The Church of England’s General Synod, as reported today by the BBC, has formally passed an amendment to the canon (i.e., church law) that governs the consecration of bishops, finally allowing women to be consecrated as bishops. The amendment had been approved previously by the General Synod. Then that legislation was approved by Parliament and received Royal Assent. Today’s action makes it a reality.

What this means is that women might become bishops there as early as next year. According to the Anglican Communion News Service, four diocesan bishops and five suffragan bishops will soon be named for the Church of England. The BBC states that women who are priests have already been considered for the vacancy in the office of bishop for the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham. So stay tuned . . .