Legal Notice

The Legitimacy of the Titular Archbishop of Selsey: Legal & Apostolic Facts

This statement clarifies the legal and ecclesiastical recognition of the Titular Archbishop of Selsey in light of occasional misinformation. The Archbishop’s title and office are well established, both in law and in apostolic succession, and any claims to the contrary are unfounded.

The Titular Archbishop of Selsey holds a legally recognized title in the United Kingdom, officially recorded in government-issued documentation, including passport identification. Any claims to the contrary are either misinformed or deliberately misleading. We will not hesitate to pursue legal remedies if necessary.

Furthermore, the title Titular Archbishop of Selsey is officially recorded in the UK passport of the incumbent, as issued by His Majesty’s Passport Office, a division of the UK Home Office. This serves as legal confirmation of the title’s validity for identity purposes.

Any suggestion that the title is “fake” or “self-proclaimed” is demonstrably false and may constitute defamation under UK law. The inclusion of the title in an official government-issued document affirms that it is recognized as part of the Archbishop’s legal and public identity.

Since the UK is a sovereign state and a signatory to international agreements on travel and identification, its passports are recognized by all United Nations member states and are legally binding for identification purposes in most international contexts.

His Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO), a division of the UK Home Office, allows for the inclusion of certain titles in passports when they form part of an individual’s established identity. This includes hereditary, peerage, and ecclesiastical titles, provided they are recognized within a formal legal or institutional framework. Ecclesiastical titles, such as Archbishop or Bishop, are commonly recorded in UK passports for clergy of recognized religious bodies. The inclusion of the title Titular Archbishop of Selsey in an official UK passport confirms that it is legally acknowledged as part of the incumbent’s formal identity, reinforcing its legitimacy for public and legal recognition.

Additionally, the episcopal office is publicly exercised, and the Archbishop’s consecration is a matter of legal and ecclesiastical record, attested by witnesses, official documentation, and an unbroken apostolic succession. These facts are verifiable and not subject to personal opinion or sectarian bias.

The episcopal consecration, along with accompanying testimonials, is officially recorded in the Register of Services of the Collegiate Chapel of St. John the Evangelist at Huron University College, 1349 Western Road, London, Ontario, N6G 1H3, Canada, dated May 5, 2012.

The titular See of Selsey has never been used by the Church of England and is not an Anglican title. In 1969 the Holy See established a titular See of Selsea (Ltn. Saelesiensis); however, this designation—both in its spelling, etymology, and historical context—bears no connection to the See of Selsey (Ltn. Seleisi) founded by St Wilfrid of York in 681AD.

Summary Statement

With official legal recognition, a documented episcopal consecration, and historical continuity, the title of Titular Archbishop of Selsey stands on firm ecclesiastical and civil foundations. Any claims to the contrary are demonstrably false and legal remedies will be sought if necessary.

While respectful theological debate is always welcome, malicious misrepresentation, defamation, or harassment will not be tolerated. False statements intended to damage reputation or mislead the public may constitute defamation under UK law and could be subject to legal recourse. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Knowingly spreading false claims about the legitimacy of the title or office.
  • Publicly misrepresenting legal or ecclesiastical facts with intent to discredit.
  • Engaging in targeted harassment, intimidation, or defamatory attacks online.

Those engaging in such activities may face legal action under UK defamation laws, including the Defamation Act 2013, and may also be subject to criminal investigation under the Malicious Communications Act 1988 and the Communications Act 2003. Repeated offenders may also be reported to online platforms and relevant authorities for harassment, cyberbullying, or defamation-related offenses.

For legitimate inquiries, verification requests, or concerns, please contactplease contact the Archbishop’s office.

United Kingdom

European Union & Other Jurisdictions

United States & Online Platforms

  • United States: While the First Amendment protects free speech, false statements made with “actual malice” (reckless disregard for truth) are actionable under defamation laws (New York Times Co. v. Sullivan).
  • Social Media Defamation Policies:
    • Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok all have policies against misinformation, harassment, and defamation. False claims about individuals can be reported and removed.
    • Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) Takedown Requests can be used against platforms hosting defamatory content with copyright-infringing material.

The Philippines

As a foreign citizen and public figure, His Grace retains the right to pursue legal action within the Philippine jurisdiction. Cases may be filed with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cybercrime Division or the Department of Justice (DOJ) for appropriate prosecution.

Civil Claims for Damages – In addition to criminal penalties, civil action may be pursued against individuals or entities responsible for defamatory acts, seeking financial restitution for reputational harm.

Legal Consequences of Defamation Under Philippine Law

  1. Libel (Article 353, Revised Penal Code) – Public and malicious statements that dishonour, discredit, or cause contempt toward an individual are criminal offenses, punishable by imprisonment and/or fines.
  2. Cyber Libel (RA 10175, Section 4(c)(4)) – Republic Act No. 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 – Defamation committed through online platforms, social media, or digital means carries harsher penalties, with imprisonment ranging from six years and one day to twelve years.
  3. Slander (Oral Defamation, Article 358, Revised Penal Code) – Spoken defamatory remarks, particularly when serious, are also criminally prosecutable.

Consequences of Online Defamation & Harassment

  • Knowingly spreading false claims about the legitimacy of the title or office may result in legal action in the UK and other jurisdictions.
  • Harassing or misleading the public via social media or online platforms violates multiple terms of service, leading to account suspension, content removal, or permanent bans.
  • International legal recourse may be pursued in cases of repeated, malicious, or damaging falsehoods.

Any individuals or entities engaging in defamatory attacks, misrepresentation, or harassment may be subject to legal action in the UK and internationally. Defamatory content published on social media may also be reported for removal in accordance with platform policies.

For legitimate inquiries, verification requests, or concerns, please contact:

The Titular Archbishop of Selsey
Suite 11G Citibase
95 Ditchling Road
Brighton BN1 4ST

or Email

His Grace receives legal advice as appropriate from:

Doyle Clayton Solicitors
One Crown Court
Cheapside
London EC2V 6LR

Adlex Solicitors
76A Belsize Lane
Belsize Park
London NW3 5BJ

The Free Speech Union
85 Great Portland Street
London
W1W 7LT

Puno Law
33rd Floor The Podium West Tower, 12 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, 1550 Philippines

Further information…