The Episcopal See of Chichester will fall vacant at the end of May 2026, as Bishop Martin has announced his retirement from Trinity Sunday, May 31st. This page explains the process of appointing a new bishop.
Who decides who the next Bishop is?
The Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) draws up the specification, taking account of a Statement of Needs prepared by the diocese. They also interview the candidates and then make a recommendation to His Majesty The King, via the Prime Minister.
The CNC is made up of six representatives from the Chichester Vacancy in See Committee, together with the two Archbishops and six members elected nationally.
When will we know who has been selected?
This process takes time, and it combines both a robust governance process and a prayerful period of learning who God is calling into the role. It is often between twelve and eighteen months before we know who our next bishop will be.
What is the Vacancy in See Committee?
The Vacancy in See Committee is made up of 25 clergy and lay representatives from across the diocese. The Vacancy in See Committee has two main functions.
- The first is to create a Statement of Needs.This is in two parts: - a description of the diocese and its mission and ministry, with reflections on the challenges and opportunities for the Gospel and the Church across the diocese and the communities it serves, and- the hopes for the ministry of the next bishop and the gifts they might bring to the role (a role profile and person specification).
- The second is to identify six diocesan representatives to the Crown Nominations Commission.
The Vacancy in See Committee will meet for the first time in March.
How can I be involved?
We begin this journey of discernment in prayer, and we will keep praying. We invite all members of the diocese to join with us in prayer. We have a special prayer for the diocese at this time:
Almighty God, giver of every good gift:
We thank you for the faithful ministry of Bishop Martin.
As we seek a new bishop to serve our household of faith,
send your Holy Spirit to deepen our trust in you,
and to guide all those who will discern the person you are calling;
that we may know, love, and follow Jesus, today and always
Amen.
What happens in the diocese in the meantime?
Bishop Martin will continue to lead the diocese until his retirement. The suffragan bishops will together oversee the life of the diocese during the vacancy. They have decided that Bishop Will is to take on the formal duties of acting bishop, subject to consultation with the Bishop’s Council.