The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have published a consultation paper on the process for future Crown appointments to senior Church posts. The consultation is a response to the Green Paper, The Governance of Britain, published on July 3, which signalled the Government’s wish to change the role Ministers and civil servants play in some Church appointments.

The consultation paper sets out thoughts on a possible way forward and invites comments from around the Church.

The Green Paper proposed that the Prime Minister should no longer exercise any element of choice in recommending appointments in senior posts and that the Church would in future forward one name for the Prime Minister to convey to the Queen when diocesan bishops are appointed. The Government also committed itself to discussing with the Church how changes could be made in relation to cathedral, parish and other Crown appointments (excluding those to Royal Peculiars like Westminster Abbey) so that the Prime Minister no longer played an active role in the selection of individual candidates.

In July, the General Synod, debating the Pilling Report, Talent and Calling, on certain senior appointments, noted the need for discussion both within the Church and between the Church and the Government to develop new arrangements. It invited the Archbishops to report back to the Synod in February. Responses to the consultation should be submitted by Friday, December 7.

Notes to Editors

The consultation document can be read at
http://www.cofe.anglican.org/info/papers/consultation_on_crown_appointments.doc

Item from: The Church of England