Is this the man to heal Sheffield's wounds?
"Angry" at injustice, The Rt Rev Philip North seeks to repair divisions within a community suffering fall-out from "dangerous and toxic" events.
Today's unveiling witnessed a manifesto "to turn fear into joy" in the face of local and global upheaval in Brexit and Trump times of uncertainty.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHEAR HIS MESSAGE: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/video-new-bishop-of-sheffield-hopes-to-tackle-dangerous-and-toxic-divisions-in-society-1-8362837
He concedes church leaders must try help folk better understand one another in such divisive climes.
And the man who has previously accused C of E of ignoring the poor highlights poverty and homelessness as crucial challenges.
He claims clergy have "lived with reality of decline for a long time,"' adding "it has made us a bit nervous and reticent."
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe continues: "I would love to see some fresh confidence in Christians in living out their faith".
The 50-year-old cleric with South Yorkshire roots hailed Steel City "buzzing, vibrant, youthful and exciting".
But he admits there are areas locally where life is "tougher".
The Bishop says: "Around Sheffield there are big social housing estates where a lot of people are really struggling to manage.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"Families are working hard but still depend on food banks. That kind of injustice makes me angry."
To that end he wants to give a voice to poorer people within his diocese, emphasising the church's "healing" role in an increasingly divided world.
We need to better understand each other in today's "dangerous and toxic" political environment.
"The Brexit vote is an interesting example - national politics is badly divided. It is incumbent on the church to understand both sides."
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe adds: "Because we are present everywhere, we can perhaps help to encourage dialogue where there isn't any."
Join that dialogue now - tell us, and the Bishop, what YOU think?
TRENDING STORIES:
EXCLUSIVE: 'Dangerous' South Yorkshire man jailed for raping childrenIs this the man to heal Sheffield's wounds?Please add below links to your content this afternoon as footy transfer d-day live blog continues apace to looming deadline (10 hours & counting) - cheers
LIVE: Transfer Deadline Day - The latest from Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United, Rotherham United, Barnsley, Chesterfield and Doncaster RoversSheffield Wednesday: Lucas Joao on why he had to leave HillsboroughSheffield United: Blades braced for another Everton bid for Aaron RamsdaleVIDEO: New Bishop of Sheffield hopes to tackle 'dangerous and toxic' divisions in societyBurglar ransacked Sheffield OAP’s home - even stealing hearing aidsWoman seriously injured in collision with bus in SheffieldSheffield man due in court for cheating in driving theory testAsylum seekers in Sheffield criticise accommodation