The Church of England overwhelmingly voted Monday, in favor of allowing women to become bishops.
The General Synod, the Church's national assembly, gave approval by a two-thirds majority to let women become bishops. In the House of Laity 152 voted in favor of change compared to 45 and with five abstentions. Those opposed to the change were just two against 37 in the House of Bishops. The House of Clergy voted 162 in favor, with 25 against and 4 abstentions.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said it was a welcome move following the long wait that started more than 20 years with the ordination of women as priests. "As delighted as I am for the outcome of this vote I am also mindful of whose within the church for whom the result will be difficult and a cause of sorrow," he said in a statement, reports the Associated Press.
He said that the challenge will be for the church to model good disagreement and to continue to show "love for those who disagree on theological grounds."
The Church is expected to announce first women Bishops early next year.
"Well done to Justin Welby for his leadership on securing a yes vote for women bishops. This is a big moment for the (Church of England)," Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said.
The New York Times reports that women serve as bishops in Anglican Communion churches in several countries, including the United States, Australia and Canada. But, certain Anglican churches in developing countries do not even ordain women as priests.
Following this move, the focus is likely to be shifted on allowing gay bishops in the United Kingdom. Earlier this year, the House of Bishops banned gay clergy from marrying, saying that it was "clearly at odds" with religious teaching and that clergy members should "exemplify in their life the teachings of the Church".
Hospital chaplain Jeremy Pemberton went against the ban to marry his same-sex partner in April. He was later stripped of his Permission to Officiate by the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, Richard Inwood, preventing him from taking up another NHS job.
