The Vacancy-in-See Committee is a permanent committee 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 then shortlists and interviews candidates for the vacant episcopal see (the bishop's position), and this process culminates in the appointment of a new bishop.
Following the resignation of Mr Gordon McFarland from the Vacancy in See Committee, there is now a requirement to hold a by-election to fill the vacancy. Given the current membership of the Committee, this vacancy must be filled with a lay member from Dorking Archdeaconry.
Timetable
- Monday 12th January 2026
Notice of Election and Nomination Papers issued - Monday 2nd February 2026 (12 noon)
Close of nominations - Monday 23rd February 2026 (12 noon)
Close of voting
Any successful candidate will take up office immediately following the election count until the 31st December 2027.
Further information on the Vacancy in See Committee.
Questions may be directed to synod@cofeguildford.org.uk