House of Lords Approves Proposal Allowing Female Bishops in Church of England

After a long rift disagreeing factions, the House of Lords has approved a proposal that will allow women bishops in the Church of England, according to Christian Today.

As previously reported by Christian Headlines, the General Synod of the Church of England granted its final approval in early July for women to become bishops in the Church of England. The plan then needed consent of Parliament, which the House of Lords granted Tuesday.

"Over the past 20 years many women have given outstanding leadership as vicars, archdeacons and cathedral deans. Now for the first time, every post will be open to them," said Archbishop Justin Welby. 

Roman Catholic leaders have been critical of the decision, claiming the ordination of women detracts from Christian Unity.

"The decision of the Church of England to admit women to the episcopate therefore sadly places a further obstacle on the path to this unity between us. Nevertheless we are committed to continuing our ecumenical dialogue, seeking deeper mutual understanding and practical cooperation wherever possible," read a statement by Archbishop Bernard Longley, Chairman of the Department for Dialogue and Unity, Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales.

Publication date: October 16, 2014