By Richard Shaw THE ANNOUNCEMENT of a new Bishop of Arundel and Brighton is expected later this month.
The former bishop, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, was announced as the new Archbishop of Westminster on February 15, 2000, and took full control on March 22.
The See of Arundel and Brighton has been vacant for nearly a whole year. People in the diocese are now hoping for the appointment to be made soon so that decisions which require episcopal approval can be made.
Mgr John Hull, the diocesan administrator, said: "We are all hoping it will be soon. It is coming up to a year now and we hope we are the next one on the list — we are all waiting patiently."
Arundel and Brighton is not alone in waiting for a bishop. Two more auxiliaries for Westminster are expected to be appointed soon and Northampton and Lancaster are also awaiting episcopal replacements.
Having reached 75 years, the canonical age for retirement, Bishop Leo McCartie of Northampton submitted his application for retirement last September, and only awaits a successor before giving up his office.
Lancaster needs a new bishop following Bishop John Brewer's death.