Voting has got underway for new members of the Church of England's General Synod.

Members of the Church of England have begun casting their votes for the next five-year sitting of Synod by postal ballot.

There are two elections taking place in diocesan-wide constituencies, one for members of the House of Clergy and the other for members of the House of Laity.

With all diocesan bishops being members by right, the remaining spaces in the House of Bishops are filled by provincial-wide elections of area and suffragan bishops.

The Synod acts as the Church's parliamentary body, passing legislation and regulating relations with other churches.

It is also responsible for approving liturgy and doctrine, as well as the Church's annual budget, and considers the Church's position on issues of religious or public interest.

General Synod sits for a fixed term of five years and each Quinquennium is opened by the Queen.

The new Synod will meet for the first time in November in Church House, Westminster.

Electors have until October 8 to cast their vote using the single transferable vote.