Speaking after the vote in General Synod today, the Bishop of Chelmsford, Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell said:

“I am hugely disappointed that the General Synod has not given its approval to the Women Bishops’ Measure.

“A huge majority of those in the Synod voted in favour but not quite the two-thirds majority needed in the House of Laity.

“The Bishops voted 44 to 3 in favour. 42 out of 44 dioceses voted in favour. It is clearly the mind of the Church of England that we have Women Bishops but for some reason our Synodical structures cannot yet deliver this. Although I respect those who voted against, I continue to believe that this Measure gave them ample provision.

“Please pray for the Church of England and especially for our women clergy who will feel a great sense of rejection as a result of this decision.”

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