Candidates for the Bishop for Southwell and Nottingham will be interviewed today and tomorrow.
Applications from females have been considered for the first time after final approval to a change in Canon Law was given last month.
No announcement will be made until next year when the appointment is approved by the Queen and Prime Minister.
In a statement the diocese said: "You may have seen several recent articles concerning women candidates.
"Parliament has now given approval, both in the Lords and Commons, to the General Synod Measure enabling women to be appointed to the Episcopate.
"This means that we are able to consider female as well as male candidates.
"Whilst we all know that God knows who is being called we are frail flesh and need to be in tune with God. Please pray for us as we exercise our responsibilities."
The vacancy is because Bishop Paul Butler left to become the Bishop of Durham in January.
Gloucester, Oxford and Newcastle are also looking for new bishops.