Bishop James Jones, a former Bishop of Hull and now Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of York, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Theology by York St John University at a degree ceremony in York Minster this week.
Bishop James, who was Bishop of Liverpool from 1998 to 2013, is a tireless advocate for social justice and responsibility. He chaired the Hillsborough Independent Panel, formed to review the evidence of the disaster that took place during the 1989 FA Cup semi-final game between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. He was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2017 New Year Honours for services to bereaved families and justice.
York St John University traces its history back to the foundation in 1841 of a teacher training college by the Dioceses of York and Ripon.
Other recipients of this year's honorary degrees included children’s campaigner Baroness Floella Benjamin OBE, actress Dame Penelope Wilton, and Steve Rowe, Chief Executive of Marks & Spencer.
Professor Karen Stanton, Vice Chancellor of York St John University, said: “This year’s honorary graduands are an especially motivational group of people.
“We are delighted to recognise the incredible impact they have made in their respective fields with an honorary degree. We hope their inspirational stories will further encourage our students to achieve their potential and to make a positive contribution to the world.”