WHILE making some criticisms, the Standing Commission on the House of Bishops’ Declaration reports that it feels “very positively” about “mutual flourishing” in the diocese of Blackburn, where the diocesan Bishop, the Rt Revd Philip North, does not ordain women priests.
The report says the diocese should “be more overt about how to raise incidents of microaggressions or bad behaviour, specifically towards women”, and encourages better communication of the Bishop’s theological position and decisions.
After a sub-group spent “an intense” two-day period in the diocese, they felt that they had “only scratched the surface in parts”.
In October 2024, Bishop North, a traditionalist Anglo-Catholic, wrote to the chair of the commission, the Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave, to invite it to visit the diocese. Bishop North suggested that “There is an ongoing national conversation about the appropriateness of a bishop who does not ordain women to the priesthood being a Diocesan and I wondered if now might be an interesting time for the commission to explore that in context.”
After “months of planning”, the sub-group visited the diocese on 18 and 19 September 2025.
Regarding the aims of the visit, the commission says: “The diocese of Blackburn is often spoken of as having a positive story to tell regarding mutual flourishing.
“What are the prevailing stories of success in this regard and are there consistent counter-narratives? Which of these can be evidenced? And what are the stories we are not hearing? What has been the impact of having a traditionalist diocesan bishop on female clergy and on Traditional Catholic and Complementarian Evangelical clergy within the diocese? How are they flourishing? Do they feel both heard and supported? Are there barriers to their flourishing? Has there been an impact on the appointment of a traditionalist diocesan bishop on the wider diocese?”
The commission’s report, published on Thursday, says: “Overall, Standing Commission members felt very positively about the diocese and its commitment to, and culture of, mutual flourishing which flowed from the senior leadership and was also evidenced at parish level.”
The commission “did consider whether there were stories that were not being heard and why this may be”, the report says. “‘PR’ is clearly something which preoccupies all people in the diocese because of assumptions made about the experience of being in the diocese of Blackburn.
“At the same time, there is a clear commitment by the senior leadership to make sure that everyone in the diocese feels able to raise concerns. The Standing Commission would encourage the diocese to use this reflection as the foundation for digging deeper, and specifically work more closely with the female clergy in Blackburn to ensure that they are able to report any bad experiences or tensions.”
The report highlights “a few areas which it might be helpful for the diocese to consider and on which to do some further work”. These included: “Putting something of the culture of the diocese in writing.”
The report continues: “A lot of the culture and practice relies on people talking to one another. There is nothing in writing which can be pointed to which sets out the ethos of the diocese, or sets out practical elements of mutual flourishing. It is therefore possible that some people don’t know what is going on and realise what good practice there is. Though the culture goes beyond the diocesan Bishop, it is clear that this is driven and modelled by Bishop Philip.”
Second, “More work might be done to be more overt about how to raise incidents of microaggressions or bad behaviour, specifically towards women, and encouragement to do so.”
Third, “Bishop Philip and his senior team might consider spending more time explaining, in person and in writing, why certain decisions have been made and what provision is available — specifically when it comes to arrangements necessitated because of a difference in theology on the ordination of women.
“People are generally aware that Bishop Philip receives advice but aren’t always aware of the factors which lead to a decision.”
Finally, the commission encourages the diocese to consider how conversations about relevant theology might take place at deanery and parish level, “to deepen mutual flourishing even further and help embed [the] mode of discussion into the culture of the diocese”.
Responding to the report, a diocesan spokesperson said that it was grateful for the commission’s “care and attention” and recommendations.
“The commission’s report represents an important contribution to the Church of England’s ongoing reflection on what it means to live well with theological difference; particularly, in this case, in relation to mutual flourishing.
“During a series of honest conversations the commission members heard the lived experience of clergy and laity within a diocese where we are committed to being a place where all can flourish and where differences are held with generosity, integrity and respect.”
The spokesperson acknowledged “both the opportunities and the challenges that this brings, especially in areas where deeply held theological convictions intersect with questions of leadership, ministry and oversight.
“The Bishop of Blackburn and his team will now consider the commission’s recommendations carefully; moving forward in a way that strengthens trust, supports clergy and congregations and enables our common life to reflect the mutual responsibility and continuing grace to which we are called.
“We remain mindful that this is part of a wider conversation within the Church of England and this diocese will continue to its play our part with humility, openness and a shared commitment to the wider mission of the Church; especially in relation to bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to all.”