The nomination of a diocesan bishop is a thorough and prayerful process of discernment, involving the Diocese and the wider Church of England, which culminates in approval being given by His Majesty The King.
This detailed journey begins with the Vacancy in See Committee, a diocesan body that includes a diverse range of clergy and lay representatives from across the Diocese. The process continues with Crown Nominations Commission (CNC), the body tasked with nominating the next Diocesan Bishop, which includes members from amongst the Vacancy in See Committee.
The Vacancy in See Committee: Role and Operation
A Vacancy in See Committee must exist continuously in every diocese, though it only convenes when the diocesan bishop’s post becomes vacant.
One of its primary tasks is to work together to create the Statement of Needs. This comprehensive document details the Diocese’s specific spiritual, pastoral, and practical requirements, making it the foundation that underpins the entire nomination process.
Once a vacancy is announced, the Committee is required to hold at least two meetings, though the reality is that many hold more. The initial meeting is held as soon as possible and is primarily an opportunity for the Committee to meet one another. At its second meeting and beyond, the Committee focuses on the needs of the Diocese. The Committee is joined by the Archbishops’ Secretary for Appointments (currently Stephen Knott) who briefs the committee on the timetable and process. Following these discussions, the Committee drafts the Statement of Needs and sends it, along with any requested factual details about the Diocese, to the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC), the body tasked with nominating the next Diocesan Bishop.
The ViS Committee then elects representatives from among its members to serve on the CNC. Amongst other constraints, it is mandated that at least half of the elected representatives must be lay members of the ViS Committee.
Composition of the Lichfield Diocesan Vacancy in See Committee
The Committee’s composition ensures broad representation from the Diocese. Clerical members must be either beneficed or licensed clergy. Lay members were required to be actual communicants whose names appeared on a parish electoral roll within the Diocese when they were elected.
Ex Officio members:
- Area and other Suffragan Bishops (four seats)
- The Dean of the Cathedral (one seat)
- Archdeacons (two seats, representing all Diocesan archdeacons)
- Proctors to the Lower House of Convocation of the General Synod (currently 6 seats)
- Elected members of the House of Laity of the General Synod (currently 7 seats)
- Chairs of the House of Clergy and of the House of Laity of the Diocesan Synod (2 seats)
Elected members
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Members elected to the Committee by the House of Clergy and House of Laity of the Diocesan Synod sitting as one electorate: 2 clerical and 10 lay (12 seats in total)
The Secretary to the Committee (currently Sam Rushton) is not a member of the Committee but provides logistical and other support to the Committee as required.
Statement of Needs
The group tasked with drafting the Statement of Needs will be informed by consultations with a broad range of groups across the diocese to ensure that a breadth and depth of views are heard. More information regarding how you and your parish will be able to contribute will be shared soon.
Prayer and Worship
This a prayerful discernment process. The Dean and Chapter of our cathedral will support the prayer and worship life of the Committee. Everyone in the diocese is encouraged to pray for the Vacancy in See Committee, for the Crown Nominations Committee and that God will already be calling the man or woman that He has chosen to this task. Prayers for the process and for the diocese will be shared soon to help every parish to be part of this journey in faith.