An openly gay bishop could become the third-highest ranking cleric in the Church of England.

Dr. Jeffrey John, Dean of St. Albans, is being considered for the role of Bishop of Durham, a position previously held by the now-leader of the Anglican Church Archbishop of Canterbury Rev. Justin Welby.

According to British newspaper The Telegraph, the panel responsible for appointing the next Bishop of Durham was told on Friday (26 April) that the new appointee should be able to establish ‘positive relationships’ with gay Anglicans.

John’s consideration for the post comes amidst efforts by the Church to appear more open to the LGBT community. Earlier this month Welby and gay rights activist Peter Tatchell met to discuss the Church’s anti-gay policies.

Tatchell met with the head of the Anglican Church asking him to consider marriage equality and engage with Anglican groups who are promoting homophobic sentiments in Africa.

Tatchell said: ‘It was a very constructive, engaging meeting. But also quite frank with a number of disagreements.’

Rev. Benny Hazlehurst, secretary of the Anglican campaign group Accepting Evangelicals, said: ‘It remains to be seen what the outcome of meetings like that will be but I think there is perhaps a new willingness to engage.

‘I think that what Manchester has done is an excellent start.’

Also considered for the role of Bishop of Durham are Bishop of Buckingham Dr. Alan Wilson and the Dean of St. Paul’s in London Dr. David Ison, both of whom have a record as gay rights advocates. A decision as to the naming of the new Bishop of Durham is expected in the coming weeks.

