Bishop unveils relocation plans

The bishop plans to move out of the shadow of Ripon Cathedral

The Bishop of Ripon and Leeds has revealed plans to move his residence from Ripon to Leeds - ending a 168-year link with the North Yorkshire city.

The Rt Rev John Packer wants to switch his home to Leeds because almost 500,000 of the 786,000 people in the diocese live there.

"It's far and away the largest and most flourishing of English cities not to have a bishop living in it," he said.

The bishop's home has been in Ripon since the diocese was formed in 1836.

Strategic review

Talks on the possible relocation are taking place with the Church Commissioners who are carrying out a strategic review of bishops' houses throughout the country.

Bishop Packer said: "I remain convinced that the ministry of the diocesan bishop and my own ministry would be enhanced by a move to Leeds.

"I myself am not infrequently criticised for not understanding Leeds issues because I am based so far away."

The possible move has the backing of Bishop's Council, the standing committee of the Diocesan Synod, which consists of representatives from all areas of the diocese.

Bishop Packer also says that his present home, Bishop Mount at Hutton Bank on the outskirts of Ripon, is considered too large for his needs.