The House of Bishops’ 2014 Declaration gives a way forward for all to live together and flourish in the Church through the Five Guiding Principles. This makes provision for pastoral and sacramental episcopal ministry for those who, on grounds of theological conviction, are unable to receive the ministry of women bishops or priests.

For traditional catholic clergy and parishes, that episcopal ministry can be provided by the Bishops of Richborough, Oswestry and Beverley; for complementarian clergy and parishes, it can be provided by the Bishop of Ebbsfleet. As part of her commitment to the Five Guiding Principles, Archbishop Sarah has, in turn, commissioned the Bishop of Rochester to offer pastoral oversight to the Bishop of Ebbsfleet.

Archbishop Sarah has also commissioned the Bishop of Rochester to provide pastoral and sacramental oversight for two parishes in the Diocese of Canterbury: St James, Westgate and All Saints, Loose.