Diocese of York

Who we are

With its network of parishes covering the country, the Church of England plays an active role in national life, bringing an important Christian dimension to the nation, as well as strengthening community life.  The Church is arranged into 41 areas, each under the care of a Bishop.

The Diocese of York takes in much of North and East Yorkshire, a diverse area which includes the bustling urban centres of York, Hull and Middlesbrough, the North Yorkshire Moors national park, and the incomparable Yorkshire Coast.  We are led and guided by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell.  York Minster is our principal church.

We are a family of clergy, churches, parishes and schools.  Our mission and ministry relies on relies on thousands of people - lay and ordained, volunteer and paid.  Our diocesan teams provide a wide range of support services, including training for ministry, advice on the care of church buildings, and safeguarding.  We employ around 80 people, many based at our main office at Clifton Moor, York.

Together, we are striving to be a people who are “Living Christ’s Story”.  We are developing and delivering strategic programmes focused on our aims: Becoming more like Christ; Reaching those we currently don’t; Growing churches of missionary disciples; and Transforming our finances and structures.  We want to be a simpler, bolder, humbler church, which in its diversity reflects the communities it serves.