The Church Of England Is Now Accepting Women As Bishops

The Church of England is one step away from having its first woman bishop after all of its dioceses voted in favor of the plans.

The church announced today that all 44 dioceses have approved the proposal, which will pave the way for women to be promoted to the senior rank.

It leaves just one major hurdle – a final vote in July – to changing centuries of church practice.

The introduction of women bishops has long divided the Anglican Communion, a Christian denomination with more than 80 million followers worldwide.

Anglican churches in Australia, New Zealand and the United States already have women serving as bishops.

But for years, the Church of England has grappled with the idea of admitting women to the hierarchy.

In February, the church’s governing body, General Synod, voted to send draft legislation allowing female bishops to its 44 dioceses.

And today, it announced all had voted in favor – with Manchester, the last to do so, making the decision yesterday.

The legislation will now go back to the Synod in July for a final vote.