Lords Spiritual

Lords Spiritual

Lords Spiritual are special members of the House of Lords. The House of Lords is the upper part of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. These Lords are all important leaders from the Church of England.

Right now, there are 23 Lords Spiritual. The most they can be is 26. Some bishops, like the archbishop of Canterbury, archbishop of York, bishop of London, bishop of Durham, and bishop of Winchester, are always Lords Spiritual. Other Lords Spiritual are chosen based on how long they have served as leaders in their areas.

Lords Spiritual are different from the Lords Temporal, who are not connected to any church. Only leaders from the Church of England can be Lords Spiritual because it is the main church in the United Kingdom. Other churches, like the Church in Wales, the Church of Ireland, and the Church of Scotland, do not have representatives in this special group.

Lords Spiritual help make sure Church of England laws are discussed in the House of Lords. Each day, at least one bishop says prayers during meetings. They also talk in debates.