The decision by Philip North to withdraw as bishop designate of Sheffield is a huge loss to the diocese and country.
Fr North was a popular and very successful parish priest in Camden. He was Team Rector of St Pancras, which included St Michael’s Camden Town, from 2008 to 2015. His realism, enthusiasm and optimism was during that time were inspiring.
The opposition to his appointment by some women priests and their supporters may prove to be a huge mistake.