The Bishop of Lichfield has said he is “thoroughly in favour” of the introduction of women bishops.
The Rt Revd Jonathan Gledhill made his comments on BBC Radio Stoke following a meeting of all of the Church of England’s bishops last week.
“I used to be against it years and years ago but gradually circumstances and study of the New Testament have changed my mind. When you first look at it, Jesus chose twelve male apostles: it’s only when you look more closely that you see it’s not a static picture and that the New Testament is moving towards women being used in leadership.
“I’m thoroughly in favour of women bishops and look forward to it happening.”
Although women have been able to become priests in the Church of England for 18 years, the last barrier to equality in the church has continued to be debated.
“We have representatives in the House of Bishops who are traditionalists and don’t want the change,” the Bishop of Lichfield continued. “What we’ve tried to do all along is say that this is a change that must happen now.
“It would be marvellous if we had the first woman bishop in late 2013 or early 2014.”
