The new Bishop of Oxford is expected to be appointed by September, according to the Oxford Diocese.

But the replacement for the Rt Rev Richard Harries, who retired aged 70 earlier this month after 19 years in the post, may not take up the post until after Christmas.

The selection process to find the new bishop is now well under way. Once a candidate has been chosen, the Crown Nominations Commission will recommend his appointment to the Queen.

Churchgoers in the Diocese have been canvassed on who they would like to see appointed.

Diocesan spokesman Sarah Meyrick said: "We expect to make an announcement regarding the new Bishop early in the autumn or some time in September, but he may still have duties to complete elsewhere so he may not be able to take up the post until the beginning of next year."

Until the new Bishop takes up the post, his role will be filled by the Bishop of Dorchester, the Rt Rev Colin Fletcher.

The new Bishop cannot be a woman because the issue of woman bishops is still being discussed by the General Synod and new legislation would be needed.

Earlier this month, Bishop Richard, who has sat in the House of Lords since 1993, was made a life peer.