Find here reflections written by bishops, members of clergy and laity from across our diocese. Many of these reflections are produced for Leeds Diocesan News, which is released the first Friday of every month.
Monthly reflections
Reflections of a Retiring Dean | Dean Simon | July 2025
There is much for me to give thanks for as I prepare for my diocesan farewell service on 06 July at 15.30 and my subsequent retirement as Dean of Wakefield: the privilege, along with my fellow deans in Ripon and Bradford, of supporting the ministry of Bishop Nick; the gifted team of staff and clergy I have worked with; the joy of worshipping in such a beautiful space every day; and the wonderful diversity of the congregations who make up the cathedral's worshipping community.
A song in our hearts | Bishop Smitha | July 2025
“Sing to the Lord a new song,” says the psalmist and from well-known hymns to contemporary worship songs, each of us carries a song in our hearts to expresses the heights and depths of our lives, drawing on the Psalms, to give voice to and help articulate our praise and prayer. In the modern era, our worship is often shaped not by the local but global. Whether choral or contemporary music is used, large publishing houses have become powerful forces to shape the style and sound of worship across continents.
Stepping back | Shirley Stow | June 2025
Over the years, I have taken part in many retreats and each has given me something spiritually different to bring away with me. One of the nicest things is meeting up with new people who quickly become friends as we share the days together. Also, cementing closer relationships with those we have previously met perhaps in different situations. The Retreat I joined this year was held at The Briery Retreat and Conference Centre in Ilkley and it was a time for reflection on a variety of topics.
The Church bursting into life | Bishop Toby | June 2025
Sunday, June 8, from midday until 2.30pm, in Bradford’s Bowling Park will witness a “Pentecost Party” featuring some of the diversity of the Area’s churches and Christians. It will take place in “The Beacon”, a touring venue which is part of the 2025 UK City of Culture Programme.
40 years on from the Bradford City fire | Bishop Toby | May 2025
40 years is both a long time ago and a short time ago, and the dreadful loss of life in the Bradford Stadium Fire is very much a living memory that will never vanish from the city’s shared consciousness. As horrific and dark as that moment was, there were also quite extraordinary points of light – acts of bravery, heroism, care, compassion and faith that also remain. These are reference points that illuminate the darkness.
Give thanks for the sheep | Revd Stephen Dawson | May 2025
Sheep are part of our landscape, and they created the views we enjoy today by strimming up after fussier cows. A Swaledale tup symbolises the national park but we heard at St Oswald’s lambing service that the ancestor of all sheep is the meaty Mouflon of Mesopotamia.
What’s the Church of England about? | Canon Jane Evans | March 2025
What do you think the Church of England is really all about at the moment? It might be the need to become a safer church. Perhaps, it’s the difficult task of finding a united way forward on same-sex relationships, blessings, marriage. Maybe, the task of choosing a new Archbishop of Canterbury.
What are you giving up? | Archdeacon Cat | March 2025
This week is the first full week of Lent, a time when many people choose to give something up or stop doing something. For some people – including some who aren’t regular churchgoers – it can almost be a kind of second opportunity for those New Year’s Resolutions.
Place yourself at the centre of love | Bishop Anna | February 2025
When I was twelve years old a large envelope thudded through the letter box. It was Valentine’s Day, and I was excited and nervous to know who this card was from. There was no clue. Whoever sent it had painstakingly cut letters from newspaper headlines to tell me of their undying love and devotion. A mystery.
The Year of the Snake begins | Revd Dave Ho Young | February 2025
On Wednesday, January 29 , many Chinese and East Asians in this country and abroad celebrated the Lunar New Year. Here in our diocese, there were a number of celebrations. At the beginning of February, nearly 700 people gathered in Leeds Minster to attend a Lunar New Year Market where the richness of Chinese culture was on display.
