Church of England to vote on women bishops

The Church of England is to vote on the introduction of women bishops on Monday, two years after a first attempt narrowly failed, prompting widespread criticism.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, told newsmen that the public would find it incomprehensible if the legislation did not pass this time, and that he was hopeful it would.

In November 2012, laws to introduce women bishops were voted down by just six lay members in the church’s 467-member governing body, the General Synod.

Afterwards, a steering committee including both opponents and supporters of women bishops was formed to put forward a new set of proposals acceptable to both sides.

Its suggestions included the creation of an ombudsman, who would rule on disputes and on arrangements for traditionalists who would not accept women bishops.

Four members who previously objected to women bishops have reportedly changed their minds over the past two years, which would be enough to pass the revised legislation on Monday.

The plans would then go to the Ecclesiastical Committee of Parliament and the House of Commons and House of Lords, and finally royal assent would need to be given.

The General Synod would then meet on November 17 to give final approval, meaning England could have its first female bishop by Christmas.

“We are hopeful because of all the work that has been done within the General Synod.

“In terms of relationships between people who have different opinions on this,” the Rev Jody Stowell, a Spokeswoman for campaign group Women and the Church said.

Women were first ordained in the Church of England in 1994 and now make up a third of the clergy.

“We would not say we are overly confident at all because it is the same set of people who voted it down in November 2012, so we have to be realistic about that,” Jody stressed.

Report says in Wales and Scotland the church has also passed legislation allowing women bishops, though there are none as yet.