King Charles changes ideological commissars as new Clerk of the Closet appointed
Alan Rusbridger posted on X an extract from the Court Circular in today’s Times (16th November). It reports that a new Clerk of the Closet has been appointed by King Charles. The Right Rev Richard Jackson (Bishop of Hereford) has taken the role after the Right Rev James Newcombe stepped down.
What does the Clerk of the Closet do? X had some entertaining suggestions. However the role has existed since the 15th Century, albeit between 1651 and 1660 due to events it was done in exile. Part of the job is to present new Bishops to the King (who is Head of the Church) who then pay homage to him. Another part of the job is to act as an ideological commissar to vet theological texts that the King may come across to make sure they are appropriate.
Like the monarchy itself it all seems rather antiquarian in 2023. Harmless it may be, but it also costs money that could be better spent elsewhere
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