and Methodist Church have joined forces to host a prestigious art exhibition throughout March.

Celebrating Education

Ripon Cathedral has welcomed parents, children, staff and governors of church schools throughout the region to a celebration of education.

Archbishop's call to commitment

Ten years after a Harrogate congregation re-entered its newly refurbished church building, the Archbishop of York has led a special service of commitment.

Church leaders make a stand over asylum

In a joint statement, signed and issued at the start of Lent, church leaders in West Yorkshire have urged authorities to improve the system for asylum seekers.

Service honours victims of homelessness

For the first time in Leeds, a major Civic service has been held as a memorial to those who have died homeless.

Pioneering post in Armley to boost mission

A group of Anglican churches in south Leeds have joined forces to appoint a full time evangelism post, the first time a deanery has created such a role.

(Picture: Alistair Kaye looking across Armley where he will serve as 'Missioner')

Let there be light!

Ripon Cathedral celebrates a £500K grant for its ambitious lighting and tourism project.

(Picture: Candlemas at the Cathedral is on Feb 2 at 7.30pm)

Fresh Expressions boost for Ripon and Leeds

Ripon and Leeds has been chosen as one of only two dioceses in the country to receive a £25,000 grant to help develop Fresh Expressions in parishes. (Pictured -Internet Fresh Expressions at Ripon)

Tributes to Bishop Ralph Emmerson

Tributes have been paid to Bishop Ralph Emmerson who died on New Year's Eve at the age of 94.

The BIG Issues for 2008

In his New Year’s letter to the Diocese, the Bishop of Knaresborough tackles the big issues for 2008.

Hundred join Dean as he leads his first Boxing Day Pilgrimage

It was a first for the Dean of Ripon, Keith Jukes, as he joined this year's Boxing Day Pilgrimage from Ripon Cathedral to Fountains Abbey.

Church leaders welcome Islamic letter to Christians

Church leaders in West Yorkshire have welcomed the recent open letter sent to Christians by leading Islamic scholars (Photo: Press Conference with Islamic and Christian leaders in Leeds following the 7/7 bombings)

Every child deserves a good family

In his Christmas message, Bishop John Packer focuses on the needs of children, especially those of asylum seekers.

Archbishop's protest against Mugabe

The Archbishop of York has called for a united campaign of opposition to the government of Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe.

We will be at Lambeth, declare bishops

Bishops who are threatening to withdraw from next year's Lambeth Conference are misguided, Bishop John has told a gathering of clergy and lay leaders. Full text here.

Local Angels gain national recognition

Congratulations to All Saints Church in Staveley, near Knaresborough! At a presentation in Windsor Castle this week, the church and its exhibition of Angels was chosen in third place in a national competition to find the nation’s most innovative church fundraising ideas.

Churches boosted by new readers

Five new readers have been licensed to the diocese at a service in Middleham.

Lord Adonis backs church schools – and says testing is here to stay

In a significant speech to a conference of head teachers and governors of Church of England schools, the Government’s Schools Minister has endorsed the place of faith schools in state education.

Alan's prison watchdog role

The Secretary of State for Justice has appointed former Chair of the Diocesan House of Laity, and Leeds Reader, Alan Stanley, as Chair of the Independent Monitoring Board at Leeds Prison.

A night on the tiles for senior clergy

Senior clergy came face to face with the renowned nightlife of Leeds when they spent a night with police on the city centre streets.

Congregation go back in time

Bishop John Packer dressed in Victorian vestments when he joined with the congregation of a Harrogate church to celebrate their 150^th anniversary.

Lord Adonis to address church schools conference in Harrogate

The Government’s chief minister for standards in schools, Lord Adonis, is to address head teachers and governors of Church of England schools in the region at a conference in Harrogate this week.

Crypt's challenge to Leeds - match giving in 1934!

Leeds based charity, St George’s Crypt, has launched its Christmas Appeal for 2007.

Tortured in Chile in the 70’s – Sheila Cassidy delivers the Garforth lecture

This year’s Garforth Annual lecture has been delivered by a woman who came to the public eye in the 1970’s when she was arrested and tortured by the dictatorship in Chile.

Call to speed up legislation on women bishops

Church leaders meeting in Leeds at the Diocesan Synod have backed a motion calling for legislation allowing women to become bishops to be speeded up.

Restore Robert as Yorkshire's Saint call

A Leeds Vicar is calling on historians and tourism chiefs to restore a 13th century recluse, whose feast day falls next Monday September 24th, to his rightful place as the Patron Saint of Yorkshire.

Top level meeting to tackle lead thieves

A high level meeting is to be held in Leeds next month to try to solve the growing spate of thefts of lead from church roofs. It follows attempts by a Leeds vicar to deter thieves by sleeping in his church.

Foot and Mouth - churches called on to support local farming community

The Rural Officer for the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds, Canon Leslie Morley (pictured), has called on churches to stand by to offer support to farming families.

Resource Centre for teachers and leaders goes digital

Teachers, Sunday school helpers, clergy and laity throughout Ripon and Leeds can now get access to the diocese’s new Resource Centre online.

Bishop's tribute to Jane Tomlinson

The Bishop of Ripon and Leeds has expressed his sadness at news of Jane Tomlinson’s death.

Church Walkers complete Coast to Coast Challenge

A group of walkers have succesfully walked from the Irish Sea to the North Sea in just 7 days to raise funds for refurbishment at the historic church of All Saints, Barwick-in-Elmet, Leeds.

Bishop backs Cut the Carbon campaign

Bishop John Packer was among three hundred people who joined the Cut the Carbon march as it reached Leeds last weekend.

It's back to John for press and communications

John Carter, the Diocesan Press and Communications Officer, is back at his desk dealing with media enquiries and parish news after three month’s study leave.

Foot and Mouth Outbreak - Diocesan Rural Officer Leslie Morley writes...

It is important for local churches to do what they can to communicate their concern for members of the farming community.

Pub Praise

St Robert's Pannal come up with a way to be more visible in the community

Our Journey in Prayer - Diocesan Lay Conference 2007

This year’s Diocesan Lay Conference hopes to encourage participants to think about how they pray and to explore different types of prayer whilst reflecting on how, through a life of prayer, we can journey with Christ.

Called to Serve

Bishop John has asked us to pray for twelve people ordained as Deacons at Ripon Cathedral and ten people ordained as priests this Petertide.

Signs of Hope in a Broken World

Two thousand people visit the 'Church on Show' pavilion at the Great Yorkshire Show this year.

New Resource Centre for the Diocese

The Diocesan Resource Centre provides a wide range of material including resources for planning worship and theological studies for personal development.

Angels Through the Ages

All Saint’s Staveley has called on the angels to help them repair their magnificent East window.

Whilst John's away...

Jackie Cox is the acting Diocesan Communications Officer for the next three months whilst John Carter is on sabbatical.

New Resource Centre for the Diocese

The Diocesan Resource Centre provides a wide range of material including resources for planning worship and theological studies for personal development.

Let a Thousand Flowers Bloom

Ripon Cathedral will be transformed this bank holiday week-end with over 40 flower displays created by flower arrangers from churches and flower clubs across the North of England.

Braving the weather to ensure all is well in Kirklington

The parishes of Kirklington with Burneston, Wath and Pickhill celebrated a festival dating back hundreds of years by undertaking a 2 day journey that covered 22 miles and took in 15 different destinations.

Whilst John's Away...

Jackie Cox is the Guest editor of Together for the next three months

Christian’s care for the environment is crucial says Bishop

Churches should encourage car sharing, greater use of electronic communication and public transport, and where possible use renewable energy - according to a radical new environment policy for the diocese. (Picture: David Shreeve of the Conservation Foundation)

New president takes the helm

Carolyn Peuleve' has been commissioned as Diocesan President of the Mother's Union, a key position in an organisation which has more than 1500 members in Ripon and Leeds.

Artists take over Leeds church

Holy Trinity Boar Lane in Leeds is the venue this month for an exhibition with a difference.

Janet prepares for installation

Not one but two events will mark Janet Henderson's arrival later this month as the first female archdeacon in the north of England

Palm Sunday processions herald Holy Week

Donkeys, palm leaves and processions have marked the start of Holy Week throughout the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds.

Leeds unites to commemorate the abolition of slavery

200 years after the abolition of slavery by the British parliament, churches of different traditions gathered at Leeds Parish Church

Government's top rural advisor addresses church leaders in Yorkshire

A top government advisor on the rural economy has addressed the Diocesan Synod as clergy and lay leaders agreed to put more resources into village churches as part of a new countryside strategy.

Bell Ringers and children lead welcome by more than a thousand for new Dean of Ripon

More than a thousand people packed Ripon Cathedral on Saturday March 3, to welcome the new Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd Keith Jukes - pictures and story inside

Heads at church schools encouraged to take a break

For the first time in the Church of England, Headteachers at church schools in the dioceses of Bradford and Ripon and Leeds are to be offered month-long sabbaticals breaks.

Cathedral launch for Bishop's first Lent Appeal

The Bishop of Ripon and Leeds is challenging Christian people in the region to use the season of Lent to give to the poor, as the diocese takes part in its first ever Lent Appeal.

Sadness at news of 'dynamic' Yorkshire priest's sudden death

The Bishop of Ripon and Leeds has expressed his sadness at the news of the sudden death of the Revd Dr. Julian Cummins. It has been announced that his funeral will be held next Thursday Feb 22, 2.30pm at St Peter's Church, Leeds (Leeds Parish Church).

Clare misses the million!

Children’s Officer, Clare MacLaren, says she is not giving up the dream of a summer school for Whinmoor, despite failing on national TV this week to convince a group of five philanthropists to back the project.

Bishop's move to Leeds confirmed

The Board of Governors of the Church Commissioners has confirmed that Hollin House, Weetwood, Leeds, will be the new See house for the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds.

Peter licensed as new Director of Ordinands

As record numbers of men and women offer themselves for ordination in the Church of England, the diocese has a new Director of Ordinands.

Hundreds join in Boxing Day Pilgrimage

Hundreds of walkers have taken part in this year's Boxing Day Pilgrimage from Ripon Cathedral to Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire.

Consultant wanted as diocese reviews mission needs

The Diocesan Council for Mission is seeking tenders from an experienced consultant to conduct research and advise the Diocese about its future mission resourcing needs. Full details of the proposed review and the person specification to cary out the review follow.

Local landlord makes a virtual Advent date

A local landlord is making a pioneering appearance in a virtual advent publication, unveiled on December 3^rd at York Minster.

Click here to visit the Advent Calendar http://www.adventstories.org/ or more for further details

The New Dean of Ripon is announced

The Queen has approved the nomination of the Reverend Prebendary Keith Michael Jukes BA, Vicar of Selby Abbey, to be appointed Dean of the Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Wilfrid, Ripon following the resignation of the Very Reverend John Alan Robert Methuen MA on 31 December 2005.

Winning Harrogate chorister achieves his ambition - to be an Ice Cream vendor!

An eleven year old Harrogate chorister has become the boy's Radio 2 Young Chorister of the Year - and to celebrate--at least one cornetto.

St George’s new church centre opens for business

A unique partnership between a Leeds church and a firm of city centre building developers has resulted in a brand new church centre, with state of the art conference facilities on the ground floor of a brand new 12 story apartment block of 92 apartments.

Church boosted by ten new Readers

No less than ten new Readers have been admitted and licensed at a service in Chapel Allerton, Leeds

Parishes encouraged to become more inclusive

Churches in the diocese are being encouraged to become more inclusive with a Racial Justice pack which was launched at the Diocesan Synod.

Eco award for St Marks

St Mark’s Church Harrogate has been awarded the Churches Together in Britain and Ireland ‘Eco- Congregation’ award

Bishop David returns for opening of new headquarters

Bishop David Young, the former Bishop of Ripon has returned to Leeds this week for the official opening of the newly extended and refurbished Diocesan Office.

Churches throw open doors for Back to Church Sunday, September 24

Churches across the diocese are preparing to throw open their doors on September 24 and welcome friends, neighbours and family to Back to Church Sunday.

Harrogate set to host the Christian Resources Exhibition

In a major move, the annual Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE), often dubbed the ‘ideal church’ show, has relocated from Manchester to North Yorkshire.

Pat goes the distance

Congratulations to Pat Allen, a member of The Epiphany, Gipton, who undertook a solo bicycle ride from Land's End to John O Groats to raise money for the Sanjay Nagar leprosy rehabilitation centre in Maharashtra India.

Synod tributes to Ken

Tributes were paid to the retiring Archdeacon of Richmond, Ken Good, at this July's Diocesan Synod meeting in Harrogate.

Royal visit to the church on show

Prince Charles was among the guests who dropped in to the Yorkshire Church on Show pavilion at the Great Yorkshire Show from 11-13 July.

Clergy numbers across North and West Yorkshire boosted with ordination of nine new curates at Ripon Cathedral

Nine new curates, six of them women, were ordained at Ripon Cathedral on Sunday July 2^nd, the highest number of newly ordained clergy in the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds for ten years.

Supporters of women bishops hold pilgrimage in Whitby

Supporters of women’s ministry from the region gathered at Whitby last month for a pilgrimage to pray for the advent of women bishops in the Church of England.

Leeds priest celebrates remarkable 70 years in ministry on his 95th birthday!

A remarkable double celebration was held in Bramhope, north Leeds, at the weekend when a retired vicar celebrated both his 95th birthday and 70 years in active ministry as a Church of England priest.

Leeds launch for national campaign against poverty

Leeds was chosen for the launch last week of a major national campaign by church charity, the Church Urban Fund, to stamp out poverty and raise awareness of the plight of some of Britains’s poorest citizens.

Cathedral exhibition reflects a diocese of diversity

A new attraction was officially opened this weekend at Ripon Cathedral. ‘Faith, Witness and Welcome’ is the title of a major new exhibition which will be on display in the Cathedral’s North Transept for the next six months.

Sri Lankan church asks for prayers as bloodshed increases

Bishop John Packer has described how he and his wife Barbara felt in personal danger during a visit to a trouble-torn part of eastern Sri Lanka last month.

Church leaders' warning as far-right make appeal to Christians.

In the run up to local elections on May 4th, the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, Rt Revd John Packer, has joined other Christian leaders in issuing a warning about a new organisation "the Christian Council of Britain"

Food Festival brings all to the table

Director of the Yorkshire and Humber Faiths Forum, Inderjit Bhogal, is inviting people of faith to participate in a new Foods Festival planned for June this year.

Church takes a stand at two wedding shows

Local clergy were on hand to answer questions at the weekend when the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds, for the first time, exhibited at a wedding show in Harrogate. The 'Perfect Day' Wedding Fayre at the town's Majestic Hotel on Sunday April 2nd was the first time ever that the Church of England had exhibited at a Yorkshire wedding event.

Muslim community leader challenges church leaders ...

Church leaders meeting in Leeds this month were addressed, for the first time ever, by a member of the Muslim community.

Street Pastors launched in Leeds

Leeds curate, Revd Andy Myers, took part in the recent launch of the Street Pastors scheme in the Chapeltown and Harehills areas of Leed

Curate produced pancakes by the hundred

The Revd Dr. Ian White donned his chefs apparel this week to make a record breaking 100 pancakes at a Shrove Tuesday party in Stanningley, Leeds. Twenty five guests enjoyed the expertly made pancakes at the party in St Thomas' Stanningley – and, according to PCC Secretary Josie Rowe, Ian even managed to toss some without mishap!

Archbishop's first official visit to Leeds stresses reconciliation

Reconciliation was at the heart of the Archbishop of York’s itinerary when Dr John Sentamu made his first official visit to Leeds last week as the guest of the diocese.

Chaplain Paul makes Valentines Day history

It was an historic Valentines moment when the Revd Paul Greenwell, Chaplain at Harrogate District Hospital, declared a hospital porter and an auxiliary nurse 'husband and wife' at the first ever Anglican wedding service to be held in the Chapel at Harrogate District Hospital.

'Symphony of light' as thousands of candles illuminate Ripon Cathedral

A 'carpet of light', created by thousands of candles, illuminated Ripon Cathedral this week for the traditional celebration of the ancient festival of Candlemas.

Leeds has a new landmark as historic church regains its spire 43 years later

A new landmark can be seen on the Leeds skyline after St George’s Church , home for 75 years of the nationally famous homeless shelter, St George’s Crypt, regained its spire this weekend - 43 years after a storm brought down the original spire.

Story and pictures .

Penny to leave Ripon and Leeds as Archdeacon of Exeter

The Revd Canon Penny Driver, Director of Ordinands and Advisor on Women’s Ministry in the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds, is to become the next Archdeacon of Exeter.

Hundreds take part in Boxing Day pilgrimage

Five hundred people have taken part in the now traditional Boxing Day pilgrimage from Ripon to Fountains Abbey.

Narnia theme for Bishop's Christmas Message

In his Christmas message, the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds has highlighted the plight of asylum seekers and the homeless, saying that, for many people, Christmas will seem like the place of continual winter in the The Chronicles of Narnia.

Church Adverts to test views on Christmas

Churches will be testing public opinion about Christmas through an innovative advertising campaign on radio stations and poster sites throughout Yorkshire including Leeds, Harrogate and Sheffield during the next three weeks

North Yorks church takes the honours in national competition

A North Yorkshire church which converted its crypt into community rooms has been awarded first prize in a national competition aimed at encouraging the imaginative use of church buildings.

Archdeacon sets out his priorities

The church should be “lively, vibrant, relevant and life-changing” – that was the challenge issued by the new Archdeacon of Leeds, Venerable Peter Burrows in his inaugural address at Leeds Parish Church.

Prayers and oak leaves and road crash victims remembered

Victims of road crashes in North Yorkshire who have been killed or seriously injured will be remembered at a special vigil service to be held at Ripon Cathedral at 3 p.m. on Sunday 20th November, 2005

Church takes to the boards with new musical featuring clowns, music, and drama

A Harrogate church erected a stage in the nave last month to put on an ambitious new musical production featuring circus skills, comedy, music and drama.

Bishop’s call for church members to show solidarity with Leeds’ Kashmiri community.

The Bishop of Knaresborough, the Rt Revd James Bell is calling on members of the diocese of Ripon and Leeds to show solidarity with the Kashmiri community in Leeds by giving generously to relief efforts following the tragic earthquake in Pakistan last weekend.

Making churches more welcoming - national conference comes to Harrogate

Making churches welcoming to visitors has been the theme of this year’s annual conference of the Council for the Care of Churches (CCC) hosted this year in Harrogate, by the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds.

‘Devastated’ church holds vigil as it calls for inquiry

More than a hundred people have taken part in a vigil in Leeds for Manuel Bravo, who took his own life last week while facing deportation to Angola.

Leeds Church devastated by suicide in detention centre

Members of Christ Church in Upper Armley, Leeds are in mourning following the death of a member of the church, Manuel Bravo, an Angolan asylum seeker who was about to be deported. The Home Office says an inquiry will be held into his death.

New church advertising campaign aims at local radio stations in Leeds, Harrogate and York

A defiant-looking image of Jesus as a baby and a series of radio adverts voiced by BBC presenter Simon Mayo, form the centre-piece of the new interactive Christmas campaign by the Churches Advertising Network (CAN), launched on September 13th.

Leeds church cricketers wrest trophy from the south

Leeds church cricket team, St.Georges, have clinched a dramatic victory in the National Christian Cricket Cup wresting the trophy from Barton Evangelical Church, Canterbury, holders for the past four years... full report inside

Beeston faith communities stand together

Christians in Beeston have issued a statement of solidarity with their Muslim neighbours in the wake of media attention following the identification of the London bombers.

Tsunami fund approaches quarter of a million

The Bishop’s appeal for Sri Lanka continues to grow towards a quarter of a million pounds and was boosted this month by a donation of £1600 from a Harrogate nursing home.

Faith Leaders in Leeds unite in joint statement of sorrow and condemnation

Religious leaders representing the major faith groups in Leeds have issued a joint statement of sorrow and condemnation of the London bombings

Ripon and Leeds welcome for new Archbishop of York

Bishop John Packer, the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, has welcomed the appointment of the Rt Revd Dr. John Sentamu as the Archbishop of York

Deputy Lord Mayor and Bishop welcome the new Archdeacon of Leeds

The new Archdeacon of Leeds to succeed the Ven John Oliver has been announced as the Revd Canon Peter Burrows.

Foundation laid for Leeds’ first city academy

The former Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Revd David Young, has laid the foundation stone to mark the start of building work on a £23m Church City Academy in Leeds that is being named in his honour

First for unity as Methodist leader presides at Cathedral

History was made this week at Ripon Cathedral as women from the Anglican and Methodist churches joined together for a celebration of Christian unity. For the first time ever, the Chairman of a Methodist District presided at a service of Holy Communion there.

Charges dropped against the Dean of Ripon

Charges against the Dean of Ripon have been withdrawn and the Dean has decided to leave Ripon by the end of the year. The announcement was made in Court 19 of Leeds Combined Courts today, Tuesday April 26th.

Christian leaders issue election challenge over asylum

In a strongly worded statement to coincide with the calling of a a General Election, church leaders in West Yorkshire have united together in calling upon candidates in the General Election to avoid raiding false fears and misleading voters over the issue of asylum seekers. The WYEC statement by bishops and church leaders was read out at the start of a protest over the plight of asylum seekers in Millennium Square Leeds this weekend

Pope John Paul II

The Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, Rt Revd John Packer has expressed his sympathy on learning of the death of Pope John Paul II and has written to the Roman Catholic Bishops of Middlesborough and Leeds - he will attend a service of mourning at St Anne's Roman Catholic Cathedral in Leeds this Wednesday.

First for Bishop as quads confirmed

History was made in a village church on the borders of County Durham and North Yorkshire on Palm Sunday when the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds confirmed quads, Rebecca, Laura, Kirsty and Emma.

Maureen becomes Minnie for comic relief

Soon to be ordained Diocesan Social Responsibility Officer, Maureen Browell, became Minnie Mouse for three days this weekend to raise more than a fifteen hundred pounds for Comic Relief

New Rector of Leeds is named

The Revd Tony Bundock has been named as the new Rector of Leeds, to succeed Canon Graham Smith

Bishop’s Appeal for Sri Lanka reaches £191,765 as local teachers visit

A fund started by the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds to help the partner Anglican Diocese of Colombo in Sri Lanka following the Tsunami disaster has reached £191,765

How the money is being spent - latest bulletin from Sri Lanka- February 14

February 14 - As money continues to be received for the Bishop's Fund for Sri Lanka, the relief desk of the Diocese of Colombo has sent further news of the situation and how gifts are being spent...

Money pours in to Bishop's appeal for Sri Lanka

The Bishop's Fund for Sri Lanka, which is directing gifts to the diocese of Colombo, where the church has been providing shelter, disaster relief and rehabilitation to the worst affected areas, now stands at £98,091. Gifts can be sent to the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, Bishop Mount, Hutton Bank, Ripon HG4 9DT made out to 'Bishop of Ripon and Leeds D Account' .

Bishop's appeal gathers momentum

The Bishop's Fund for Sri Lanka, which is channelling all gifts to the disaster hit Diocese of Colombo has now raised £43,177. Gifts can be sent to Bishop Mount, Hutton Bank, Ripon HG4 9DT made out to 'Bishop of Ripon and Leeds D Account' ...thank you.

Where was God? Belief defended in the wake of tragedy

In the wake of the Tsunami tragedy the church has been called upon to defend belief in a God who could allow such appalling destruction.

Sri Lankan church appeals for Anglican priests

An appeal for Anglican priests has been made through the Anglican mission agency USPG by the Bishop of Colombo, Rt Revd Duleep de Chickera

Bishop leads hundreds on Boxing Day Pilgrimage

Despite Boxing Day falling on a Sunday this year, hundreds took part in this years Boxing Day Pilgrimage from Ripon Cathedral to Fountains Abbey, following in the footsteps of the 12^th century monks who founded the Abbey on December 26^th 1132.

Heavenly call centre heralds Christmas poster campaign

A church advertising network is confidently prophesying that angels will reappear this Christmas - on bus shelters, railway posters and hoardings throughout the country including Leeds and Harrogate.

Local nurse-turned-curate receives top honour

Former local nurse, turned curate, the Revd Tom Keighley, from Harrogate, has received the highest honour the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) can bestow, an RCN Fellowship.

Call for urgency as women bishops report published

The publication at the beginning of November of the Rochester report on women bishops has drawn a swift response from the diocese, with the Bishop, John Packer leading calls for urgency in the introduction of legislation to allow women to the episcopate

New spiritual centre for University

A two million pound development at the entrance to Leeds University has opened this month, marking a ground breaking partnership between religion and higher education.

Cathedral initiative for confirmees

Plans are being now drawn up for an innovative annual event to encourage those who are confirmed in the diocese to continue and develop their Christian faith.

Leeds hospital chaplaincy defends standards

Stories in the press that details of an elderly Leeds patient were passed on have been strenuously denied by the Leeds Teaching hospitals chaplaincy service.