Written question asked by Damien Moore (Conservative) on Tuesday, 23 May 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 May 2023. It was answered by Andrew Selous (Conservative) on Thursday, 8 June 2023 on behalf of the Church Commissioners.

Clergy: Ordination and Retirement

Question: To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Commissioners are taking steps to reduce average lengths of time between (a) the retirement and enthronement of bishops in dioceses and (b) the retirement and consecration of priests in parishes.

Answer: Diocesan bishops are appointed by the Crown on the advice of the Prime Minister following a recruitment process overseen by the Crown Nominations Commission. Every effort is made to appoint suitable candidates swiftly, however an interregnum is often necessary to allow the Vacancy in See Committee to consult on and produce an up to date statement of needs. Suffragan bishop appointments are overseen by the diocesan bishop, who is required to present a role description to the Dioceses Commission so that an assessment can be made of mission and ministry needs, capacity and resources in the diocese. Parish priest appointments are a matter for diocesan bishops.

Secondary information