Bring Gospels back to their natural home, says Bishop; Commitment to campaign is renewed.

Byline: Adrian Pearson Regional Affairs Correspondent

THE Bishop of Durham has backed calls for the Lindisfarne Gospels to be permanently moved back to their "natural home".

Campaigners are to meet in the next few weeks to go over plans to house the disputed book in Durham when it returns for a three month loan in 2010.

British Library board members decided last week the region would be allowed a limited loan every seven years, a policy which has sparked anger among the region's arts fans and tourism groups.

Library staff have said it is up to the North East to decide where the Gospels will be housed, although there will be strict criteria against which any potential location is checked.

And, as campaigners vow to continue the push for a permanent Gospel move, more and more voices have lent their support.

The Rt Rev Tom Wright, the Bishop of Durham, has renewed his commitment to the Gospels campaign.

He said: "I am very pleased that the British Library has in principle agreed that the Gospels may be displayed elsewhere, and that this will mean that they can come to their proper and natural 'home' at least sometimes.

"Like many in the North East, I see this as a step in the right direction and we look forward to continuing the discussion with the British Library about longer-term plans."

Durham Cathedral is thought to be the front-runner for the region's bid to display the Gospels when the Library loans them out, in large part due to the Gospels historic links to St Cuthbert.

The Lindisfarne Gospels were written in the saint's honour and were kept alongside his remains for more than 600 years.

Those remains are now housed more than 200 miles away from the Gospels at Durham Cathedral.

Culture Club member Ann Russell was one of many readers who contacted The Journal following the Library's announcement.

Ms Russell said: "The current British library offer falls significantly short of expectations.

This treasure belongs in the North of England."

Amanda Brown, from Cramlington, emailed to say what many in the region's tourism industry will also be thinking.

"The opportunity to have the Gospels in the North East means we can show the British Library what they mean to us, through visitors numbers etc.

"I hope this can strengthen our case to get them back here permanently."

Sheila Crow, from Benton, said the latest condition report on the state of the Gospels could work in the region's favour.

She said: "If we are not able to negotiate an annual loan of the Gospels, probably on the grounds of potential damage in transit, or insurance cost, the obvious preference would be to have them housed in the North East, desperately needed as a focus for tourism."

And Doreen Garside, from North Shields, added her voice to the many calling for a permanent Gospels move.

Ms Garside said: "The Gospels are our heritage which we are justly proud of."

CAPTION(S):

RIGHT AT HOME The bishop is pleased the Gospels are returning.