The appointment of a diocesan bishop is a thorough and prayerful process, involving the Diocese, the wider Church of England, and includes final input from the Prime Minister’s Office and the King.

This detailed journey involves the Vacancy in See Committee, a central body that includes a diverse range of clergy and lay representatives from the Diocese (such as archdeacons, suffragan bishops, and General Synod members). This diverse group does not appoint the next diocesan bishop but works 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 guides the entire selection process.

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 bishop’s post becomes vacant. For the Diocese of London, this means when the Bishop of London position is open.

Once a vacancy is announced, the Committee holds at least two meetings. The initial meeting is held as soon as possible. At the second meeting, the Committee focuses on the needs of the Diocese. Following this discussion, 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) of the General Synod.

The Committee’s final task is to elect, via a ballot, representatives from among its members to serve on the CNC. This election uses the single transferable vote method, following General Synod Regulations. It is mandated that at least half of the elected representatives must be lay members of the Committee.

Composition of the London Diocesan Vacancy in See Committee

The Committee’s composition ensures broad representation from the Diocese:

  • Area and other Suffragan Bishops (six seats)
  • The Dean of St Paul’s (one seat, or a designated Chapter member if the Dean cannot serve)
  • Archdeacons (two seats, representing all Diocesan archdeacons)
  • Proctors to the Lower House of Convocation of the General Synod (currently 11 seats)
  • Members of the House of Laity of the General Synod (currently 11 seats)
  • Chairmen of the House of Clergy and of the House of Laity of the Diocesan Synod (two seats)
  • Elected Members: four clerical and 13 lay (17 seats in total)
  • Bishop’s Council Nominations: Up to four nominations.

File Downloads

Vacancy in See Committee membership

How Current Members of the Committee Were Elected

The Committee includes four clerical and 13 lay members elected by the Diocesan Synod.

The eligibility rules for these elections ensure broad representation: Clerical members must be either beneficed or formally licensed clergy (though Archdeacons and Bishops were excluded from this ballot). Lay members were required to be actual communicants whose names appeared on a parish electoral roll within the Diocese. The voting for both groups was conducted across the entire House of Clergy and House of Laity, respectively.