News Release /Photo  

Issued 15.7.09        For immediate use  

Three Yorkshire dioceses begin new joint initiative to ministry among deaf people

Three Yorkshire dioceses have joined together to establish a pioneering new joint approach to ministry in the deaf community.  The Anglican dioceses of Bradford, Ripon & Leeds and Wakefield have teamed up to appoint the Revd Rachel Wilson and the Revd Bob Shrine as ministers in the Deaf community working across all three dioceses, and this week at Leeds Parish Church (Monday, July 13)  the Bishop of Knaresborough, the Rt Revd James Bell, licensed their ministry in the diocese of Ripon and Leeds.  

The licensing service was both in sign and spoken language and in his address the Director of Mission Resourcing the Revd Adrian Alker said it was a "a moving reminder of the inclusive nature of our gospel calling" . He underlined the importance of  ministry to the deaf communities as part of the mission of the Church and how such a sharing by dioceses of ministers with signing skills can enhance the lives of worshipping Christians who are profoundly deaf.   

The Revd Bob Shrine, who is deaf himself, has been Chaplain amongst Deaf People in the Diocese of Bradford for several years. Both he and the Revd Rachel Wilson will available to give advice to churches and organisations throughout the region in how best to serve the needs of those with profound hearing loss.  

ENDS  

Photograph attached of Revd Bob Shrine and Revd Rachel Wilson - Deaf chaplaincy.jpg For copyright free use.  

To contact the Revd Bob Shrine, phone Mini-com (0800) 515152 and ask for 01422 300511  

Further information from Revd Adrian Alker, 0113 200 0559

Issued by John Carter (Rev)
Press and Communications Officer, Diocese of Ripon and Leeds

jhgcarter@aol.com
01423 530369 or mobile 07798 652707