Musical mum named as next bishop of Doncaster

A "lifelong musician" and mother-of-four said it was "humbling and joyful" to be appointed as the next bishop of Doncaster.

The Rev Leah Vasey-Saunders - currently vicar of Lancaster Priory - was confirmed in the role by Downing Street after the King approved her nomination.

The 47-year-old will be the eighth bishop of Doncaster, and said: "I have a particular heart for the north - its grit and grace and for working-class, post-industrial communities where I've seen God's spirit move in powerful ways... I come ready to listen, to learn."

Ms Vasey-Saunders succeeds the Rt Rev Sophie Jelley as the Suffragan to the Bishop of Sheffield, meaning she will assist the Sheffield diocesan bishop.

As Suffragan Ms Vasey-Saunders will work across the Sheffield diocese, but with a primary focus on Doncaster.

Bishop of Sheffield the Rt Rev Dr Pete Wilcox said he was "absolutely delighted by Leah's appointment".

He said: "Leah is a born pastor, who forms partnerships easily and I know people across South Yorkshire and the East Riding (both within the Church of England and beyond it) will quickly warm to her and trust her."

Archbishop of York the Most Rev & Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell added: "This is a really exciting appointment.

"Leah has a heart for people, a passion for worship, and a vision of Church as a place of joy, connection, and hope."

Ms Vasey-Saunders has been the vicar of Lancaster Priory since 2021, becoming the first woman to hold the role.

She chaired the Facing the Past project, which examined Lancaster's historic links to the transatlantic slave trade.

She is married to the Rev Dr Mark Vasey-Saunders and they have four children.

The new bishop will be consecrated at York Minster on 16 September and installed at Sheffield Cathedral on 20 September.

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.