The rising cost of maintaining the palaces of Church of England bishops may be met by cutting spending on parish missions it emerged yesterday.

The Commissioners of the Church of England, responsible for over £4 billion of investments, have withdrawn from a controversial £2.5 million house purchase for the next Bishop of Oxford.

The Bishop of Durham the Rt Rev Tom Wright has launched a rearguard action to preserve the rights of bishops to live in palaces

Bishop of Durham defends palaces

-8/11/04

The Bishop of Durham the Rt Rev Tom Wright has

The Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, the Rt Rev John Packer, has become the latest prelate to announce plans to move to more modest accommodation

the Church of England is scrutinising the role of bishops and other senior posts in a review which could result in significant cuts and produce more focus on mission.