The general synod of the Church of England has voted narrowly against the appointment of women as bishops.The measure was passed by the synods houses of bishops and clergy but was rejected by the House of Laity.Supporters vowed to continue their campaign but it will be five years before a similar vote can be held.Controversy had centred on the provisions for parishes opposed to women bishops to request supervision by a stand-in male bishop.Bigger consensusThe outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, spoke of his deep personal sadness after the vote.He said: Of course I hoped and prayed that this particular business would be at another stage before I left, and course it is a personal sadness, a deep personal sadness that that is not the case.I can only wish the synod and the archbishop all good things and every blessing with resolving this in the shortest possible time.Both the archbishop and his successor, the Rt Rev Justin Welby, were in favour of a yes vote.Canon Simon Killwick, vicar of Christ Church, Moss Side, and leader of the Catholic group in the synod, who spoke against the move, said the legislation was flawed.He said it would be possible for the issue to return during the lifetime of the present synod if there were early talks held between the various parties and a real effort to build a bigger consensus.The measure needed two-thirds majorities in each of the synods three houses.The votes were 44 for and three against with two abstentions in the House of Bishops, 148 for and 45 against in the House of Clergy, and 132 for and 74 against in the House of Laity.The vote in the House of Laity, at 64%, was just short of the required majority - six more yes votes were needed.
