PARISHIONERS from a wide area of the West and North Ridings gathered at Bradford Cathedral on Sunday in support of four priests who were taking on the huge extra burden of responsibility as Area Deans in a licensing ceremony conducted by Bishop Nicholas Baines.

The map of the Bradford Episcopal Area has been radically redrawn with four new deaneries being created -- Inner Bradford, Outer Bradford, Aire and Worth, and South Craven and Wharfedale.

The willing foursome who unhesitatingly accepted the Bishop's invitation to help in the diocesan shake-up are Canon Vaughan Pollard (Clayton), Canon Philip Gray (Ilkley). Canon Alistair Helm (Manningham) and the Rev Sandra Benham (Baildon).

Bishop Toby Howarth, the Bishop of Bradford, who assisted at the ceremony, said: "The new deaneries are not only geographically focused, but also offer mutual support in our Christian mission."

In common with his fellow appointees, Canon Gray has explained to parishioners the background of the changeover from the historic Diocese of Bradford to the new larger Diocese of Leeds. "The task for the new area deans is not insignificant," he said. "As the new deaneries will need to be formed completely from scratch. Elections will need to be held in due course for the new deanery lay officers and its standing committee."

He added: "Deaneries form a means of governance between the parish and much larger diocese. Clergy also meet together in Chapter according to their geographical deaneries to enable information to be shared and to learn and pray together.

"For many clergy, and especially those who serve alone, the fellowship and support of fellow deanery clergy can be valuable." He stressed: ''In missional terms, though, a deanery can also play a key role in enabling parish churches to do things together than they can do apart."

As the freshly-promoted deans left the cathedral after an inspiring service no doubt the slogan 'Keep calm and carry on!' came to mind. But more likely they were thinking about the power of prayer.

by Mike Casey