The Church of England yesterday on Saturday overturned 2,000 years of history and took the significant step of approving plans for women bishops, a decision that is likely to prompt an exodus of traditionalists and widen rifts between Canterbury and Rome.
In a move welcomed by both theological and secular women's groups, the General Synod in York -- the church's equivalent of parliament -- voted that the church's teachings did allow for women bishops. The vote raises the possibility that one day there will be a female archbishop of Canterbury but, in the shorter term, it poses profound challenges to the current holder of the position, Rowan Williams, as he struggles to unite the Anglican church's liberal and conservative elements.
The historic vote followed a debate led by the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, who proposed the motion backing women bishops.
"I must pay tribute to Anglican women who have been tested for nearly 90 years," Sentamu said. "They have kept the faith and remained loyal to the Church of England."
In the end, 31 bishops backed Sentamu's motion with nine against. For the clergy, 134 were in favor and 42 against. Among the laity 123 were in favor and 68 against.
The vote ends months of theological wrangling over an issue that has divided the church almost as much as that of gay clergy.
Traditionalists argue that Jesus chose only male apostles and that there is nothing in the Bible which sanctions women bishops. Liberals point out that it is illogical to have women priests but not bishops and that a continuing ban may flout anti-discrimination laws.
Conservative groups will be dismayed by the vote. A number of parishes have signalled that they will withhold funds from the Church of England in protest.
Speaking against the move, the Reverend Jonathan Baker, of Oxford, said: "We are shifting the ground on things which are very far from incidental to our faith."
The decision is also likely to cause dismay in the corridors of the Vatican with one cardinal warning it will cause a "long-lasting chill" in relations between Canterbury and Rome and rule out any hope of Anglicans and Catholics sharing communion.
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