The leader of Bradford Council spoke out today against plans to scrap the Diocese of Bradford and merge it with Wakefield, claiming the move would undermine “the prominence, status and influence” of the office of the city’s bishop.

Councillor Ian Greenwood is against the restructure of the Church of England in West Yorkshire and believes the issue should be taken up by Parliament.

Following a recent review, the Dioceses Commission is recommending the dissolution of the county’s three dioceses, putting Bradford, Huddersfield and Leeds and Ripon in with Wakefield to form a Diocese of Wakefield.

Reports have suggested the move is part of the commission’s response to fewer people attending church services. A further report is expected in May.

A motion to be moved by Coun Greenwood, and seconded by fellow Labour councillor David Green at a meeting of full council today, says: “This Council notes the important community leadership role played by the Church of England’s Diocesan Bishop of Bradford.

“It notes with concern that the recent review of The Dioceses Commission recommends the abolition of the Diocese of Bradford and its amalgamation into a West Yorkshire Diocese, with Episcopal area bishops and believes that this could undermine the prominence, status and influence of the office of the Bishop of Bradford and the Diocese of Bradford itself.

“The Council therefore requests the chief executive to write to the Dioceses Commission expressing its strong view that Bradford should keep a full Diocesan Bishop.”

The Right Reverend Nick Baines, a former Bradford University language student, is soon to become enthroned as the new Bishop of Bradford, knowing he could be made redundant by about 2013 if the recommendations are accepted.

Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus today, Coun Greenwood said: “Even if you are not a religious person, the Bishop of Bradford’s voice is one that needs to be heard and it is very important that the city is recognised as a city in its own right and not an appendage of Wakefield.”