unwittingly compared...

I follow a large number of blogs...on Google Reader, usually from those based across the pond or outside Essex, apart from a few (Paul, Sam, Elwin). Recently looked into some more local stuff to keep track of some interesting church politics and what is happening in the search for the new Bishop of Chelmsford.

So, this morning, on a bit of a whim, I made a comment on the Ugley Vicar blog which was asking for suggestions of names for possible candidates.

My comment:

my understanding, in the role I have, is that there are so many vacancies currently in Dioceses around the country that there will have to be new Bishops consecrated to fill all the gaps...so anyone is possible. I don't however think Chelmsford will get a 'new' Bishop as we are the second biggest Diocese in the country, but there might be some interesting shifting around of the current Bishops and Archdeacons...

And the response...

Richard Brown said...

Alice Smith for Bishop, now there's a thought. Well-known in the diocese (at least in my part of it), full of life and with lots of good ideas - a veritable John Sentamu! (I have heard it said that all dioceses in need of a Bishop want another John Sentamu).

Blimey - slightly hilarious on many fronts, I'm sure you'll agree!!....and requiring a large glass of wine this evening to calm myself down! However, nice to be part of the discussion and to have some response from someone who I have obviously met and who thinks I made some sense. Thank you Richard Brown, whoever you are!! Do let me know if you ever read this and I'll buy you a drink!

Back to the Merlot - BTW, I vote Tim Jones for Bishop, anywhere...one of my favourite people, an amazing leader, fantastically uniting, humbling, challenging, understanding of the spectrum of church tradition and not afraid to stand up for justice - see this example.

Comments

[Paul]

I am going to start a campaign right now! ALICE SMITH FOR BISHOP!!!...

...great idea, so good call from Richard Brown (who is also not someone I know, I don't think!...apologies, Richard, if you are reading this and we have recently had lots of contact! My short-term memory is pretty shot these days!)

Now, with regard Tim Jones...never heard of him, but as I used to live in Tang Hall, York, that is enough of a commendation as far as I am concerned! Would he want to swap Tang Hall vicarage for Bishopscourt, though, eh?!...

[Elwin]

Yes, I second Alice for Bishop. That would be one way of sorting out the Church of England. I'm not sure that the 'Ugley Vicar' will necessarily agree, though. You're probably right about the next Bishop of Chelmsford being someone who is already a bishop somewhere. Any idea who?

[Alice Smith]

flipping heck, gonna get myself a reputation as a usurper....not sure I've even thought this whole women bishops thing through - hence my recent post on 'what's all this stuff about women'...
once again - Tim Jones all the way...or if not him, what about Richard Frith in Hull??

[Sarah B]

On my list of women to be bishops you would be there, Alice! :o)

[Richard Brown, Reader of this Diocese]

Alice, you owe me a drink. On second thoughts, buy my daughter Lucy one as you meet her more often than you see me.

The day rapidly approaches when we will all know the next Bishop, and it probably won't be you.