The vicar of Lancaster Priory, Rev Leah Vasey-Saunders, is to become the next Bishop of Doncaster.
The Prime Minister’s office has announced that the King has approved the appointment, who will take up her role after leaving Lancaster in July.
Rev Leah has been at the Priory for four years and was the first woman to hold the role of vicar there.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s office said: "The King has approved the nomination of The Reverend Leah Beverley Vasey-Saunders, Vicar of Lancaster Priory in the Diocese of Blackburn, to the Suffragan See of Doncaster in the Diocese of Sheffield in succession to the Right Reverend Sophie Jelley, following her translation to the See of Coventry."
Rev Leah said: "I have been privileged to serve as Vicar of Lancaster and to work alongside so many wonderful people in the Priory Parish, the City and Deanery, in the Diocese of Blackburn and in the wider county.
‘’I have heard a clear call to return to Yorkshire and to serve as Bishop of Doncaster and I trust that as God has called me, so he is already calling the next incumbent who will lead and guide the Priory into the next season of God’s mission and ministry.
"I will watch and pray, from my new role, with excitement for what God will continue to do in Lancaster."
Leah Vasey-Saunders was educated at Huddersfield University and trained for ministry at Cranmer Hall, Durham. She served her title at St. John’s Church, Whorlton and St George’s Church, Jesmond in the Diocese of Newcastle, and in 2004, was ordained Priest. From 2008, she served as Team Vicar of St. John’s Church Heath Hayes, Cannock, in the Diocese of Lichfield and was appointed Vicar in 2010.
In 2013, she was appointed Priest-in-Charge of All Saints Church, Harworth and Bircotes, in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham.
From 2016, Leah served as Canon Precentor at Wakefield Cathedral, in the Diocese of Leeds. Leah is also the chair of trustees for On Fire Mission. Leah has served in her current role as Vicar of Lancaster Priory in the Diocese of Blackburn since 2021.
Leah is married to Mark, and they have four children.
Her last service in Lancaster will be on July 20, when all are invited to join for the 10am Eucharist.
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