Church votes to allow women bishops

Members of the General Synod voted to press ahead with the ordination of women bishops but without the safeguards demanded by traditionalists.

The synod members voted to approve work on a national statutory code to accommodate those within the Church who object to women bishops.

The synod rejected compromise proposals for new "super bishops" to cater for objectors - and also their preferred option of creating new dioceses.

The decision to go ahead with work on the code came after more than six hours of debate by the General Synod.

Meanwhile, the Vatican condemned the decision. A statement by Cardinal Walter Kasper, head of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity, said it was a "further obstacle to reconciliation between the Catholic Church and the Church of England."

It added that it will have consequences on future dialogue between the two churches.

The Roman Catholic Church does not ordain women. Catholics and Anglicans have been engaged in talks to overcome theological divisions.

The moves to introduce women as bishops come as the number of women entering training to become priests has grown within the Church.

The vote was welcomed by Christina Rees, chairwoman of the pro-ordination group Women and the Church (Watch). She said: "It is good for the Church and is good for women and also good for the whole nation."