The individual nominated to be the next Bishop of Durham has withdrawn from the process, according to a statement released by Church House on Monday afternoon.
The Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) had selected a candidate following interviews in November 2024. However, no reserve candidate was nominated. As a result, the CNC will reconvene later this year to "seek God’s discernment" and restart the process of identifying a new nominee.
“A further update on the timescale for the Durham CNC will be provided in due course,” the statement added.
In the interim, Bishop Sarah Clark of Jarrow will continue serving as Acting Bishop of Durham. The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, expressed gratitude for her leadership and thanked those in the diocese who are taking on additional responsibilities during the vacancy.
The identity of the withdrawn nominee and their reason for stepping aside have not been disclosed. According to Bishop Clark, CNC members are bound by strict confidentiality regarding the nomination process.
In a letter to the diocese, Bishop Clark and Durham’s Diocesan Secretary, James Morgan, described the development as both "unexpected" and "disappointing." They urged the diocese to place its trust in the CNC and the Holy Spirit during the appointment process.
A special evening of prayer will be held at St Brandon’s Church in Brancepeth on Wednesday.
The Bishop of Durham is the fourth most senior appointment in the Church of England.
