Bishop Designate Stephen Lake elected by Salisbury Cathedral College of Canons

The process of formally electing a new bishop goes back to medieval times, but since the reign of Henry VIII a cathedral body – representing the whole Diocese – has had the duty of electing the Sovereign’s preferred choice as bishop.

In keeping with Church of England custom, a ‘Letter Missive’ sent by the Queen to the Very Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, in which she recommends that the College of Canons of Salisbury elect Dean Stephen as her approved nominee, was presented to the College. A vote was then taken. All were in favour of electing Dean Stephen, and applauded vigorously.

A further ceremony follows on 1 April, presided over by The Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, at which Stephen’s Election will be confirmed. This three-stage process acknowledges the various parties who have an interest in the Bishop’s appointment: the Queen as Supreme Governor; the Archbishop as the presiding bishop of the province; and the Diocese represented by the College of Canons

Stephen will be consecrated as the 79th Bishop of Salisbury in Southwark Cathedral on 25 April, and will be enthroned in Salisbury Cathedral later in the summer.