New ‘Blogging Bishop’ for the Diocese of Bradford
A ‘Blogging bishop´ who is a University of Bradford graduate has been
announced today as the next Bishop of Bradford. The Rt Revd Nick
Baines (53), who is currently Bishop of Croydon, will be the 10th
Bishop of Bradford, following the retirement of the Rt Revd David
James last July.
Nick Baines is renowned for his media expertise – he is an
experienced broadcaster and writer and he blogs and tweets almost
daily. He has been Bishop of Croydon (an area bishop in the Diocese
of Southwark) since May 2003. He makes use of his experience working
with other faith leaders in London following the 9/11 attacks in
representing the Archbishop of Canterbury at various international
interfaith initiatives.
His appointment comes the week after a Church of England report that
proposes the reconfiguration of the three West Yorkshire Dioceses
(Bradford, Ripon & Leeds and Wakefield) in order to create one new
large diocese. (see Notes to Editors)
A Liverpudlian by birth, Nick Baines gained a degree in French and
German from Bradford University in 1980. He says, “Bradford is a
place I came to love when I studied Modern Languages at the
university thirty years ago. I look forward very much to working with
and serving the churches and communities of this culturally diverse
diocese in the years ahead.” (more quotes in Notes to Editors)
Bishop Nick will be introduced this morning to the diocese and city
at the National Media Museum, where he´ll meet civic and faith
leaders and members of the diocese. He´ll then travel by train to
Skipton to meet civic dignitaries, farmers, children and clergy. (see
itinerary at end of release)
One of his main priorities is how the Church communicates its
message. He says, “I´m passionate about Christian engagement in the
big wide world – not on our own terms, but on the basis that we get
stuck in wherever we can; committed to the world in all its pain and
glory. And it´s something about which I think we need to be a bit
bolder – and thicker skinned.”
He has a keen interest in music, literature, art, film, theatre and
football.
Nick is married to Linda (a health visitor and artist) and they have
three adult children: Richard, Melanie and Andrew, and one
grandchild.
More information can be found by following this link to the Bradford Diocese web-site.
