Suffragan Bishops
In the Diocese of Winchester, there are two Suffragan Bishops: the Bishop of Basingstoke and the Bishop of Southampton.
They are part of the Bishop's Staff and support the Diocesan Bishop. They also have responsibilities for geographic areas of the Diocese.
As part of their work, the Bishops institute new incumbents, license clergy and other office holders, confirm new Church members, preach at special services, take part in major festivals, consecrate church buildings and burial grounds, dedicate additional places of worship, conduct formal visitations and spend time with the people of the parish. Bishops also visit church schools and other church or non-church organisations.
They work closely with Archdeacons, Area and Rural Deans in supporting and providing pastoral support to the ministry of all clergy in the diocese and involved in the vacancy process for ministry posts in parishes. They are also able to assist in providing help and advice if a pastoral problem arises in a parish or deanery.