Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I am writing to confirm arrangements for oversight and unity in the diocese of Lichfield during the forthcoming vacancy in see.
I will officially retire from stipendiary ministry on 30th September 2026, and from that point on the see will be vacant until the confirmation of election of the next Bishop of Lichfield. (I will in fact be finishing all ministry in the Diocese of Lichfield on Sunday 27th September, a few days ahead of my retirement; it is my intention to sign in addition a comprehensive deed assigning to Bishop Sarah all the responsibilities of the Bishop of Lichfield from 27th to 30th September).
During the vacancy in see, the pattern of delegated episcopal oversight by Bishop Sarah, Bishop Matthew and Bishop Tim as area bishops will continue, together with the extended episcopal care provided by Bishop Paul and the Bishop of Ebbsfleet. I am also glad to confirm that Bishop Sarah will be serving as Acting Diocesan Bishop of Lichfield throughout the vacancy. While continuing her ministry as Area Bishop of Shrewsbury, she will convene and chair the Bishop’s Staff Meeting and will chair the Bishop’s Council.
Alongside the role of Acting Diocesan Bishop, during any vacancy in see the position of the Dean as the senior priest in the diocese comes into greater prominence, and Bishop Jan will be working closely with Bishop Sarah to strengthen and maintain the unity of our diocesan family. Meanwhile, Sam Rushton as Diocesan Secretary and Chief Executive Officer will continue to manage the administration and ensure the governance of the diocesan structure, while also serving in the additional role of Secretary of the Vacancy in See Committee.
I trust that these arrangements will help to provide stability and reassurance for all in our diocese in the months ahead. Please pray for +Sarah, +Jan and Sam, and all their colleagues in the bishop’s staff team as they prepare for the vacancy; and please pray for all involved in the discernment of the 100th Bishop of Lichfield, as together we continue to follow Christ in the footsteps of St Chad. I offer the attached prayer as an aid to this task, should you wish to use it. (Dowload a copy of the card).
Your brother in Christ,
+Michael Lich: