Parishioners asked for views on new Bishop of Oxford

The Diocese of Oxford has launched a survey for residents across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire to share their views on the kind of person they want to see as the next Bishop of Oxford.

As a diocesan bishop, the Bishop of Oxford ministers to the entire diocese, including hundreds of parishes across the three counties.

The individual also leads the senior leadership team which includes the Bishops of Reading, Buckingham and Dorchester as well as senior members of staff at Church House in Oxford.

In November, the current Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev Dr Steven Croft, announced he would be retiring in July this year.

This will bring to an end 17 years of service as a Bishop, 10 of which were spent in Oxford.

The online survey asks people to consider four questions focusing on the qualities they feel the next Bishop of Oxford should have, the challenges they may face and their hopes for the diocese.

All replies are anonymous and are encouraged for anybody living, working or worshipping in the diocese.

The diocese is particularly looking for the views of children and young people, as well as groups they do not usually hear from.

The survey can be completed by an individual or by groups who are encouraged to consider their response together and form a joint reply.

The information gathered will help to form a Statement of Needs document which will outline information about the

Diocese, including its challenges and hopes and what people have said is important to them in a new Bishop.

The Vacancy in See process is set up in three parts and this consultation forms the second part.

The survey is open until Wednesday, February 4.

Bishops are appointed by the Crown. The decision-making process will go through Downing Street and ultimately rests with King Charles III.

Rev Canon Dr Geoff Bayliss, chair of the Vacancy in See committee, said: “We welcome the views of everyone in the diocese, people of all faiths and none, young and old, whatever your background or beliefs.

“We see this as a wonderful opportunity to really listen to the communities we serve to find the kind of bishop they need as well as informing the diocese as a whole where our priorities should lie once the new bishop is installed.

“We ask that you pray for the diocese at this time to help towards the process of discerning who the next Bishop of Oxford should be.”

The survey can be viewed at: www.oxford.anglican.org/consultation