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Dictionary

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Bishop

‘Bishop’ comes from the Greek word for ‘overseer’. So a bishop is a senior Christian minister authorised to have oversight for God’s people. As well as duties given to deacons and priests, bishops confirm and ordain.

Diocese

‘Diocese’ refers to the geographical territory in which a bishop exercises oversight. The Church in Wales is divided into six dioceses each with its own cathedral in which is housed the cathedra (the bishop’s ‘chair’ or ‘throne’).

Episcopal

‘Episcopal’ refers to the role or ministry of a bishop. So an episcopal church is one in which oversight is entrusted to a bishop. Like many others, the Church in Wales is an episcopal church.

Home News Governing Body approves motion enabling interim Bishop of Bangor appointment

Governing Body approves motion enabling interim Bishop of Bangor appointment

Provincial news Posted: 25 November 2025

Governing Body approves motion enabling interim Bishop of Bangor appointment.jpg

The Governing Body of the Church in Wales met today to vote on proposed, time-limited constitutional changes that would allow an interim Bishop to be appointed to the Diocese of Bangor.

The motion, brought forward following the Electoral College’s decision not to proceed with an election at this stage, sought temporary amendments to the Constitution so that an experienced bishop may be invited to serve in Bangor for a period of one to two years. The interim appointment is intended to provide leadership and stability while work continues to strengthen governance, management, finance, and diocesan structures in preparation for a future episcopal election.

After an amendment which extended the maximum expiration date of the arrangements to a month following the first ordinary Governing Body meeting in 2028, members voted as follows:

  • In favour: 75
  • Against: 4
  • Abstentions: 7

With a majority in favour, the amended motion was passed.

The Governing Body’s approval now enables progress toward inviting an interim bishop to take up leadership in Bangor following the retirement of Bishop Andrew John at the end of August.