Church of England votes approval of women bishops

After 20 years of turmoil and angry debate, the General Synod of the Church of England said yes to women bishops. The first could be named by the end of the year, with the appointment of at least three additional women sometime in 2015, say senior church officials. The General Synod is the three-tier governing body of the Church of England, and it is made up of bishops, clergy, and laity.

At a meeting July 14 in York, the General Synod gave final approval to legislation introducing the changes by the required two-thirds majority. The Synod voted 351-72 on the measure. Ten abstained.

Despite the request by archbishop of York John Sentamu that the result be read in silence, cheers and clapping broke out as the dispute that has dogged the established church in England and Wales ended.