 Most of the members of the lower house are elected by the clergy of each diocese by proportional representation from among their number, although a handful serve "ex officio" or are elected by special constituencies (such as universities or cathedral deaneries).By virtue of their membership of convocation bishops and clergy are members of General Synod; thus the members of the convocations now all attend sessions of General Synod and can always conveniently meet during recesses of that body (which is, indeed, the only time they do meet nowadays).Prior to 1295, the Church in England had assembled in diocesan and provincial synods to regulate disciplinary and other matters interesting the body of the clergy.