Biblically, minister as delegate is surely problematic. Ministers are called to be pastoral and prophetic according to the Apostle Paul's Pastoral Epistles, whose teaching is so faithfully reflected in the Book of Common Prayer's Ordinal. In this New Testament light, Christ's ministers owe those in their pastoral care their loving, biblically-grounded, godly judgement, not their democratic obedience.

In stage one, which is in the process of being implemented, all diocesan bishops and deans are expected to attend a residential modular development programme run by a secular university or business school. The modules are entitled: "Building healthy organisations", "Leading growth", and "Reinventing the ministry".

The faith leaders affirmed their common commitment to inspiring spiritual and practical action by all faiths and people of goodwill everywhere to eradicate modern slavery.

In an address before the signing, Archbishop Justin described today's declaration as "a profoundly significant moment".

The leaders had gathered to "affirm a deep shared commitment for the liberation of those humiliated, abused and enslaved by their fellow-human beings," he said.

In response, the panel, the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC), has indicated that it might already have lined up female candidates to be interviewed as part of its two-day meeting starting on Dec 2. It held an initial meeting on Nov 3 to draw up a shortlist of candidates.