THE Rev Sue McWhinney has taken up the position of associate priest at the newly formed Upper Aire Benefice of the Leeds Anglican Diocese.

Bishop of Ripon, the Right Rev Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, carried out the licensing of Rev McWhinney at the ancient church of Kirkby Malham last week, where Rev McWhinney will be based.

She will be working across the benefice, which includes Gargrave and Coniston Cold, with Rev Andrew Steer, priest-in-charge.

People from all three churches took part in the service, as well as members of Rev McWhinney’s previous church, St Wilfrid’s Calverley. The Rev Canon Robin Gamble, currently covering Calverley, commended Rev McWhinney for her organisational skills, her ability to make good relationships with people, and her deeply prayerful nature.

Rev Steer said: “Working in a partnership is exciting - a symbiotic relationship can be really fruitful and bring out the best in each other. In a good partnership the sum of the parts is greater than the whole, and I’m really excited about working with Sue in this new benefice.

“Our skills are complementary and having journeyed together through discernment, ordination and curacy we have that all important trust which is essential for a mutual relationship as we build God’s kingdom of love in this place.”

Rev McWhinney described a clear sense of call to come and serve the people of Malhamdale and the wider benefice and said how she was really looking forward to working with Rev Steer at a time of new beginnings.

“I can see lots of potential for growth and resourcing of all three churches through this new team ministry. I am feeling really positive about the future for us all.”

Rev McWhinney and her husband, Paul, are keen walkers and Mr McWhinney is also a caver with the Craven Pothole Club.