The Diocese of Lichfield have voted to approve draft legislation which will allow women to become bishops.
The draft law – The Bishops and Priests (Consecration and ordination of women) Measure – needs to be approved by at least half of all 44 diocesan synods in the Church of England before it can return to the General Synod for final approval.
The measure is expected to be debated by General Synod in July. If approved it will be sent to Parliament for approval and Royal Assent.
The debate heard from a range of speakers; including those who enthusiastically supported women bishops; and those who were opposed from both catholic and evangelical theological viewpoints; as well as those who hadn’t yet made their minds up.
In Lichfield, the majority of the discussion centred on the provision to be provided for those unable to accept the authority of women bishops, but a following-motion, calling on the House of Bishops to make stronger provision than that already included in the draft legislation, was rejected.
Nineteen diocesan synods had already approved the proposals.
