(1)Subject to subsection (2) below, where it appears to a bishop, after complying with section 1 above with respect to the members of an [F1Chapter], that the [F1Chapter] has committed or is intending to commit an act as mentioned in that section, he shall within such period as may be prescribed order a special visitation under this section in respect of the cathedral church concerned for the purpose of inquiring into the matter in question; and, if he does so, he shall cause a written statement of his reasons for ordering the visitation to be sent to the [F1Chapter].
(2)It shall not be necessary for a bishop to order a special visitation under this section in respect of any act if—
(a)he is satisfied that the [F1Chapter] concerned intends to make an application for approval of that act under the 1990 Measure; or
(b)the [F1Chapter] concerned has made such an application and the application has not been refused; or
(c)he considers that there are exceptional reasons for not doing so.
(3)Without prejudice to any rule of law as to the effect of episcopal visitations, where a special visitation under this section is ordered by a bishop in respect of a cathedral church, the [F1Chapter of the cathedral] shall have no power to act as such with regard to the matter under inquiry without the prior approval in writing of the bishop.
(4)A special visitation under this section shall not be treated as an episcopal visitation for the purposes of any provision contained in the constitution and statutes of the cathedral church concerned restricting the ordering of such visitations.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in Measure substituted by 1999 No. 1, s. 36(1A) (as inserted) (1.1.2008) by Care of Cathedrals (Amendment) Measure 2005 (No. 2), s. 20(3), Sch. 3 para. 10; 2007 No. 2, Instrument made by Archbishops