John Holden (bishop)

John Holden (died 1524) was a Roman Catholic prelate who served as Auxiliary Bishop of York and Titular Bishop of Philae (1486-1524).

Little is definitively known about John Holden's early life or origins. He appears in historical records in the late 15th century as holding various benefices within the Diocese of York. He was consecrated as a bishop in 1486, taking the titular see of Philae, a defunct diocese in Egypt. As an auxiliary bishop, Holden assisted the Archbishop of York in various episcopal duties, such as confirmations, ordinations, and the consecration of churches and altars. These were functions that the Archbishop could not always personally perform due to the demands of his office or due to his absence from the diocese.

Holden served under several Archbishops of York, including Thomas Rotherham and Christopher Bainbridge. He is recorded in various episcopal registers and documents of the period, noting his participation in specific ordinations and other religious ceremonies. He held the position of auxiliary bishop until his death in 1524. His contributions, like those of many auxiliary bishops, are often obscured by the more prominent figures of the archdiocese, but his role in providing essential episcopal services was a vital component of the church's administration.