The Bailiwick of Ennerdale Est 1251 - Hon. George Mentz JD MBA CWM

Appointing an Honorary Bishop of Ennerdale

The Lord of the Bailiwick of Ennerdale may, under the principles of private jurisdiction and religious freedom, appoint or recognize an Anglican bishop—whether from Africa or another jurisdiction—to serve as Bishop of Ennerdale in an honorary, ceremonial, or spiritual capacity, provided certain conditions are met. Ennerdale is presently aligned with the WAC Worldwide Anglican Church of Africa Orthodox.

✅ When Appointment is Permissible

1. Private or Honorary Role

• The bishop serves as a spiritual overseer, chaplain, or bishop-in-residence within the private jurisdiction of the Bailiwick.

• The title "Bishop of Ennerdale" is:

  • Honorific or ceremonial — not connected to a Church of England diocese.

  • Jurisdictionally symbolic, representing the Bailiwick’s heritage, not official state church authority.

2. Consent of the Bishop

• The appointee must accept the title or role, understanding its nature as:

  • Spiritual or symbolic

  • Part of a private order, liberty, or fellowship

• This is common in global Anglicanism, particularly in independent or continuing Anglican jurisdictions.

3. Religious Freedom & Private Law

• UK and international law protect the right to create private chaplaincies, bishoprics, or religious appointments that are outside the state church.

• Such appointments can be made within:

  • Private fiefs or liberties

  • Independent religious orders

  • Interfaith or international ecclesiastical fellowships

⚠ Limitations

• Not a Church of England Bishopric
  The Lord of Ennerdale cannot create an official Church of England see—only the Crown and ecclesiastical authorities may do so.

• No Legal Standing in State or Canon Law
  The title carries no binding force in UK or Anglican canon law, but may hold ceremonial authority within the Bailiwick and its associated religious fellowship.

✅ Examples & Historical Precedents

• Free Anglican Churches, Continuing Anglican bodies, and many African dioceses regularly grant honorary or jurisdictional titles outside England.

• Historical parallels include:

  • Non-geographic sees (e.g., Bishop of the Isles, Bishop of the Order)

  • Abbeys and private monastic jurisdictions with their own abbots or bishops

• Some African Anglican provinces appoint missionary bishops to oversee diaspora or honorary territories abroad.

🛡 Suggested Title & Role

Proposed Style:

The Rt. Rev. [Name], Bishop of Ennerdale and Chaplain to the Bailiwick

Possible Duties:

• Presiding at spiritual ceremonies in Ennerdale

• Offering blessings, dedications, or sermons

• Representing the Bailiwick at global interfaith or ecclesiastical events

📜 Summary

Under private jurisdiction, international ecclesiastical friendship, and religious freedom, the Lord of Ennerdale may appoint an Anglican bishop—such as from Africa—to serve as an honorary Bishop of Ennerdale. The role is ceremonial and spiritual, not a legal Church of England office, but may carry historical and symbolic significance both within the Bailiwick and in wider Anglican fellowship.

** Ennerdale does not claim Advowson rights for any or all of the Church of England.