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The Most Reverend Richard Moth, Bishop of our Diocese from 2015–2026, was installed as the Twelfth Archbishop of Westminster on Saturday 14 February, with the See of Arundel & Brighton now formally vacant.

Earlier today, in accordance with Canon Law (the laws and regulations that govern the life, organisation and mission of the Catholic Church), the diocesan College of Consultors — Monsignor Tony Barry, Fr Tony Bridson, Canon Jonathan Martin, Canon Kieron O’Brien, Fr David Osborne and Canon David Parmiter — met at The St Philip Howard Centre in Crawley to elect a Diocesan Administrator to provide stability and continuity, and to serve and guide the faithful of the Diocese until a new bishop is appointed by the Holy Father.

Speaking on behalf of the College of Consultors, Monsignor Tony Barry said:

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“We offer our prayers for Archbishop Richard as he begins his ministry in Westminster. While we await the appointment of a new bishop by Pope Leo XIV, and in accordance with Canon Law, we have today elected Canon Jonathan Martin as our Diocesan Administrator.

“Canon Jonathan has served our diocesan community with generosity and dedication for many years. His experience as a diocesan priest and Vicar General equips him ably to shepherd our parishes, schools and ministries. We ask the faithful to keep him, and all in the Diocese, in their prayers.”

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While no major decisions can be taken by the Administrator and College of Consultors which would affect the rights of a future bishop, the daily life and mission of the Diocese — its parishes, schools and diocesan offices — will continue steadily and faithfully in their care. Reflecting on his appointment, Canon Jonathan said:

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“I accept this new responsibility with humility and trust in the Lord. I am sensible of the great confidence that the College of Consultors has placed in me, and of the responsibility of this new role in the service of the Diocese, in which I have been privileged to serve as a priest for the past thirty years. I look forward to working closely with the College of Consultors, with people across our parishes and schools, and with all those of good will, so that together we may continue to grow as communities of saints and as strong, lively and welcoming schools of discipleship, steadfast in our shared call to mission and commitment to the flourishing of the local Church.”

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Schools are central to the mission of the Church in our Diocese. Reflecting on the new appointment, Julie Oldroyd, Director of the Diocesan Education Service, said:

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“We warmly welcome Canon Jonathan’s election as Diocesan Administrator. His commitment to the Faith and his pastoral care will be a source of encouragement and inspiration across our diocesan school community.

“Our Catholic Education Trusts and our schools are vital centres of prayer, formation and mission — places where young people, families and staff live out the call to discipleship and encounter Christ in the fullness of Catholic life. We hold Canon Jonathan and the College of Consultors in our prayers, confident that in this time of transition the Diocese will continue to flourish as a community centred on Christ, the Word Who is Life.”

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Prayer

Click on the button below to download The Gift of a Shepherd, which suggests prayers that can be prayed in Mass and at other meetings and gatherings of the Faithful, for the election of a new bishop and for the Diocese.