The Diocese of Chichester almost exactly covers the counties of East and West Sussex and the City of Brighton and Hove, stretching for nearly a hundred miles (160km) along the south coast of England.
It was founded in 681 by St Wilfrid who converted the Kingdom of the South Saxons and established the first cathedral (a building which no longer exists) at Selsey.
In 1075 a new Cathedral was begun a few miles away at Chichester.
Organisation of the Diocese
Today the diocese comprises 481 churches in 362 parishes which are served by 450 clergy and employed Lay Workers and 265 Readers. The parishes are grouped into 275 benefices (with one clergyman or woman in overall charge).