A prayer movement is being launched to coincide with a meeting of bishops in the Church of England.

The House of Bishops are due to meet in two weeks’ time, when they will decide amendments to the draft legislation on allowing women in the episcopate.

Draft legislation approved at the February General Synod sought to provide women with equal status in the episcopate while ensuring adequate provision for those who cannot in conscience accept women bishops.

The bishops have been tasked with deciding what changes, if any, to make to the draft legislation before it is presented to the General Synod for debate in July.

Novena 2012 is inviting parishes and individuals to dedicate time to prayer from 17 to 27 May, and “for a positive outcome for all” at the July Synod.

Suggestions include prayers for unity, a spirit of generosity, and for the healing of divisions.

It said the meeting, which starts on 21 May, came at a “pivotal” time for the Church of England.

Novena is being organised in part by Dr Lindsay Newcombe, General Synod member for the Diocese of London and a member of the Mission and Public Affairs Council.

She said: “Our prayer for NOVENA 2012 will be that a way can be found for the whole Church of England to move forward together reflecting the unity for which Christ prayed on the night before his death.”