Vacancy in See 2024

A discernment process is underway to find the next Bishop of Exeter. The process is being overseen by the Diocese of Exeter’s Vacancy in See Committee. See is from the Latin term for “seat” and historically refers to the bishop’s throne, i.e. centre of authority and jurisdiction, which for hundreds of years has been in Exeter.

The Vacancy-in-See Committee produced a Statement of Needs, which outlines the strengths of the Diocese, the challenges facing it and the qualities the committee believes the new bishop will need.

Six people from the Vacancy in See Committee have been elected to sit on the Crown Nominations Commission, the body that will appoint the next Bishop of Exeter. They are: Very Rev’d Jonathan Greener (Dean of Exeter Cathedral), Annie Jefferies (Chair of the House of Laity), Simon Friend (General Synod Lay Rep), Tim Hamilton (General Synod Lay Rep), Rev’d Karl Freeman (General Synod Clergy Rep) and Rev’d Carl Robinson (Clergy Rep).

Watch this video where Anne Foreman, Chair of the Vacancy in See Committee, explains how the process works. You can also read our step-by-step guide.

Timeline to Appoint the Next Bishop of Exeter

Date	Event
Tuesday 4 July 2023	Online consultation survey goes live
July & August 2023	Listening consultation to inform Statement of Needs
Sunday 17 September 2023	Farewell service for Bishop Robert at Exeter Cathedral
Tuesday 19 September 2023	Online Public meeting for Crown Nominations Commission representatives to hear views
February 2024	Shortlisting of nominated candidates
April 2024	Interviews
4 June 2024	New Bishop of Exeter announced
2 November 2024	New Bishop installed at Exeter Cathedral