29/05/2025
The next Bishop of Doncaster will be the Rev Leah Vasey-Saunders, who is currently Vicar of Lancaster at Lancaster Priory, Downing Street has announced.
Leah was made Vicar of Lancaster Priory in 2021, having previously served as Canon Precentor at Wakefield Cathedral. She has held parish roles in the Dioceses of Southwell and Nottingham, Lichfield, and Newcastle. She was ordained in 2003 after training at Cranmer Hall, Durham.
The Bishop of Sheffield, Dr Pete Wilcox, and the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said they were delighted with her appointment:
Bishop Pete said: “I thank God for calling to our Diocese a gifted, missionary disciple of the Lord Jesus, who is passionate about the proclamation of the Gospel and about the transformation of human lives and communities, and all creation, in anticipation of the coming Kingdom of God.
“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 Stephen said: “Leah brings a wealth of pastoral experience, theological wisdom, spiritual depth, evangelistic zeal and profound faith to this role. This is a really exciting appointment.
“Leah has a heart for people, a passion for worship, and a vision of the Church as a place of joy, connection, and hope. With Bishop Pete she will help bring inspiring leadership to the Diocese of Sheffield.”
Speaking about her appointment, Leah said: “It is a humbling and joyful thing to be called as the next Bishop of Doncaster. I feel deeply privileged to be joining the Diocese of Sheffield and look forward to serving alongside Bishop Pete, the senior team, and colleagues across the diocese and region. I am especially grateful to be following Bishop Sophie, whose faithful and wise leadership has left a rich legacy.”
The full announcement can be found on the Diocese of Sheffield website.
Read the full announcement on the Downing Street website.