Church votes to allow women bishops

11:37am Tuesday 8th July 2008

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The Church of England was facing a damaging split within its ranks after its ruling body threw out compromise proposals over women bishops.

Members of the General Synod voted to press ahead with the ordination of women bishops but without the safeguards demanded by traditionalists.

The synod members voted to approve work on a national statutory code to accommodate those within the Church who object to women bishops.

The synod rejected compromise proposals for new "super bishops" to cater for objectors - and also their preferred option of creating new dioceses.

The decision to go ahead with work on the code came after more than six hours of debate by the General Synod which saw extraordinary scenes, with one bishop in tears as he spoke of being "ashamed" of the Church of England.

The Rt Rev Stephen Venner, Bishop of Dover, who is in favour of women bishops said: "I have to say, Synod, for the first time in my life, I feel ashamed.

"We have talked for hours about wanting to give an honourable place to those who disagree.

"We have been given opportunities for both views to flourish. We have turned down every, almost every realistic opportunity for those who are opposed to flourish."

The moves to introduce women as bishops come as the number of women entering training to become priests has grown within the Church.

The vote was welcomed by Christina Rees, chairwoman of the pro-ordination group Women and the Church (Watch). She said: "It is good for the Church and is good for women and also good for the whole nation."