Bishop makes return to grassroots

The bishop said the Archbishop of York had been an inspirational leader

The bishop of Whitby has spoken of his desire to return to grassroots ministry as he prepares to step down after nine years to become a parish priest again.

The Rt Rev Robert Ladds leaves office on New Year's Eve to become a priest in the parish of St Mary and Christ Church in Hendon, north London.

"I like having a close relationship with a community that I work within and worship with regularly," he said.

He said the archbishop of York had been "a tremendous inspiration".

Bishop Robert went on: "I have found working with Archbishop Sentamu over these last few years an incredibly important experience; his leadership, his charisma.

"I am deeply grateful to him for his personal and pastoral support."

However, he said he had "long cherished the hope" of returning to parish ministry.

"I have sometimes given myself the excuse that I do not really know how to be a bishop except to do it like a parish priest."