Report from The Daily Mirror - August 2nd 2004

By Ian Key

THE Archbishop of York is stepping down to become a parish priest.

Dr David Hope has turned down his seat in the House of Lords and will take over St Margaret's Church in Ilkley, West Yorks. His new job pays around £18,500 a year - a cut of about £40,000.

He said at the St Margaret's morning service yesterday: "I have always hoped it might be possible to conclude my ministry as I had begun it, as a parish priest."

Dr Hope has been Archbishop of York, the second most senior Anglican clergyman, for nine years.

He caused controversy when, less than a year after Princess Diana died, he called for the nation to stop "wallowing" in the tragedy.

He is an Anglo-Catholic and has been at odds with those who support women and gay priests.

The Bishop of Bradford David James said Dr Hope would bring "deep spirituality, experience and a wealth of Yorkshire humour and down-to-earth common sense".

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