Dear sisters and brothers in Christ
As we promised in February, we are writing to update you regarding the new appointment process for the next Bishop of Durham. The Archbishops’ Appointments Secretary has confirmed the scheduled dates for the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) meetings. These are as follows:
Shortlisting: 3 September 2025
Interviews: 9 & 10 December 2025
During the last few weeks, we have remained hopeful that it would be possible for this process to take place within the calendar year, and we are grateful to the Archbishop of York and members of the CNC who have made this possible within the existing schedule of CNC meetings this year. We appreciate that it is challenging to find common available dates for the many people involved in the process.
We understand that the appointment process now returns to the long-listing stage, and the wide-ranging consultation and the subsequent Statement of Needs for the Diocese of Durham drafted and published by the Vacancy in See Committee in 2024 will continue to be used to inform the process. Please do be assured that the voice of the diocese will continue to be heard.
Please continue to pray for the CNC members and for candidates discerning a call to become the next Bishop of Durham. It was a pleasure to meet and pray with those who came to St Brandon’s, Brancepeth last month as we reflected upon recent events. As we continue to journey through this period of vacancy, and turn once again towards the future, we do so in hope and trust in God’s faithfulness to us.
+ Sarah Jarrow; Acting Bishop of Durham
James Morgan; Diocesan Secretary