The group of people choosing the next Bishop of Gloucester have said there is no pressure to pick a woman for the role.
It is the first time a female could be chosen to become a bishop since the General Synod approved legislation in July allowing women to take up the jobs.
A public meeting was held at Gloucester Cathedral on 23rd September to update the congregation on the search for a replacement for Bishop Michael Perham.
Bishop Michael stepped back from public ministry at the start of August after being questioned by police investigating allegations of historic sexual assault.
The 66-year-old spoke to officers voluntarily.
Speaking at the meeting, the prime minister's deputy secretary for appointments, Richard Tilbrook, said there was no leaning towards selecting a female bishop.
According to local newspaper, the Gloucester Citizen, newspaper he said: "The important thing to do is get the right person for the diocese, and that could be a man or a woman."
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