The Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Revd Tom Butler:

1. Welcomes the matter being brought to a speedy conclusion.
2. Notes that the Archbishop, in his judgement, states that "Mr Coekin's conduct [in arranging an illegal ordination] merited censure"
3. Notes further that the Archbishop, whilst cancelling the revocation of the licence for technical reasons, states that he (the Archbishop) "does not accept that the requested undertaking [for such a cancellation as requested by the Bishop of Winchester's report] are unreasonable or unjustifiable." [These undertakings are:
   1. except under the authority of the Bishop of Southwark to refrain from any involvement in:
      1. ordination services within the area of the Diocese of Southwark, or
      2. the ordination of persons (of whatever Christian church) to serve within the area of that diocese.
   2. strictly to abide by all general or specific directions given by the Bishop of Southwark, concerning church planting or mission initiatives.]
4. In this, the Archbishop's report makes it clear that these recommended undertakings fall within Canon Law.
5. The Archbishop's report further emphasises that if Mr Coekin is to exercise licensed ministry in the Church of England he must "conform to the discipline of the Church." and "must submit to the Bishop of Southwark's episcopal authority."
6. I note that the Archbishop points to the commitment of the whole Church of England to its mission as the national Church. The Archbishop points to the forthcoming Dioceses, Pastoral and Mission Measure, (which places an important emphasis on bishops' mission orders that govern mission initiatives.)
7. Within these understandings, I will be looking to Mr Coekin to work in partnership with the Diocese and with all of its other clergy.

 Ends.