Church votes in favour of appointing women bishops

Women bishops could be appointed by the end of this year in the Church of England after legislation backing the move was given final approval by the General Synod.

Members of the Church’s governing body voted in favour of a measure allowing women bishops in a historic vote at York University.

The legislation received the necessary two thirds majority in all three Houses of the General Synod with 37 bishops voting in favour with two against and one abstention, 162 clergy in favour, 25 against and four abstentions.