The process to appoint the next Bishop of Richborough is now well under way. Those responsible for making the appointment are meeting to discuss the requirements of the parishes and three candidates have been short-listed for interview in late September. If a preferred candidate is identified on that occasion his name will be sent to the Prime Minister who will pass it on to the King who may graciously choose to confirm the appointment before referring the matter back to 10 Downing Street.
If all goes according to plan an announcement may be made at some point in November. A consecration service will then be booked. This could be at Canterbury Cathedral or York Minister although there are other possibilities. I understand that the first consecration service after November is at Candlemas. As a footnote, if a candidate is not chosen in September the See of Richborough will go back to the bottom of the pile and the process will start again. This even happens with the appointment of diocesan bishops (and has happened recently). Please pray that the candidate of God’s choice will be successful this Autumn.
Bishops are appointed to a position of leadership within the Church, something that will be readily understood in today’s world. Beyond that bishops are to be guardians of the truths passed down to us from our Lord in the Scriptures and from his apostles and the fathers of the Church. They are called to stand firm against heresy and all false teaching and practices so that Jesus’ disciples in every age can remain faithful to their calling. Bishops are also signs of unity and are called to protect the flock from schism, working together collegially so that God’s people may be one (after Jesus’ ‘high priestly prayer’ in John 17).
The leadership function of the bishop can easily degenerate into managerialism in our present culture and bishops often fail to be faithful teachers and signs of unity which is all the more reason why we should pray fervently that a faithful pastor, teacher and Father-in-God may be appointed. Our bishops fulfil practical functions like confirming and ordaining, but they also lead their people in ministry and mission, providing the inspiration and impetus that we need in the parishes.
On a not unrelated note, our sister parish in Luton, Holy Cross, Marsh Farm is currently in vacancy. An advertisement for a new priest will appear in New Directions in September and it is hoped that applicants will be interviewed towards the end of October. Please pray for the people of Marsh Farm and for the congregation of Holy Cross as they wait in hope.
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