Paul Slater

Paul John Slater (born 22 March 1958) is a retired Anglican bishop. From 2015 until January 2022, he served as the Bishop of Kirkstall, a suffragan bishop in the Diocese of Leeds. He was previously the Archdeacon of Craven from 2005 to April 2014, Archdeacon of Richmond and Craven from April 2014 to July 2015, and the Bishop of Richmond from 2015 until his title (but not his role) changed to Bishop of Kirkstall in 2018.

Early life Slater was born on 22 March 1958. He was educated at Bradford Grammar School, then a direct grant grammar school in Bradford, Yorkshire. He studied chemistry at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, which was later promoted to a Master of Arts (MA Oxon) degree in 1983.

Ordained ministry He was ordained in the Anglican ministry as a deacon in 1984 and as a priest in 1985. When the two posts were merged, he became the Archdeacon of Richmond and Craven on 20 April 2014. His residence was at Kadugli House, Keighley.

Episcopal ministry On 18 June 2015, it was announced that Slater would become the next Bishop of Richmond, a suffragan bishop in the Diocese of Leeds. The bishopric of Richmond had been in abeyance since 1921. He was consecrated during a service at Ripon Cathedral on 19 July by John Sentamu, Archbishop of York. This was the first consecration to take place at Ripon Cathedral since that of Thomas de Kirkcudbright as Bishop of Galloway in 1293.

On 14 March 2018, Slater's See was translated from Richmond to Kirkstall (in Leeds) by Order in Council; thus, he kept the same role but became Bishop of Kirkstall.

In October 2021, it was announced that Slater would retire from the post on 31 January 2022.

Personal life Slater is married to Beverley, who works for the National Health Service. Together, they have two adult sons.