Nick Baines

Nicholas Baines (born 13 November 1957) is a retired British Anglican bishop. He served as Bishop of Leeds from 2014 to 2025, having previously been Bishop of Bradford from 2011 to 2014 and Bishop of Croydon from 2003 to 2011.

Early life Baines was educated at Holt Comprehensive School in Liverpool from 1969 to 1976 before studying at the University of Bradford, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in German and French in 1980. He then worked as a linguist at GCHQ for four years, where he also learned Russian.

He trained for ordination at Trinity College, Bristol, where he gained a Bachelor of Arts degree in theological studies.

Ordained ministry Baines was ordained a deacon at Petertide on 5 July 1987 by George Hacker, Bishop of Penrith, and was ordained a priest the following Petertide, on 3 July 1988, by David Halsey, Bishop of Carlisle, both times at Carlisle Cathedral. His first appointments were as assistant curate at St Thomas' Church, Kendal, and St Catherine's, Crook. He then moved to Leicester, serving briefly as associate minister of Holy Trinity Church before becoming vicar of Rothley (1992–2000), during which time he was also chaplain to an adult mental health unit. In 1995 he was appointed rural dean of Goscote. where he oversaw the diocese's children and youth policies. He was a member of the General Synod of the Church of England from 1995 to 2005.

Episcopal ministry Baines was appointed Bishop of Croydon in 2003, succeeding Wilfred Wood. He was consecrated by Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, at St Paul's Cathedral and installed in Southwark Cathedral on 8 May 2003. and he was enthroned at Bradford Cathedral on 21 May 2011. In 2011 Baines said that "Christians should learn from Muslims how to exist as a 'minority' culture in British cities that are increasingly dominated by immigrant communities".

On 29 May 2013 he consecrated Nick Dill as Bishop of Bermuda on behalf of Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury.

On 4 February 2014 it was announced that Baines would become the diocesan and area Bishop of Leeds he was acting diocesan and area bishop from 22 April 2014 (he was licensed as an honorary assistant bishop of the Diocese of York to facilitate the acting role).

On 2014 he took his seat in the House of Lords as one of the Lords Spiritual.

Baines is an experienced broadcaster, regularly appearing on Pause for Thought on BBC Radio 2. While in Leicester he broadcast regularly on BBC Radio Leicester and Leicester Sound and twice received a commendation in the Andrew Cross Awards for religious broadcasting.

In 2022, in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Baines suggested that the Ukrainian military should cease fighting and entertain the prospect of the Crimea and the eastern Donbas region being annexed by Russia in order to achieve peace. While conceding that the long-term goal should be for Ukraine to control all its territory, Baines suggested that this might be achieved through diplomacy and easing sanctions.

Baines has announced his intention to retire effective 30 November 2025.

Personal life Baines married his wife, Linda, in 1980, and they have three children.

An accomplished linguist, he has preached and presented academic papers in German and in 2022 was awarded the Chartered Institute of Linguists David Crystal Award.

Selected works

Am Rande bemerkt (German edition)

In hoechsten Toenen (German edition)

Styles The Reverend Nick Baines (1987–2000) The Venerable Nick Baines (2000–2003) The Right Reverend Nick Baines (2003–present)