THE names of the first women elected to attend meetings of the House of Bishops were announced on Thursday of last week.

The House of Bishops decided in February that eight senior women clergy, elected by region, would participate in meetings of the House until six women bishops are appointed and are able sit as of right ( News, 7 February).

The women elected are: for the south-west, the Archdeacon of Wells, the Ven. Nicola Sullivan; for the north-east, the Dean of York, the Very Revd Vivienne Faull; and for the south-east, the Archdeacon of Hackney, the Ven. Rachel Treweek.

Archdeacon Treweek said on Friday that her appointment was "an immense privilege": "It is my hope that those of us who have been entrusted with the role will be part of enabling a culture change.

"This change will fan the flames of hopeful imagination as we begin to prepare the ground for a Church in which, one day, both male and female bishops will more fully reflect the good news of the Kingdom of God.. .

"Above all else, I would want to underline my passionate commitment to a diverse Church in which we continue to learn yet more of what it means to deepen relationship in places of difference as we grow in grace, trust, and respect for one another."

The results for the elections in the other five regions are expected to come in over the next two weeks. The elected women are due to take up the posts on 1 December.

The rules relating to the election of the regional representatives are available from the Church of England's website:

www.churchofengland.org/media/1784044/2013%20rules%20under% 20so12.pdf