CANTERBURY, England: After 20 years of turmoil and angry debate, on Monday (July 14) the General Synod of the Church of England said “yes” to women bishops.

The first could be named by the end of the year with the appointment of at least three additional women sometime in 2015, say senior church officials.

The General Synod is the three-tier governing body of the Church of England and it is made up of bishops, clergy and laity.

At a meeting in York, the General Synod gave final approval to legislation introducing the changes by the required two-thirds majority.

Overall, the Synod voted 351-72 on the measure. Ten abstained.

Despite the Archbishop of York John Sentamu calling for the result to be read in silence, cheers and clapping broke out as the dispute that has dogged the established church in England and Wales ended.

After the vote, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, was seen relaxed and smiling as he walked next to women clergy along a corridor at the University of York where the meeting was held.

Read more: http://www.religionnews.com/2014/07/14/church-england-approves-women-bishops-historic-vote/