For the first time in more than 1,300 years, the job of the Archbishop of York has been advertised in the press.
The successful candidate will be the Church of England’s second most senior clergyman, with pastoral oversight of bishops in half the country.
The notice, inviting worshippers to propose candidates, is part of the Church’s effort to be more democratic in choosing its bishops. It follows the announcement of the current bishop David Hope’s resignation.
A spokesman said the notice had been placed in this week’s Church Times and Church of England newspapers.
“It is part of a move towards greater openness and transparency in the whole selection process,” he said.
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“We’re trying to get away from the feeling it is all done by an ‘old boy’ network,” he said.
The selection process was reformed after criticisms that it was too secretive and liable to be influenced.
