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Written question asked by Cameron Thomas (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 20 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. It was answered by Marsha De Cordova (Labour) on Thursday, 5 March 2026 on behalf of the Church Commissioners.

Bishops: Disciplinary Proceedings

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what assessment she has made of the potential challenges for Clergy Disciplinary Measure processes involving senior Archbishops to be held within existing episcopal structures.

Answer

I refer the Hon Member for Tewkesbury to the previous answer UIN 108534

Additionally, the current Clergy Discipline Measure was approved by Parliament in 2003 and came into operation in 2006. The legislation requires allegations of misconduct against a bishop to be laid before the relevant archbishop and allegations of misconduct against an archbishop to be laid before the other archbishop. The General Synod has recently passed a new Clergy Conduct Measure, which, if approved by Parliament, will replace the Clergy Discipline Measure in 2027. Under the Clergy Conduct Measure, allegations against an archbishop are to be laid before an independent judge.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
114506
Session
2024-26
Related items
Church of England: Disciplinary Proceedings
Wednesday, 4 February 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Disciplinary proceedings Bishops
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk