The Church of England will allow women to become bishops, with 351 members of the institution’s ruling bodies voting for the change and only 72 voting against. A two-thirds majority was required in each of three houses of the church’s “General Synod.” In the past, similar efforts had been approved by bishops and clergy but not by lay members. From the New York Times:
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said the long-awaited change marks the completion of a process that started more than 20 years ago with the ordination of women as priests. He called for tolerance and love for those traditionalists who disagree with the decision.
“As delighted as I am for the outcome of this vote I am also mindful of whose within the church for whom the result will be difficult and a cause of sorrow,” he said in a statement.
Welby told the BBC that there is a “good chance” a woman will become a bishop by the end of 2015.
Ironically the nominal “supreme governor” of the Church is Queen Elizabeth II, who is, and always has been, a woman.
