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Church of England synod vote 'paves way' for female bishops Church of England synod vote 'paves way' for female bishops
(about 1 hour later)
The Church of England's ruling body has voted in favour of proposals which could allow the ordination of women bishops next year.The Church of England's ruling body has voted in favour of proposals which could allow the ordination of women bishops next year.
Members of the general synod passed a motion with a majority of 378 to eight, with 25 abstentions.Members of the general synod passed a motion with a majority of 378 to eight, with 25 abstentions.
It paves the way for endorsement of women bishops alongside a "declaration" by bishops setting out guidance for parishes which reject female ministry.It paves the way for endorsement of women bishops alongside a "declaration" by bishops setting out guidance for parishes which reject female ministry.
The package also includes the creation of an ombudsman to rule on disputes.The package also includes the creation of an ombudsman to rule on disputes.
It could see traditionalist clergy who refuse to co-operate with the ombudsman's inquiries facing disciplinary proceedings.It could see traditionalist clergy who refuse to co-operate with the ombudsman's inquiries facing disciplinary proceedings.
The vote comes after the synod failed to agree on the previous legislation by just six votes almost exactly a year ago.The vote comes after the synod failed to agree on the previous legislation by just six votes almost exactly a year ago.
At the time, the synod's general secretary William Fittall described the collapse of the legislation as a "train crash" and Prime Minister David Cameron said that the church "needed to get on with it".At the time, the synod's general secretary William Fittall described the collapse of the legislation as a "train crash" and Prime Minister David Cameron said that the church "needed to get on with it".
But the new package received widespread support on Wednesday and could see a final approval of women bishops in July next year.But the new package received widespread support on Wednesday and could see a final approval of women bishops in July next year.
'Work together'
In response to news of the vote, the prime minister suggested that women bishops could be fast-tracked into the House of Lords.
Mr Cameron said he would work with the church to see women bishops in Parliament "as soon as possible".
Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions he said: "I strongly support women bishops and I hope the Church of England takes this key step to ensure its place as a modern church, in touch with our society."
The Archbishop of York, the Most Reverend Dr John Sentamu, urged caution against premature celebration, warning: "We should not open the champagne bottles or whatever drink we regard as celebratory because we need to agree to work together until the end."