Archbishop of York offers "my thanks, my admiration, and my prayers"

The Archbishop of York has sent an open letter to those who make up the new Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales, in which he thanks members of the three former Yorkshire dioceses "for all that you have given and forsaken in the interests of God’s future".

"In recent days," he writes, "you have given thanks for the life of the Dioceses of Bradford, Ripon and Leeds, and Wakefield, and now, you are like Abraham stepping out into the unknown, trusting in the presence of the risen Christ, and praying for the coming of the Holy Spirit." 

Paying tribute to the hard work that has gone on over the past few years, Dr Sentamu describes members of the former dioceses as "pioneers within the Church of England". 

You can read the full letter by click on the link below.