Bishops (Retirement) Measure 1986

10 Interpretation. E

(1) In this Measure the following expressions have the meanings hereby respectively assigned to them unless the context otherwise requires, that is to say:— “archbishop” in relation to any diocesan bishop means the archbishop of the province in which his diocese is situated and in relation to any suffragan bishop means the archbishop of the province in which the diocese of the bishop to whom he is suffragan is situated ; “medical examination” means an examination into the physical or mental abilities of the person demanding the examination by a medical practitioner agreed on between that person and the person or persons requesting his resignation or, failing such agreement, appointed by the President of the Royal College of Physicians; “preferment” includes an archbishopric, a bishopric, archdeaconry, deanery or office in a cathedral or collegiate church, and a benefice, and every curacy, lectureship, readership, chaplaincy, office or place which requires the discharge of any spiritual duty ; “prescribed” means prescribed by the Vicars-General of the provinces of Canterbury and York acting jointly.

(2) In this Measure the expression “diocesan bishop” shall not include an archbishop.

(3) The powers exercisable by an archbishop under this Measure shall, during the absence abroad or incapacity through illness of the archbishop or a vacancy in the see, be exercisable by the archbishop of the other province.

(4) For the purposes of this Measure, the seniority of a diocesan bishop after the Bishops of London and Winchester in the province of Canterbury and after the Bishop of Durham in the province of York shall be determined by length of service as a diocesean bishop within the provinces except that any diocesan bishop who by reason of illness or absence is unable to act or whose retirement is in question shall be disregarded.