Father Philip North: 'I have concluded that it is not possible for me, at this difficult time for our Church, to be a focus for unity'

Published: 18 December, 2012
by RICHARD OSLEY

A PRIEST from Camden Town has changed his mind about becoming the new Bishop of Whitby after expressing concerns that his views on female bishops would not allow “a focus on unity”.

Father Philip North, from St Michael’s in Camden Road, will stay in his current job as team rector.

He had been appointed as the Bishop of Whitby earlier this year but told the Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu and the Bishop of London of his decision not to take up the role on Sunday night.

Father Phillip said: "It was a great honour to be chosen for this role and I had been very much looking forward to taking up the position. 

“However, in the light of the recent vote in the General Synod and having listened to the views of people in the Archdeaconry of Cleveland, I have concluded that it is not possible for me, at this difficult time for our Church, to be a focus for unity. 

“I have therefore decided that it is better to step aside at this stage.”

He added: “I have reached this decision after a time of deep reflection and feel sure that it is for the best. I now look forward to refocusing my energies on the pastoral needs of my parish.”

The Bishop of London Richard Chartres added: “I can understand the reasons for Philip’s decision. He is a gifted and energetic priest and I am glad that he remains in this Diocese to continue his outstanding work in Camden Town.”

There had been protests in Whitby about Father Philip’s appointment. The Church Times reported that John Secker, churchwarden of St Oswald’s Church wrote to the Archbishop of York, Dr Sentamu, last month to complain.

The letter said: “We are puzzled, dismayed and very disappointed that for the third time running we have been assigned a Bishop of Whitby who does not accept the ordination of women priests.”