Women bishops: motion rejected

Twenty years ago, women were allowed to become priests, but today they are still kept from holding higher ranks in the clergy.

There was a motion proposed to allow women to become bishops, but the general synod of the Church of England has narrowly voted against it, reports the BBC.

Narrowly because it passed amongst the synod’s House of Bishops, but the House of Laity has rejected it, with only six votes missing for it to pass.

Some Archbishops and bishops in favour of a “yes” vote said this was a “grim day”, especially for women priests and supporters.

Among those who voted against, Canon Simon Killwick said that this legislation was “flawed”.

He insisted that there was no consensus on the issue amongst traditionalists, something that keeps dividing them from reformers.

In order to pass, the motion needed to pass by a two-thirds majority in each of the synod’s three houses.

Some said however that they were happy that it was rejected in its current form, which they say was “unfair and unclear”.

A Church spokesperson said that an emergency meeting of the House of Bishops is set to be held Wednesday morning to follow up on that decision.