Bishop of Guildford: Appointment

Lord Bishop of Oxford Excerpts

Thursday 3rd July 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

My Lords, I very much take the noble Lord’s point. Leadership in all institutions and bodies is very important and I will take that back. Again, I am very mindful of the point that the noble Lord is making.

[The Lord Bishop of Oxford]

My Lords, would the Minister find it helpful if the most reverend Primate the Archbishop of Canterbury was made aware of the concern of the House about there being sufficient meetings of the Crown Nominations Commission, so that when there is a pile-up of episcopal vacancies, as it were, there are sufficient meetings to address that? Is the Minister also aware that we very much hope to have legislation by the end of this year so that women can become bishops?

[Noble Lords]

Hear, hear!

[The Lord Bishop of Oxford]

They would therefore be eligible, and much overdue, to come into this House.

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble]

My Lords, what the right reverend Prelate said last is of great importance not only in this House but to the nation as a whole. I wish the deliberations of the General Synod extremely well. I know that when we had a previous exchange the most reverend Primate the Archbishop of Canterbury was going to be made aware of some of the concerns, and it would be extremely helpful if a record of our discussions today were made known to him.