The Bishop's role

Although the Dean is responsible for the running of the Cathedral, the Bishop is the principal minister here, and she presides and preaches at major Christian festivals and on some other national and civic occasions. The Bishop is also the Cathedral's Visitor – a role which gives the bishop the opportunity to enquire into cathedral affairs and, as a result, to give directions to the Chapter or to Cathedral staff she considers will better enable observance of the Constitution and Statutes. The Bishop also appoints many members of our Council, as well as licensing its clergy.

As well as being the Bishop's seat, the Cathedral is a centre for the Bishop to use in her work and mission across the Diocese of London, which covers much of London – from Bow in the east to Heathrow in the west, and north to Enfield and Northwood. In the presence or under the authority of the Bishop, clergy for the diocese are ordained at St Paul's, lay ministers are commissioned, and significant mission initiatives are celebrated. On a smaller scale, parishes come on pilgrimage to the Cathedral and are prayed for as part of our daily services.

You can read more about the Bishop’s role at bishopoflondon.org.