Bishop Marcus Stock asked Catholics in both northern dioceses to join a consultation process on the potential merger by completing an online questionnaire by Friday 22 May 2026.
They may do so “either individually or as a parish group”, Stock explains on the website of Leeds Diocese where the questionnaire is available.
It invites Catholics to “prayerfully” answer two questions: “How could bringing the Dioceses of Leeds and Middlesbrough under one Bishop strengthen or challenge our shared mission and pastoral care across the region?”
“What practical, spiritual and structural implications would working under one Bishop have for the Clergy, parishes, schools, and diocesan services?”
In December, Pope Leo appointed Stock the Apostolic Administrator of Middlesbrough Diocese after accepting the resignation of the Bishop of Middlesbrough, Terrence Drainey.
The consultation document begins with a historical reminder: in 1850, following the restoration of the Catholic hierarchy in England and Wales, Yorkshire formed one Diocese of Beverley. In 1878, this was divided into the Dioceses of Leeds and Middlesbrough.
There are currently 73 parishes in Leeds Diocese and 69 in Middlesbrough. Sixty-two priests are active in Leeds of whom 24 are aged under 60, 29 priests are active in Middlesbrough of whom nine are under 60. Seven meetings will take place during the consultation.
After Bishop Stock has consulted the clergy, lay faithful and a number of diocesan organisations including multi-academy trusts, he will submit a report to the Pope who will decide the outcome.
Meanwhile, the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle is encouraging Catholic parishes to use a “Mission Discernment Toolkit” available on its website.
Bishop Stephen Wright of Hexham and Newcastle said the toolkit was intended to help implement the “diocesan vision” which emerged from a process undertaken in 2025.
“This is not simply an administrative exercise, it is a spiritual invitation to discern where the Lord is leading us now,” he said on a video on the diocesan website.