The Diocese of London is at a pivotal moment in its journey.
The Diocese of London is at a pivotal moment in its journey, and you have the chance to share your views about its future leadership.
On Friday 3 October 2025, the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Sarah Mullally DBE, was announced as the nominee to become the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. Consequently, the post of the Bishop of London will become vacant later in January 2026 – a “Vacancy in See”.
The Church is now entering the formal process to discern the needs of the Diocese, which will ultimately lead to the appointment of a new bishop. This is a unique opportunity for every member of the diocese to share their voice and help shape the Church’s future direction.
The Diocese of London Vacancy in See Committee (“the Committee”) will now convene with a primary task of producing a Statement of Needs to discern the essential character, skills and experience the Church will be looking for in the next Bishop of London.
Your voice matters
To make the Statement of Needs truly authentic and reflective of the Diocese, it should be informed by the hopes and experiences of all our people. The Diocese of London is incredibly rich and diverse, encompassing a wide range of contexts, communities and traditions.
The Committee would therefore love to hear from parishes, deaneries, church schools, youth groups, and other interested parties, as well as from a wide variety of individual Anglicans across the Diocese.
A diocese-wide consultation featuring a focused set of questions is being launched. We urge all members of the community—clergy, lay members, and Anglicans of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds—to take the time to contribute. Your voice is important, and every response matters. Input gathered from this consultation will be formally discussed at the Committee’s second meeting in December.
By sharing your perspective, you will help shape the future leadership of our Church.
If you are planning to work through the questions in a group setting, you can use this document and then submit answers online at a different time.
What is the Vacancy in See process?
The Vacancy in See process is a structured period of discernment and consultation that occurs when a diocesan bishop retires, resigns, or moves to another post. It involves:
- Formation of a Vacancy in See Committee – This group oversees the consultation process, prepares the Statement of Needs and elects diocesan members to the Crown Nominations Commission.
- Diocesan-wide Consultation – Through surveys, the committee gathers views from across the diocese.
- Drafting the Statement of Needs – Informed by feedback, the committee drafts a document that reflects the spiritual, pastoral, and practical needs of the diocese.
- National Consultations – The Archbishops’ and Prime Ministers’ Appointments Advisers consult with people and leaders from churches, schools, community and civic groups.
- Submission to the Crown Nominations Commission – This national body (made up of the Archbishops, six members elected from the General Synod and six members elected from the Vacancy in See Committee) uses the Statement of Needs, outcomes from the national consultation, to guide the selection of candidates for bishop.
- Appointment of the New Bishop – Following interviews and discernment by the Crown Nominations Commission, a new bishop is nominated and appointed.
How you can participate
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey. Your insights will help ensure that the Statement of Needs reflects the full breadth of our diocesan community.
The survey is designed to be accessible and straightforward.
Who should complete it?
Everyone! Church members, clergy, church staff, volunteers, and anyone connected to the mission and life of the Diocese.
Below is a QR code in different formats, and a PowerPoint slide, to help with sharing the survey with your community in newsletters, pew sheets, and perhaps on the screen in your church.
If you are planning to work through the questions in a group setting, you can use the document below for the discussion and then submit answers online at a different time.
Useful downloads
The deadline for submissions is Wednesday 12 November.
Please don’t miss this important opportunity to help shape the next chapter of the Diocese of London.