The Church of Ireland has failed to elect a new Bishop of Clogher to succeed the Rt Rev Brian Hannon, who retired last month.
No candidate managed to win the required two-thirds majority of the 52-member Electoral College, which met last night in Armagh, so the decision now rests with the House of Bishops.
The 12 bishops will meet as soon as practicable under the chairmanship of the Primate of All-Ireland, Dr Robin Eames.