Oxford residents helping find new bishop after consultation

Members of the public across the diocese contributed their views to help define the qualities needed in the next Bishop of Oxford.

This feedback has informed a Statement of Needs, a document outlining the role, context, and opportunities, and desired qualities for the next bishop, and the character of the Diocese of Oxford.

Rev Canon Geoff Bayliss, chair of the Vacancy-in-See Committee, said: “Our Statement of Needs is the result of a huge amount of work by very many people and gives a wonderful picture of the life of our diocese.

“It was informed by the consultation to which over 2,500 people very generously contributed.”

The document will guide the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) in its search for potential candidates.

Following the completion of the Statement of Needs, the vacancy-in-see committee elected six representatives to serve on the CNC.

They will join six members from the wider Church of England to form the full commission, which is responsible for shortlisting candidates and recommending a nominee to the King and Downing Street.

The Diocese of Oxford covers Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire.

It has the largest number of churches of any diocese in the Church of England, with more than 800 churches in 609 parishes.