The Diocese of Leeds is pleased to publish its annual report for 2024, sharing the successes of our teams working to encourage confidence and create confident Christians, support growing churches and help transform communities.
2024 was the 10th anniversary year of our diocese, and our report shares the hard work of our teams and the vision and strategy underpinning all of it.
The report includes reflections from the Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, and Jonathan Wood, Diocesan Secretary, as well laying out the four pillars of our Barnabas: Encouraging Confidence strategy, and the programme of work that goes alongside them.
More on Barnabas: Encouraging Confidence can be found here.
The report shares about what our teams have being doing in the last year, supporting people and parishes in fields including safeguarding, stewardship, ministry with children and young people, the environment, care of our church buildings, education and more.
It also contains information about diocesan finances, structures and governance.
In the report Bishop Nick writes: “In the 10th anniversary year of our unique diocese we celebrated in parishes, churches and cathedrals across our region, reflecting on the journey so far and facing with confidence all that lies ahead.
“This report does not focus on the complex work of individual diocesan teams, but aims to give an informing overview of how dedicated people in Church House and beyond do their best to support clergy, lay leaders, parish worshippers and schools in every setting.
“As you know, we occupy a lot of different settings in the cities, towns and villages and which offer many missional challenges and rewards.
“Confidence in our mission and ministry means that changes of people, roles and responsibilities are seen as opportunities, not threats – because we are confident in what we have done, what we do now and what we will do in the future.
“And above all and forever, we are confident because Christ has risen; the Spirit has come; and together we are his Body.”
Jonathan writes: “2024 was an important year of delivery.
“We deeply appreciate the continued dedication of our volunteers, who give so much of themselves to serve the church and their local communities.
“Their commitment is invaluable, and we are profoundly grateful for their efforts.
“Special thanks go to Trustees and committee members for their oversight and support, without whom we could not function effectively.
“This report highlights just a small portion of the work undertaken by both those who work for the Diocesan Board of Finance and the wider diocese, whether in paid or voluntary roles.
“Across every DBF team, staff do their utmost to support the delivery of the diocesan vision and strategy.
“It is a privilege to serve the diocese and I hope you will be inspired by the hope contained in this report.”
The report can be read here.
Our annual reports are a good way to find out more about our diocese, something that is important as we enter the Vacancy in See process, with Bishop Nick retiring at the end of November 2025.
More on our Vacancy in See process can be found here.