By james art 
Update of the Durham Crown nomination Commission by Bishop Sarah and Diocesan Secretary James Morgan on Monday, February 17, 2025.
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ
As a diocesan family, we received difficult news today (Monday, February 17th) about the appointment of the next bishop of Durham. The National Church released the following statement:
The Crown (CNC) nomination Commission for Durham met and nominated a candidate for See of Durham, with interviews being held in November 2024. However, the applicant decided to withdraw from the nomination.
After deciding not to nominate a reserve candidate in November, CNC agreed to gather later during the year in order to continue the process of insight.
An additional update on the Durham CNC time range will be offered in a timely manner.
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cotrell, said: “I want to thank the bishop of Jarrow, Sarah Clark for her ongoing service as a active bishop of Durham and everyone in the diocese, which performs additional responsibilities during the vacation. I will pray for them and please, I pray for CNC as they gather to seek God’s insight for the next bishop of Durham and for all served by the church in the diocese. “
It is clear that this is both unexpected and disappointing news. As the statement shows, this is the decision of the nominated candidate. Although the applicant’s identity will remain unknown, please pray for that person and any affected by this decision. The CNC process for the appointment of the next Bishop of Durham is already included and a schedule for the appointment process will be given in time. These are unusual circumstances, so please pray for the whole CNC, and especially for the six members of our diocese, representing us – Val Baron, Jamie Harrison, Mark Miller, Rick Simpson, Francis Stanlake, Mags of Vaughn. They have already invested that they give their time and energy in this process and now have this fresh responsibility that has come so unexpectedly. Please do not ask them to comment as they are under a strict obligation to maintain confidentiality. We have to trust them, the process and the Holy Spirit on this.
During the vacancy in the process of see, and especially during the interview period last November we prayed together. It is therefore correct to turn intentionally to the Lord Jesus in prayer at this difficult time in our journey. We will hold an evening of prayer at the church of St. Brandon, Brandet, Durham (DH7 8DF) on Wednesday, February 19 and 9 pm and will invite you to join us if you are able. It will be an opportunity to share thoughts and worries together before we take the time in prayer for our diocese. The time of prayer will include silence and spoke prayer and will be open so that you can stay as long as you want. The evening will end with Compline. If you cannot attend physically tonight, please spend some time prayer tonight, wherever you are.
The scripture that was particularly coming to me, +Sarah, at that time was Matthew 14: 22-32, when the disciples were afraid, Jesus calls them, despite the strong winds through the water, “take a heart; This is me; Don’t be afraid ‘. HEART ACCEPTION is a call for courage and hope; Let’s take the courage because Jesus is with us even in the less likely situations when we cannot see clearly. Under such violent conditions, we look at Christ, who calls us with faith and trust. Please be sure that the bishop’s leadership team and all who serve the parishes and the diocese will continue to lead our diocese during this unexpected situation with the unwavering hope and purpose we have worked with in the last twelve months. God is faithful and the future will become more clear in time.
We will be grateful if this letter can be read or distributed to your church communities, so that as much as they can hear this information.
+ Sarah Jarrow; Durham
James Morgan; Diocesan