Thank you for contacting me about bishops sitting in the House of Lords.
Anglican bishops sitting in the House of Lords, known as the Lords Spiritual, play an important role in representing Christian opinions on contemporary issues and reflects the privileged place that the Established Church has in our constitution and national life. While they make no claims to direct representation, they seek to be a voice for all people of faith, not just Christians.
Although there are 42 dioceses in the present-day Church of England, the number of places for Lords Spiritual is limited to 26 by statute. This comprises of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, as well as the Bishops of London, Durham and Winchester, with the remaining 21 places on the Bishops’ Bench occupied by the longest-serving bishops of English dioceses. As you may be aware, bishops retire from the House of Lords when they leave office as a bishop.
When the House of Lords is sitting, there is always at least one Lord Spiritual present to read prayers at the start of the day and to participate in business of the House. It is important to note that official proceedings cannot begin until prayers have been read. Attendance in the House to read prayers is determined by a rota, with Bishops also able to attend on an ad-hoc basis when matters of interest or concern are scheduled.
I am grateful to constituents who have invited me to attend the Westminster Hall debate on Bishops sitting in the House of Lords on the 6th of July. I am unable to attend on this occasion due to prior commitments.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
