Church of England General Synod approves female bishops

This news is long overdue. I particularly enjoyed seeing colleagues from Manchester Diocese at General Synod so delighted with the outcome of the vote. This picture comes from a Guardian internet post on July 14th. It was entitled: “Clerics at the Church of England synod in York take a ‘selfie’ as they celebrate after the vote to allow female bishops.” Photograph: Lindsey Parnaby/AFP/Getty.

Applause in the public gallery at the meeting in York greeted the overwhelming vote in favour of the measure. With a two-to-one vote for the move needed, 152 lay members of the synod were in favour and 45 against. Majorities among bishops and clergy were even greater. These were the voting figures:

Bishops: 37 in favour, 2 against, 1 abstention.

Clergy: 162 in favour, 25 against, 4 abstentions

Laity: 152 in favour, against 45, 5 abstentions.

The Parish of the Good Shepherd in Ashton-under-Lyne has for a long time now been fully committed to the fullest expression of women’s ministry in the Church of England and is delighted to see the national church come to a very clear mind on the issue.