The title Primus comes from the Latin ‘primus inter pares’ (meaning first among equals). The Primus chairs the College of Bishops and represents the College and the wider church at home and throughout the world-wide Anglican Communion. The Primus is elected by the Episcopal Synod which comprises all of the Diocesan Bishops. The bishop who is elected Primus also remains a Diocesan Bishop.
The Most Rev David Chillingworth (pictured above congratulating the Most Rev Mark Strange on being elected the new Primus) retired from the Office of Primus today (27 June) and will retire as Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane at the end of July. You can read the sermon he preached at his farewell Eucharist here.
Bishop David shared some of his reflections and memories of his years as Bishop and Primus in a recent interview with Church Times which can be read here
