Church of England General Synod expected to approve female bishops

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/13/church-of-england-general-synod-female-bishops-justin-welby

Lay members likely to join clergy in backing change and first appointment could come this year, says Justin Welby

Andrew Brown and Nicholas Watt


The Guardian, Sunday 13 July 2014 19.50 BST

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby with members of the clergy at York Minster. Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Europe

The Church of England's General Synod looks almost certain to vote through the legislation for female bishops on Monday with even a leading opponent now saying he would "put good money on it".

Canon Simon Killwick, chair of the synod's Catholic group, which opposes the move, said: "I think it will go through. I'd put good money on it. There is a much greater sense of trust and mutual respect and goodwill than there was the last time the synod voted." Nonetheless, he said, he would again vote against the measure.

The archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who has championed the proposals, said: "In my heart, I think we are OK."

Should the measure fail to get the two-thirds majority it needs among the synod's lay members – it is certain to pass the separate votes of bishops and clergy – Welby will consult with his fellow bishops as to what should be done and make an announcement as soon as possible.

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