On 8 October 2025, the Church of England published the following report of the in-person meeting of the House of Bishops on October 6-8 at Cookham, Berkshire.
House of Bishops meeting October 2025
08/10/2025
The House of Bishops met in person from October 6-8 in Cookham, Berkshire.
The House heard an update on the Makin Recommendations Task and Finish Group. The group, which includes independent safeguarding experts and survivors, was established following the publication of the Makin review to examine the report’s recommendations and enable them to be implemented.
The Group will now focus on reviewing progress already made, and identifying what further work is needed to ensure full delivery.
The House discussed a review of accountability for Bishops and other clergy commissioned by the Ministry Development Board (MDB). The work will provide a systematic review of accountability for bishops and other clergy to identify gaps in the current arrangements, note areas where there is a lack of clarity or ambiguity, and to identify and implement any solutions needed.
The House received an update from members of the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) working groups, members of the LLF Programme Board and the Faith and Order Commission, along with legal advice.
Bishops spent time in groups and in plenary session discussing different areas of the current LLF proposals and the key elements which should be included in a Bishops’ Statement.
They considered possible legislative processes. The bishops made progress, with a view to reaching final decisions, when the House next meets in December, on proposals to bring to the General Synod in February 2026.
They also heard an update from the Ministry team on ordained vocations, including an overview of forecast changes to the population of clergy, with a particular focus on stipendiary clergy. The House considered clergy wellbeing and its impact on retention as well as the importance of fostering a culture that nurtures new vocations, and developing strategies to engage retired clergy. The House agreed to commission the national Data Services team to gather data on parochial vacancies and clergy leaving ministry.
The House reflected on their commitment to ensuring that church with a flourishing children, youth, and families’ ministry is within reach of every child and young person in England. They discussed the importance of young people being developed and empowered, supported by motivated leaders and youth workers. Bishops shared experiences of the success of targeted leadership programmes and ways to enable families to participate in different services across different traditions.