When a diocesan bishop retires, the Church of England begins a national process to appoint their successor. This process is overseen by the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) and involves both local and national consultation.

Our diocese has an important role to play in this process. Through consultation and reflection, we will help identify the opportunities, challenges and priorities facing the diocese, as well as the qualities and gifts we hope to see in our next bishop.

Our contribution includes:

• Gathering views from across the diocese about its future mission and ministry
• Producing a Statement of Needs, which describes the life and work of the diocese
• Electing diocesan representatives to serve on the Crown Nominations Commission
• Participating in the formal consultation process

The Crown Nominations Commission will consider this information, alongside national consultation and prayerful discernment, as it seeks to identify the person God is calling to be the next Bishop of Manchester.

The formal consultation process will take place in February 2027 and will provide an opportunity for people from across the Diocese of Manchester to contribute to the Statement of Needs and help shape the profile of our next bishop.

Participants will be invited to reflect on:

• The life and ministry of the diocese today
• The opportunities and challenges facing our churches and communities
• Priorities for the future
• The gifts, qualities and experience we hope to see in our next bishop

We are committed to ensuring that a wide range of voices are heard throughout this process. There will be opportunities for clergy, lay people, chaplaincies, schools and other diocesan partners to contribute.

Information about consultations and other opportunities to participate will be published here as plans develop. They will also be shared in enews, so please sign up to receive the latest updates.

Autumn 2026

• Ongoing work by the Vacancy in See Committee
• Preparation of the Diocese’s Statement of Needs

February 2027

• Consultation process begins

End February 2027

• Final Vacancy in See Committee meeting and consultation day

May 2027

• Online role profile discussion with Crown Nominations Commission members

September 2027

• Crown Nominations Commission shortlisting meeting (CNC1)

October 2027

• Crown Nominations Commission interviews (CNC2)

The Vacancy in See Committee has now been established and is meeting regularly.

The committee is chaired by Keith Lewis with the Revd Fr Alan Murray-Simpson serving as secretary following his appointment by Bishop’s Council.

A smaller drafting group has begun preparing the Statement of Needs. This document will draw on the experiences, priorities and aspirations of people from across the diocese and will help articulate what our diocese is seeking in its next bishop.

As the process develops, updates and key documents will be published on this page.