The Diocese of Southwark has launched a consultation to gather views on what the next Bishop of Southwark should be like and what their priorities should be.
The current Bishop of Southwark – The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun – announced his retirement in late 2025 and is due to leave the diocese in August this year. This has triggered what’s known as the ‘Vacancy-in-See process – the formal period when the diocese and the national Church work together to discern and appoint the next diocesan bishop.
A key part of this process is a public consultation to gather the views of people from congregations and communities across south London and east Surrey.
“We want to ensure that we hear the views of as many people from as diverse backgrounds and perspectives as possible,” said the Rt Revd Dr Rosemarie Mallett, Bishop of Croydon and Chair of the Vacancy-in-See Committee. “We especially want to hear from people who feel their voices don’t get heard very often. If that’s you, please do fill out the survey – if it’s someone you know, please help and encourage and support them to do so.”
A range of resources to help parishes and schools engage with the consultation is available online here. This includes:
- ‘Explainer’ documents
- Downloadable versions of the survey for completion locally and offline
- Ideas for engaging your parish
- Resources for use with children and young people
- Newsletter and social media copy
- Videos
The consultation will run throughout March and close at noon on 1 April 2026.
