[1][2] In 1981, Slater entered Cranmer Hall (part of St John's College, Durham) to study for ordination.
He graduated from Durham University with a BA degree in theology in 1983 and completed a further year of training for ministry at Cranmer Hall.
He was then appointed Priest in charge of St John the Evangelist, Cullingworth, and Director of the Diocesan Foundation Course between 1988 and 1993.
[2] He then served as the Rector of St Michael and All Angels Church, Haworth, from 1995 to 2001, before taking on the role of Bishop's Officer for Ministry and Mission from 2001 to 2005.
[7] This was the first consecration to take place at Ripon Cathedral since that of Thomas de Kirkcudbright as Bishop of Galloway in 1293.