CANON 12: OF DIOCESAN BISHOPS TEMPORARILY INCAPACITATED Amended at Provincial Synod 2021 Appointment of Vicar-General by Bishop In the event of a Diocesan Bishop being temporarily incapacitated from fulfilling the duties of the office and administering the Diocese, while remaining within the Diocese, it shall be competent for the Bishop to appoint a Vicar General with authority to administer the Spiritualities of the Diocese, and to maintain discipline according to the Canons of the Church, provided that such action shall be reported to the Metropolitan. 2. Appointment of Vicar-General by Metropolitan Should it happen that a Diocesan Bishop is unable to appoint a Vicar General in terms of this Canon, the Metropolitan in consultation with the Chapter of the Diocese, or where there is no Chapter, with the three most senior priests, shall appoint a Vicar General.
