A Vacancy in See Committee is required to be in existence at all times in every Diocese. The task of the Committee, should the need arise, is to assist in the procedure of appointing a new Archbishop of Canterbury or Bishop of Dover. The Committee only meets when there is a vacancy in the See. The Committee advises the Crown Nominations Commission of the General Synod on the needs of the Diocese.
The Vacancy in See Committee will elect up to three members, of which at least two will be Laity, to serve on the Crown Nominations Commission which holds responsibility for selecting the Archbishop and six members, of which at least three must be Laity, when selecting the Bishop of Dover.
Who is on the Committee?
Ex-officio members are the Archbishop (if appropriate), the Bishop of Dover (if appropriate), the Provincial Episcopal Visitors, two Archdeacons, the Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, General Synod Representatives, the Diocesan Synod Lay Chair and the Diocesan Synod Clergy Chair.
In addition to the Ex-officio members the Committee is made up of 18 elected positions, 6 clergy and 12 laity. There is equal representation from each Archdeaconry in so far as this is possible.
Elections to the Vacancy in See Committee
Please note, this election is for the Committee which is involved in the selection of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury only. The Committee for the 2025-2027 triennium has already been elected.
During the recent General Synod sessions, the Vacancy in See Committees (Amendment) Regulation 2025 was approved and ratified. This Regulation makes important changes to the Vacancy in See Committees Regulation 2024 which is the legislation governing elections, nominations and the proceedings of Diocesan Vacancy in See committees.
The nomination process for the Vacancy in See Committee commenced on Monday 10 February and has been extended to conclude at 12 noon on Friday 28 February 2025. The elections will now run from Monday 10 March through to 12 noon on Monday 24 March followed by the vote count on Tuesday 25 March.
The Vacancy in See Committee Membership List (triennium 2025 - 2027)