Diocese of Chichester

Taking part in the consultation

Over the coming weeks the diocese will invite clergy, lay people, children and young people to share their hopes, concerns and aspirations for the future. A key part of this consultation is a short survey, available in two versions:

• One for adults here
• One for children and young people here
• There is also a local print version for Adults ( here ) and Children ( here ).

These surveys will gather a wide range of voices across the diocese, helping us to understand the particular gifts we are praying for in our next bishop, and the priorities they will face. The results will feed into the diocese’s “Statement of Needs” that will be shared with the Crown Nominations Commission.

How you can be involved

Parish clergy and lay leaders are encouraged to share the consultation survey links within churches, schools and community groups, and to hold conversations about what kind of bishop would best serve our diocese at this time. Your participation in this consultation will help ensure that the voice of the whole diocese is heard as we prayerfully discern the leadership we need for the years ahead.

The current Vacancy in See Committee

Overseeing this process locally is the Vacancy in See Committee, made up of clergy and lay representatives from across the diocese.

The Committee is responsible for:

• Receiving and reflecting on feedback from the consultation, including the survey
• Helping to prepare the diocese’s Statement of Needs
• Identifying six diocesan representatives to serve on the national Crown Nominations Commission.

The Committee is chaired by Revd Arwen Folkes with Mr John Booth serving as deputy. A full list of committee members is available on the Diocese of Chichester website under Vacancy in See Committee.