From the Rt Revd Hewlett Thompson
Sir, - I hope that your report (News, 8
November) on the statement of need for the diocese of West
Yorkshire & the Dales did not cover all the points that should
be in it. By its very nature, a large diocese cannot be effective
if it only adopts a policy of "one model fits all".
As I experienced in the diocese of London, mission in the
Stepney episcopal area was bound to differ from that in the suburbs
of Harrow, and mission needed to be worked out within each
episcopal area, led by its area bishop and area bishop's council.
The Bishop of Leeds, therefore, needs to understand (as should the
Crown Nominations Commission) that part of his calling should be to
facilitate area units (as provided for in the Dioceses Measure) to
which much local initiative is committed, while exercising overall
oversight and inspiration. This is a very considerable skill and
mindset.
HEWLETT THOMPSON
Low Broomrigg Warcop, Appleby, Cumbria CA16 6PT