Boris Johnson married his partner Carrie Symonds at Westminster Cathedral over the weekend. According to a statement from the cathedral, he is now, in fact, a Roman Catholic. This simple statement raises awkward constitutional questions.
The Sovereign is formally responsible for making a number of appointments within the Church of England, and since the 18th century those powers have usually been exercised on the Prime Minister’s advice. While the 20th century saw the Church gain greater control over ecclesiastical appointments, Downing Street still remains part of the process.[1]
In the case of bishops, the Prime Minister’s role is limited. The Crown Nominations Commission gives Downing Street a single name and the Prime Minister invariably recommends that person to the Queen. However, that arrangement is not enshrined in law. In theory, there is nothing stopping Johnson or any other Prime Minister from rejecting the CNC’s nominee or asking…
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Utopia, you are standing in it! 
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