The Rev Paul Dawson, spokesman for Reform, a conservative evangelical group within the Church of England, warned that without more provision for opponents, the legislation could eventually fail. “Our feeling is that if there are no concessions made, if the legislation goes through without any additional provision, then it could well fail,” he said.

The consecration of women as Church of England bishops is all but inevitable after a vote count across the country found overwhelming support for what is often described as “shattering the stained glass ceiling”.

Over the past two months the Church of England’s 44 dioceses have been voting on whether they approve of appointing women bishops, a proposal that was approved by Synod last summer after years of acrimonious dispute. SEE STORY BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS

Only two dioceses – London and Chichester – have voted against the proposals, according to Women and the Church, which has spearheaded the decade-long campaign.

The results show how marginalised the minority of traditional and evangelical Anglicans who are opposed to women bishops have become.

The draft legislation will now go back to the Church’s Synod next year for a final round of approval before it is passed to Parliament and becomes law. Under the current timetable it is likely that the first women bishops will be consecrated by 2014.

Source

Support for women bishops plan
Martha Lindin, The Independent
……

Sally Barnes, of Watch, which campaigns for greater female representation in the Church, said the results from the diocesan synods showed more support than they had expected for the legislation.

Read More