Bishop Christopher has welcomed the vote which could pave the way for the first women to become Church of England bishops.

The Archbishops of York and Canterbury at the General Synod meeting in London (photo: Keith Blundy)

He was one of eight representatives from the Diocese of Portsmouth on the Church of England’s General Synod, which voted overwhelmingly for a package of measures as the next steps to enable women to become bishops.

The General Synod voted by 378 to eight in favour of proposals outlined by a Steering Group for the Draft Legislation of Women in the Episcopate, with 25 abstentions. The proposals included a simple piece of legislation allowing women to become bishops and archbishops, and a way of resolving any future disputes over the arrangements.

Bishop Christopher said: “I'm delighted at the overwhelming support that the Church of England’s General Synod gave to proposals that could mean the first women bishops are appointed much sooner than was previously thought.

“I was pleased that the debate was carried out with good grace on all sides. I do believe the private group sessions we’ve had at this synod and the last have helped us all understand each other's point of view. The group that drew up the new proposals should also be praised, as they have drafted legislation that is simpler to understand, and yet also seemed to satisfy almost everyone.

“I’m grateful for those who have been praying for us, and I sense God is guiding us through what has been a difficult process.”

As a result of the vote, the General Synod agreed to dispense with the normal Revision Committee process and move straight to revision of the legislation in full Synod which next meets in February 2014, so clearing the way for a possible vote on final approval later in 2014.