News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

York-Minster-2-main_article_image.jpg
Creative Commons
UK News

Bell ringers reject invitation to York Minster in 'act of solidarity'

Members of the Leeds Minster Society of Change Ringers voted to turn down the invitation from York's Dean and Chapter. The vote saw 13 members of the group choosing to turn down the invite with two abstentions.

Speaking to York Post, deputy ringing master Robert Childs said the sound created by York's bells is the finest in the country but the group turned down the offer as a show of solidarity with York's 30 volunteer ringers who were dismissed in October.

A York Minster spokeswoman told the Post: "We can't comment for Leeds Minster or their bell ringers. It wouldn't be appropriate or courteous.

"One of our main ambitions is to make our Tower more accessible and welcoming to those who have already expressed an interest in volunteering for our bell tower and we also keen to respond to those who have expressed an interest in learning bell ringing in the future," she added.

More than 17,000 people have signed a petition calling for York's ringers to be reinstated after their sudden dismissal.

The Archbishop of York was forced to address the issue in October.

Dr John Sentamu said some individuals from the group had repeatedly undermined efforts by the landmark's governing body, the Chapter of York, to enforce safeguarding, security, health and safety rules. The society have denied Dr Sentamu's claims.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate