A Message from the Chair of the Vacancy in See Committee, Guildford:
The Revd H. David Uffindell (Rector of Farnham)
“The sad and shocking circumstances in which the Vacancy in See has been convened has weighed heavily on us all. We give heartfelt thanks for the life of Bishop Andrew—his leadership, his ministry within the diocese and across the national and global Church, and his service in the House of Lords.
“The task before us now is to begin preparing to find a worthy successor. Our Vacancy in See Committee, comprising 21 members representing clergy and laity, has begun its work towards appointing the new Bishop of Guildford. This work will be underpinned by three working groups focusing on prayer, consultation, and communications, including drafting the Statement of Needs.
“As this process unfolds, we will provide regular updates to the diocese, including opportunities for you to share your views through the consultation.
“Sisters and brothers, while this is a complex and demanding process, it is also one of real opportunity. We ask for your prayers, that God will guide us on this journey and, in his good time, lead us to the person of his choosing.”
Vacancy in See: What it means and how it works
A “Vacancy in See” occurs when a diocese is without a diocesan bishop – usually because the current bishop has retired, moved to a new role, or died in office. Following the death of the Rt Revd Andrew Watson, Bishop of Guildford, the Diocese of Guildford is currently in vacancy.
During this time, a formal process begins to discern and appoint the next Diocesan Bishop.
What is the Vacancy in See Committee?
The Vacancy in See Committee is a permanent committee (of clergy and lay members) within each diocese that becomes active when a diocesan bishop retires or leaves office. Its main tasks are to prepare a Statement of Needs, which describes the needs of the diocese and the profile of the new bishop, and to elect members from the diocese to the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC). The CNC will shortlist and interview candidates and ultimately appoint the next Bishop of Guildford. Our Vacancy-in-See Committee members can be found here.
How is a new bishop chosen?
The appointment process includes several stages, bringing together local insight and national discernment.
- A Vacancy in See Committee (ViSC) is convened within the diocese
- The Committee helps shape what the diocese needs in its next bishop
- A Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) considers candidates and recommends a name
- The Prime Minister passes that name to the King for formal appointment
The Vacancy in See Committee plays a key role in representing the voice of the diocese during the appointment process.
Its core responsibilities are:
1. Preparing the Diocesan Statement of Needs
This is one of the Committee’s most important tasks. It includes:
• A description of the life, mission and context of the diocese
• An honest reflection on the challenges and opportunities facing the Church locally
• A clear sense of the gifts, skills and qualities needed in the next bishop
This document helps shape the role profile and person specification used in the selection process.
2. Electing diocesan representatives
The Committee elects six members from within the diocese to serve on the Crown Nominations Commission. The six members elected are:
- Revd Dr Pelumi Adeyemi
- Ven Catharine Mabuza
- Revd Peter Nevins
- Mr Stephen Hofmeyr
- Mrs Amanda Neil
- Mrs Carolyn Graham
These representatives will play a vital role in contributing local insight as the Commission discerns who should be the next bishop.
Additional responsibilities (important decisions)
In addition to its core tasks, the Committee is asked to consider two further matters:
• Whether to express a view in the Statement of Needs on whether the next bishop should ordain women as priests
• Whether the Statement of Needs should be made public or kept confidential within the appointment process.
These decisions help ensure clarity and transparency about the diocese’s perspective and how it is shared.
A process rooted in prayer and discernment
While the process involves formal steps and structures, it is ultimately about spiritual discernment—seeking the right person to lead the diocese at this time.
The Vacancy in See Committee plays a vital part in this by helping the wider Church understand the hopes, needs and calling of the diocese.
Vacancy Prayer
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
God of our salvation,
as we journey through our centenary year of the Diocese of Guildford,
help us to look back with thanksgiving and forward with expectation.
Continue to renew our hearts through the work of your Holy Spirit,
as we seek to be ever more faithful in our discipleship
and effective in our work with children, young people and all our communities.
Give grace to all involved in the discernment of a new diocesan bishop.
Bless them with the gifts of divine insight, unity and wisdom.
Raise up, we pray, a chief pastor who is rooted in your Word
and able to lead us in our mission of transforming church, transforming lives.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
Consultation
As part of its work, the Vacancy in See Committee wants to listen carefully to voices across the Diocese. As we discern who God may be calling as the next Bishop of Guildford, we warmly invite you to share your views through our diocesan consultation. The consultation closes at 8am Monday 20 July.
Consultation prayer: Lord God, give us wisdom as we think about the next Bishop of Guildford. Send your Holy Spirit to help us see what is most important. Speak through all of us—young and old—and help us to listen to each other well. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Parishes can also make use of these special resources for children's groups to encourage young people to share their views as part of a children's consultation on the next Bishop of Guildford.
Statement of Needs
Coming later this year