Electoral College
How do we get our Bishops?
This article first appeared in Teulu Asaph. Archdeacon of St Asaph, the Ven Bernard Thomas, explains the Church in Wales’ appointment process. Following Bishop John’s retirement, the St Asaph Electoral College will start its meeting on Monday 5th January.
The appointment of a new Bishop is quite rare and most people don’t know much about the process. A bishop is the chief minister of the diocese but belongs, too, to the whole Church. The process of choosing a bishop, therefore, belongs to both the vacant diocese and the Church as a whole. Different provinces or nations within the Anglican Communion all acknowledge this but implement it in different ways. Historically, the Church of England, as the established church, involves the Prime Minister. An appointments officer advises the P.M. after “taking soundings” in various places. Wales is very different and has an ‘Electoral College’ to elect, rather than appoint, a new bishop. We like to think this is more democratic, but I’m sure the Holy Spirit can and does work though all the various processes.
The Electoral College has forty-seven members; three clerical and three lay members from each diocese, together with the ex officio Bench of Bishops. The representation of the vacant diocese is doubled to increase its influence. Members of the College are elected every three years by each diocese and are called in the order of the numbers of votes cast for each. A supplemental list is also formed to cover the possibility of absence.
When there is a vacancy, the College must be summoned within a certain time to meet in the Cathedral Church of the vacant diocese. It is given three days to elect a new bishop and, during the time it is in session, the doors of the cathedral are locked and the detailed proceedings of nominations and votes are secret and confidential. After prayer and preparation, including a statement of needs by both diocese and the province, any member of the College can nominate a candidate. Sometimes the nominee is present and then leaves. Nominated candidates are then discussed until the College feels ready to vote. This is done solemnly and prayerfully. A successful candidate needs a two thirds majority, which means a minimum of 32 electors out of the 47. If this is not achieved, the whole process begins again with fresh nominations, which may or may not include previous names. If after three days of deliberation the College fails to elect, then the right of appointment passes to the Bench of Bishops. Almost always, however, once a new bishop is elected, the Archbishop immediately makes the announcement outside the main door, together with the bishop-elect if he is present.
Once elected the bishop-elect has time to consider whether to accept, and then the appointment is confirmed by the Sacred Synod, which comprises the bench of bishops. Arrangements are then made for his consecration or ordination (unless, of course, the successful candidate is already in bishop’s orders) and this takes place in the Archbishop’s Cathedral. Then a service of installation or enthronement is held in the new bishop’s cathedral, during which he is seated in his chair or throne (Latin: cathedra) and begins his new ministry.