People who would like to have a say in the decision over who becomes the next Bishop of Truro are invited to attend a public consultation later this month.

The Appointments Secretaries to both the Archbishops’ Council and the Prime Minister, Caroline Boddington and Richard Tillbrook respectively, will be in Cornwall to meet people and to discern what the diocese needs in its next bishop.

The consultation open to the public will be held in Epiphany House, Truro, on Thursday, January 18 from 11.45am to 12.45pm. Everybody is welcome, although numbers are limited so people who would like to attend are asked to email diosecretary@truro.anglican.org to reserve a place.

The Vacancy-in-See Committee will this month also select six of its number to the Crown Nominations Commission. Later this year they will join six centrally selected commission members elected by General Synod, the two archbishops and the secretaries for appointments, to finalise the shortlisting and interview process.

It is expected that an announcement about the next Bishop of Truro could be made early in the autumn this year, although it is anticipated that it might be the end of 2018 before the new incumbent is able to take up their post.

Member of the Vacancy-in-See Committee, Revd Andrew Yates, has written a prayer for the diocese as the committee enters this next phase of its work:

O great and generous God, we thank you for the blessings you have showered on this Diocese of Truro. Inspire us as we now seek vision and clarity for the next stage of our journey as the People of God together.

 

O servant and risen Christ, we thank you for inviting us to discover your Kingdom.  Draw to us a wise and faithful/prayerful leader and guide those with responsibilities within the process of discernment.

 

O Holy Spirit breath of God, we thank you for the privilege of helping to grow the Church. Fill us with a love that is eager to share the Good News and committed to care for one and all across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

 

Amen