Church of England votes no to women bishops

The Church of England votes against legislation that would have allowed the ordination of women bishops, the culmination of more than 10 years of divisive debate.

The Church of England voted on Tuesday against legislation that would have allowed the ordination of women bishops, the culmination of more than 10 years of divisive debate, after the proposal failed to win the backing of lay members.

During a debate before the vote, the incoming Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby urged the General Synod to vote in favour of allowing women bishops.

"The ministry of women in the last 20 years has contributed enormously to the Church of England. And today we include thankfulness for what has happened. For all our struggles, and with many setbacks, the Church has gained from its decision [to allow women priests] of 1992. For most of those coming to faith, it is the normal order of things. The ministry of women priests has been powerful in all areas of the Church -- except as part of the episcopacy. The Bishop of Liverpool very powerfully set out the case in favour of what is before us today. It is time to finish the job and vote for this measure," Welby said. "I urge the General Synod to vote for this motion."

But the General Synod, the legislative body of the Church which is made up of separate houses for bishops, clergy and laity, failed to reach the two-thirds majority required in all three houses to pass the measure.

"It was carried in the house of bishops and clergy, but lost in the house of laity. The motion having been lost ... we do not proceed any further," said Archbishop of York John Sentamu.

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