Bishop welcomed to new role during cathedral service

Peter Burrows was ordained as bishop by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, at a service at York Minster on Thursday, February 2.

Yesterday, he came to Sheffield to meet the congregation in a special service at the cathedral.

It was announced in October last year that Mr Burrows would be leaving his role as Archdeacon of Leeds to take up the new position as Bishop of Doncaster.

Dr John Thomson, director of ministry at the diocese of Sheffield, said: “Some of the challenges we hope he will be addressing will be along how he can support the education of children in the area; how he can resource ministry and the connectedness of the church to communities; and how he can enable young people and children to sense that the church is for them, not just for the elderly.

“These are three key areas that will be important, as well as helping to make connections with civic life and contributing to the conversation about sustaining Doncaser in a difficult period.

“Doncaster is in a challenging place. There’s been some very positive things about Doncaster over the years, but at the moment the economic situation is putting particular challenges on us.

“Having a new bishop in place is about flagging up the value of this town and this region to the church.”

Dr Steven Croft, the Bishop of Sheffield, added: “I know the whole diocese is really looking forward to receiving Peter as Bishop of Doncaster. There’s a real. solid anticipation for all the qualities he’s going to bring.”

Born in Derby, Mr Burrows and his wife Jane have two adult children. After working at Derbyshire Royal Infirmary and having a short career in the civil service, Mr Burrows trained for the priesthood at Salisbury and Wells Theological College.

After being ordained in 1983 he served a curacy in Baildon in the diocese of Bradford.

He was made Archdeacon of Leeds in 2005 and, outside of the ministry, his interests include motor sport, playing the guitar and cooking Indian food.

A civic service to welcome the bishop will be held in Doncaster Minster on Saturday, February 11 at 11am.