The Crown Nomination Commission for the Diocese of Leeds, the group choosing who the next Bishop of Leeds will be, starts meeting soon, and our cathedrals will be holding prayer vigils on the days of their meetings.
The Crown Nomination Commission is responsible for identifying and recommending candidates for the role of diocesan bishop.
It includes six diocesan representatives, six members from General Synod, the Archbishops or their representatives, and the two appointments secretaries.
The Crown Nomination Commission meets multiple times to develop the role profile, shortlist candidates, and conduct interviews.
Once the discernment process is complete, a candidate’s name, or two names if needed, is submitted to the Prime Minister, who advises the King to make the appointment.
The dates of the Crown Nomination Commission meetings are:
- Wednesday, March 4, 2026
- Wednesday, May 13, 2026
- Thursday, May 14, 2026
On each day a prayer vigil will be held at one of our three cathedrals, with the first one taking place at Wakefield Cathedral on Wednesday, March 4.
On Wednesday, May 13, a vigil will be at Bradford Cathedral, while on Thursday, May 14, one will be at Ripon Cathedral.
All are welcome at any of the vigils to pray about our next bishop.
Our six diocesan representatives elected to the Crown Nomination Commission (CNC) are: the Revd Canon Paul Cartwright; the Revd Canon Rachel Firth; Canon Professor Joyce Hill; the Ven Dr Andrew Jolley; Mr Hugh Lorimer; and Canon Zahida Mallard.
Please see below a prayer for this time.
God our loving Father,
You pour out upon your people the Spirit of your love,
as we seek your will and follow it.
Be with those whose charge it is to discern the new bishop of this diocese.
Empower them to know your will,
set aside their own wants and wishes,
and seek that which is good for all your people in this place.
For we ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
To find out more about our Vacancy in See process, including further prayer resources, please click here.