adminYork — The Church of England overcame bitter divisions on Monday to vote in favour of allowing female bishops for the first time in its nearly 500-year history.The decision reverses a previous shock rejection in 2012 and comes after intensive diplomacy by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.
Cheers erupted in the hall at the Church of England General Synod in York, northern England, as the measure passed.
The first women bishops could now be appointed before the end of the year.
The Church of England is the mother church of the global Anglican Communion, followed by some 80 million people in over 165 countries.
Welby, a former oil executive who has staked his authority pressed for the appointment of women bishops since being named to the Church’s top post in November 2012, said he was “delighted” by the result. “Today marks the start of a great adventure of seeking mutual flourishing while still, in some cases disagreeing,” he said.
The results came in a series of three votes across different houses of the Church.
The House of Bishops voted 37 for, two against with one abstention and the House of Clergy voted 162 for, 25 against with four abstentions.
The House of Laity — whose shock no vote in 2012 derailed the entire project — this time voted 152 in favour, 45 against with five abstentions. — AFP
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