 This arrangement allows for greater continuity of episcopal ministry but is not very common in the Anglican Communion.Where a diocesan has not been elected or appointed, a bishop or senior priest may act as vicar general through the vacancy.Retired bishops or bishops who are pursuing ministry outside the usual episcopal ministry are usually licensed as "honorary assistant bishops" within a diocese (Stephen Sykes, the former Bishop of Ely who was Principal of St John's College, Durham, was also an honorary assistant bishop in Durham).