Meeting of the Council of Bishops

The Council of Bishops of The Society held its first residential meeting of the year on 10 and 11 February 2015.

After reviewing recent developments, we discussed a number of initiatives. Among these were more structured ways of publicizing vacancies and also of drawing to each other’s attention both vacancies and priests who are looking to move. We also hope to use modern mapping and database technology to help us to take a strategic overview of our parishes and priests.

The elections to the General Synod later this year will be an important opportunity to demonstrate the commitment of bishops, clergy and laypeople of The Society to responding to the invitation to flourish within the life and structures of the Church of England.

We hope to arrange a series of residential meetings in 2016 to enable all our clergy to take counsel with their bishops on a diocesan or regional basis, as appropriate.

We also reflected on the recent consecrations in York. The presence of Bishops of The Society at the Bishop of Stockport’s consecration gave expression to our commitment to the five Guiding Principles which form part of the House of Bishops’ Declaration. The Bishops were there to honour the arrangements that provide for the flourishing of all in the Church of England, not least those who are committed to our care – even though they could not assent to the ordination by sharing in the laying on of hands.

On behalf of the Council of Bishops

+ TONY PONTEFRACT

The Rt Revd Tony Robinson, Bishop of Pontefract

Chairman

12 February 2015