THE PROCESS of selecting the next Bishop of Winchester is well under way. It’s one of the most important positions in the Church of England dating back more than 1,000 years.

These days the public has a big say in who takes over the top post at the cathedral from the current incumbent, the Right Rev Michael Scott-Joynt, who is one of England’s most influential bishops.

The bishop, 67, a father-of-three, has been in the post for more than 15 years. He retires in May. And this month the ecclesiastical machinery to find his successor gets into top gear. Sir Paul Britton, the Prime Minister’s appointments secretary, and Ms Caroline Boddington, the Archbishop’s appointments secretary, will start their rounds of the diocese as they carry out wide-ranging consultations.

This will include public meetings on the mainland as well as the Channel Islands, which is also part of the diocese.

They will also be sounding out the views of representatives from local government, education, other Christian churches and other faiths.

In the Church of England diocese everyone will be consulted, from the Bishop’s Council to the person in the pew.

Playing a major role in the decision-making will be the Vacancy in See Committee, which is chaired by the Vicar of Bursledon, Canon Peter Vargeson. The committee pinpoints the needs of the diocese and the qualities hoped for in the new bishop.

Canon Vargeson said: “The exciting part of the committee’s work has been to look at the whole diocese and ask what are the challenges that face us in mission and ministry.

“This then helps us identify the qualities and gifts we are looking for in our new diocesan bishop.”

There is still time to take part in the consultations and there will be a public meeting on Tuesday, March 1, at St Paul’s, Bursledon, starting at 7.30pm.

It will be chaired by the Prime Minister’s and Archbishop’s representatives and is open to anyone. Canon Vargeson added: “This is an exciting time for the diocese as we seek before God the bishop who will lead us.”

After all the consultations have been gathered in there will be a meeting of the Crown Nominations Commission, who will identify two candidates suitable for appointment.

Finally a name will be submitted to the Queen, who will have to give her blessing before the new Bishop of Winchester is named and enthroned.