The Church of England's House of Bishops has backed proposals to simplify the process for nominating future diocesan bishops, aiming to improve efficiency and representation. These changes will now be presented to the General Synod.

The House, composed of diocesan bishops and other senior figures within the Church, reached its decision following difficulties in the current nomination system. The issue came to light after two separate Crown Nominations Commissions (CNCs), tasked with selecting new bishops, were unable to agree on suitable candidates for the vacant diocesan sees of Carlisle and Ely in the past year.

Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, proposed lowering the voting threshold from 71 per cent to 60 per cent, removing secret ballots, and granting an extra vote to the presiding Archbishop in case of deadlock.

Bishop Sarah cited concerns over diversity and trust in the current process, calling for changes to ensure integrity and compassion.

Speaking at the bishops’ meeting in Oxford on Wednesday, she said: “There is a lack of diversity on the CNC, including gender, race, and theology, which has led to a loss of trust in the process.

“Restoring trust will require the process to be competent, consistent, full of integrity, and compassionate. Ultimately, we need to restore confidence in this discernment process under God.”

The House approved the motion by 27 votes to nine, with three abstentions.