WATCH were given the opportunity both in a written submission in and meeting with the Independent Reviewer, Sir Philip Mawer to comment in detail on the events surrounding the nomination of the Bishop of Sheffield earlier this year.  Both of these are recorded in the report.

Revd Canon Emma Percy (Chair) and Revd Stephen France (Vice-Chair) raised a number of significant concerns about the process of the nomination and made suggestions to enable this process to be improved in the light of this nomination and more generally.

Since it has been possible for women to be part of the episcopacy in the Church of England sadly only two diocesan nominations have been made.

We will consider Sir Philip’s report in detail and make a further statement if needed.