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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’).

Eucharist

‘Eucharist’ comes from the Greek word for ‘thanksgiving’. At the Eucharist the Church remembers Jesus’ last supper where he gave bread and wine to be his body and blood, a sign of his saving love. See also Holy Communion.

Holy Communion

At Holy Communion blessed bread and wine is shared, by which we receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The congregation gives thanks for Jesus’ life, his death and resurrection and his continuing presence. See also Eucharist.

Llandaff Centre of Mission

A partnership between the Diocese of Llandaff and Church Army.

Theological

‘Theology’ means literally ‘words about God’. Christian theology involves our trying to understand and explain what God has revealed about himself through Scripture. This work is aided by the writings of past and present theologians and human reason.

Home News and Blogs Electoral College: Behind the scenes

Electoral College: Behind the scenes

News Posted: 23 January 2023

By Rev'd Zoe King, Electoral College member and Ministry Area Leader in Barry.

On Thursday 19 January, Archbishop Andrew John opened the west doors of Llandaff Cathedral and announced that the Rt Revd Mary Stallard, Assistant Bishop in Bangor, was to become the 73rd Bishop of Llandaff. The announcement was made on day two of Electoral College and was the culmination of months of weekly meetings and many hours of Zoom.

A small group of women and men smiling at the camera with a bus in the background — Members of Electoral College arriving at Llandaff Cathedral

The twelve Llandaff electors - six clerical and six lay - ranged in tradition from being nowhere near a candle stick to higher up the candle. There was a wide range of theological viewpoints and also in age. During our time together we prayed together, ate together, agreed, disagreed and been on completely different sides. But always there has been laughter, grace and a whole hearted desire to do the best for the future of the diocese.

Announcing the new Bishop of Llandaff

We didn’t, however, do it on our own. From the start we were determined the wider views of the diocese would be taken into account. We can not thank you all enough for quickly responding to the questions that were sent. We were aware we had very little time but Llandaff, you rose to the challenge. It became very clear that the profile needed to reflect the needs of the diocese. The profile allowed the provincial electors to understand what Llandaff needed in their new Bishop. Without breaking confidentiality, I can say it was highly praised for being so clear and up front about what the diocese was looking for.

The process of choosing a new bishop

As we gathered for Holy Eucharist on the first day of Electoral College, we were pleased others from the diocese joined us for worship. The sun shone and the incense rose lazily in the sunbeams as we began the process we had spent months preparing for.

Archbishop of Wales preaching at Llandaff Cathedral — Archbishop of Wales preached at the Holy Eucharist

It was two days framed in grace, prayerfulness and opportunities to talk openly and frankly. It was a space abundant with grace and where the Holy Spirit was present.

Two priests at a Eucharist — Preparing for the Holy Eucharist

For us newbies on the Electoral College we were blessed by the experience of those who had been on previous electoral colleges. Special thanks must go to Archdeacon Mike for keeping us on track and to Simon Lloyd from the Representative Body of the Church in Wales for his gentle facilitation.

Archbishop of Wales in Llandaff Cathedral chatting to two men — Last minute preparation ahead of Electoral College

Reactions from the diocese

Read the reactions from across the diocese. Diocese Reacts to New Bishop of Llandaff