Choosing our new bishop

Bishop Stephen has left the diocese and is soon to be appointed as Bishop of Lincoln. Bishop Dagmar is our Acting Bishop. A new bishop is being chosen.

Have your say here.

How the process works

Bishop Dagmar has posted a video here saying a little about the process for the appointment of a new bishop. The Ely Diocese webpage about the process is here. 

The Vacancy in See Committee

From within the diocese the Vacancy in See Committee will consult and then put forward the views of the diocese in a document called the Statement of Need, saying what we need in our new bishop. That committee also elects 6 members from among its number to join the Crown Nominations Commission, which also has members appointed or elected by the national church.

The Appointments Secretaries

A parallel consultation is conducted by the two 'Appointments Secretaries' (one working for the Prime Minister, and one for the Archbishops). That consultation also feeds into the Crown Nomination Commission.

The Crown Nomination Commission

The Commission then shortlists candidates, interviews them and makes a recommendation to the Prime Minister, who puts forward a name to the Crown for appointment. All the various ceremonies and elections after that point are in reality stage-managed formalities. 

It is all rather convoluted! But it is vital that we engage with the process, to ensure, for example, that we end up with a bishop who is fully supportive of the ministry of women. Sadly, there will very likely be some push from some churches in the diocese to prevent that happening. 

Your chance to have a say

This is your chance to have a say on our new bishop. There is a very short questionnaire which you can access by clicking here. This is the main way for members of the church to express their views, so please do not miss the opportunity!

If you are filling in the form you need to know that St Andrew's, Stapleford is in Granta Deanery.

If we do not say what we want, do not be surprised if the new bishop is not to our liking.

There are very well organised groups in the diocese who may try to get a new bishop actively opposed to the full inclusion of women in ministry, so that they are not allowed either to lead churches or preach. St Andrew's has fully supported the ministry of women for a long time now, and it is necessary to keep doing so. If you want women to be fully included in the ministry of the church, make a noise about it! 

Equally, if you are concerned to ensure that LGBT people are fully included in the church, now is the time to say so.