CHURCH leaders are due to meet on Wednesday to discuss who could be the next Bishop of Durham.
It is thought the Crown Nominations Commission has drawn up a long list of names for a replacement for Justin Welby, following his installment as Archbishop of Canterbury.
Britain's most senior openly gay cleric, Jeffrey John, Dean of St Albans, is being tipped for the job, but the diocese of the Anglican church, has described it as "pure speculation".
A spokesman said: “The first meeting of the CNC is this coming Wednesday followed up with two others scheduled for June 6 and 7.
“While the dates of the meetings of the Crown Nomination Commission are announced, the discussions about individuals and the supporting documentation remain confidential.
"As such any suggestions of any names associated with it are pure speculation and we will not be further commented upon.
“Further announcements will be issued when the process has been fully concluded.”
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