 Lang was enthroned at York Minster on 25 January 1909 . In 18 years since ordination he had risen to the second @-@ highest position in the Church of England . In addition to his diocesan responsibilities for York itself , he became head of the entire Northern Province , and a member of the House of Lords . Believing that the Diocese of York was too large , he proposed reducing it by forming a new Diocese of Sheffield , which after several years ' work was inaugurated in 1914 . In the years following his appointment , Lang spoke out on a range of social and economic issues , and in support of improved working conditions . After taking his seat in the House of Lords in February 1909 , he made his maiden speech in November in the debate on the controversial People 's Budget , advising the Lords against their intention to reject this measure . He cast his first Lords vote against rejection , because he was " deeply convinced of the <unk> of the course the Lords proposed to take " . Although his speech was received with respect , Lang 's stance was politely reproved by the leading Conservative peer Lord Curzon . 
