Jubilation, lamentation after Church of England vote on women bishops

by Jennifer Gold
Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Divisions are running deep in the Church of England as traditionalists continue to express disappointment and dismay at Monday’s vote in support of women bishops, whilst modernisers celebrate what they believe will be a more inclusive Church.

General Synod, the Church’s ruling body, voted on Monday night after a six-hour debate to confirm the process towards the ordination of women bishops but rejected proposals to appoint “super bishops” or new dioceses to cater for objectors.

Synod members instead voted in favour of a statutory code of practice detailing how to accommodate opponents that will be debated at next February’s Synod in London. the rest