Barry has served as Bishop of Whitby since October 2024, holding particular responsibility for the care of the people, parishes, and clergy in the Archdeaconry of Cleveland, which stretches from Middlesbrough in the north to Pickering in the south, and Thirsk across to Whitby. Additionally, Barry leads the Diocese of York’s priority of Growing Younger and More Diverse, ensuring this is understood and woven into the whole diocesan mission and ministry, and serves as Chair of the Board of Education with a particular care for the 121 Church of England schools in the Diocese.
Barry has served for the past two decades in various parish roles across the Diocese of Leicester, alongside diocesan-wide roles in parish renewal and mission, overseeing new churches, and discerning diocesan strategy with a focus on growing younger. For some years he was Trustee of a Multi Academy Trust comprising twenty church and community schools, often smaller in size, holding a particular role around Christian distinctiveness and a particular interest around ensuring better, joined up provision for those with Special Educational Needs. Before ordination he worked in flight simulation and youth work. Barry is married to Stephanie (Pep), who is also ordained, and is father to Greg and Katy. Their dog, Tilly, is considered the “fifth member of the household.”