The Bishop of Fulham is a suffragan bishop in the Church of England, holding a key role within the Diocese of London and more broadly across the Province of Canterbury. The see (area of episcopal authority) is named after Fulham, a district in West London.
History The title was first created in 1926. Historically, the Bishop of Fulham served as a suffragan to the Bishop of London and was primarily responsible for Anglican chaplaincies and churches in North and Central Europe, often being referred to as the Bishop of North and Central Europe. This role involved significant travel and oversight of Anglican communities abroad. This responsibility continued until 1993, when the Diocese in Europe was formed, taking over the oversight of these chaplaincies.
Modern Role and Provincial Episcopal Visitor (PEV) Since the 1990s, particularly following the ordination of women priests in the Church of England, the role of the Bishop of Fulham has significantly evolved. The Bishop of Fulham is now one of three Provincial Episcopal Visitors (PEVs) in the Province of Canterbury (the southern province of the Church of England). Often informally known as "flying bishops," PEVs are consecrated to provide alternative episcopal oversight to parishes that, for theological reasons (primarily concerning the ordination of women priests and bishops), cannot accept the ministry of their diocesan bishop or other clergy.
Specifically, the Bishop of Fulham provides this oversight to Anglo-Catholic parishes within the Diocese of London and other parts of the Province of Canterbury that request it. These parishes maintain a traditionalist stance on sacramental theology and church order. The role involves:
- Administering confirmations.
- Ordaining priests and deacons from these parishes.
- Offering spiritual and pastoral care to clergy and laity.
- Ensuring sacramental assurance according to the theological convictions of the traditionalist Anglo-Catholic wing of the Church.
The Bishop of Fulham works alongside two other PEVs in the Province of Canterbury: the Bishop of Ebbsfleet and the Bishop of Richborough, each responsible for different geographical areas within the province. All PEVs operate under delegated authority from the Archbishop of Canterbury, in consultation with the diocesan bishops.
Significance The Bishop of Fulham's role is crucial in maintaining the diversity and breadth of theological traditions within the Church of England, offering a structured solution for those who, while remaining within the Church, hold conscientious objections to certain developments in its ministry. It represents a commitment to mutual flourishing across different churchmanship traditions.