Church of England clears way for female bishops

First women could be appointed before Christmas and there should be a female bishop in the House of Lords by Easter

The Church of England has finally cleared the last obstacle to appointing women as bishops, overwhelmingly approving legislation at the general synod bringing to an end 20 years of wrangling.

In a show of hands, around 30 people voted against the motion, out of around 480 present. The first women could be appointed before Christmas and arrangements are in place to fast-track anyone eligible into the House of Lords. It seems likely there will be a woman sitting in the House of Lords as a bishop by Easter next year.

The archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, predicted that in 10 years’ time half the Church of England’s bishops might be women. “Ten to 15 years would be reasonable. It depends when people retire,” he said after the vote.

mehr:
- Church of England clears way for female bishops (Guardian, 17.11.2014)