The consultation process across the dioceses of Hallam, Leeds and Middlesbrough has now been completed, marking an important milestone in the discernment surrounding the proposed unification of the three dioceses.
Over recent months, clergy, religious and lay faithful have come together to share their experiences, hopes, concerns and aspirations for the future of the Church in our region.
The breadth and depth of engagement have been encouraging, reflecting a genuine commitment to the life and mission of the Church and a willingness to participate in this important process of discernment.
Several common themes emerged consistently throughout the consultations. One of the strongest messages was the importance of effective communication.
Participants recognised that clear, timely and transparent communication will be essential throughout the next stages of the process.
Many expressed a desire to remain informed and involved as plans continue to develop, recognising that trust and confidence are built through openness and dialogue.
Another significant area of discussion centred on the role of Bishop Marcus. Many respondents reflected on the increasing responsibilities placed upon bishops today and the practical challenges that a larger unified diocese could present.
Alongside these concerns, however, there was also a strong recognition of the opportunities to develop new models of leadership, collaboration and shared responsibility, ensuring that Bishop Marcus is supported by clergy and lay leaders alike in carrying forward the Church’s mission.
The consultations also highlighted a spirit of hope and realism regarding the opportunities that unification could bring.
While acknowledging that change can be challenging, many participants spoke positively about the possibility of working more closely together, sharing resources more effectively, strengthening ministries and reducing unnecessary duplication.
There was a widespread sense that any future structure should enable the Church to become more responsive, more collaborative and better equipped for evangelisation and service.
One theme that resonated particularly strongly was the importance of listening to young people. Across all three dioceses, respondents emphasised that the future of the Church depends upon engaging younger generations more intentionally.
There was a shared conviction that young people should not simply be consulted occasionally but should be recognised as active participants in shaping the Church’s future, bringing their gifts, perspectives and faith to the heart of its mission.
Although each diocese brought its own unique experiences and local priorities, the consultations revealed an interesting degree of shared vision.
Respondents consistently expressed a desire for a Church that is outward-looking, missionary in its outlook and rooted in collaboration, while remaining attentive to the pastoral needs of local communities.
The completion of these consultations represents not the end of the process but the beginning of its next phase. The responses from across Hallam, Leeds and Middlesbrough are now being carefully reviewed and synthesised into a comprehensive report, which will be written by Bishop Marcus and then submitted to the Holy See.
This report will faithfully reflect the contributions made throughout the consultation process and the key themes that have emerged.
Alongside the preparation of this report, further work will now focus on exploring how any future unified diocese could best serve the mission of the Church.
The guiding question is not simply how structures might change, but how those structures can better support evangelisation, pastoral care and the proclamation of the Gospel in today’s world.
The consultation process has demonstrated the generosity, faith and commitment of the people of our three dioceses.
Everyone who has taken part has made a valuable contribution to this important discernment and we thank you for your time and support.
As the work continues, we remain grateful for the openness with which people have shared their views and ask for continued prayers as the next stage of this journey unfolds under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Monsignor Gerard Robinson VG
