Shock over women bishops vote turns to anger
Anger is building in the Commons over the Church of England's decision on women bishops, but what action, if any, can be taken?
Church of England votes against women bishops
The Church of England General Synod voted against allowing women bishops in what the Archbishop of Canterbury called "a missed opportunity".
Church of England debate shows gulf with secular society
Today's debate on female bishops is painfully slow but shows the determination of the Church to build consensus and respect their community.
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MPs outraged by blocking of women bishops
by Alex Forrest - Political CorrespondentMPs are voicing their anger at the failure of the Church of England General Synod to introduce women bishops.
Speaking in the House of Commons, David Winnick said women being denied right to become bishops is like women being denied the vote 100 years ago.
Fellow Labour MP Diana Johnson said: "There must be no stained glass ceiling for women in our Church."
Conservative MP David Tredinnick said it was time for a short Bill to be introduced in Parliament requiring women bishops.
Chris Bryant, who was himself ordained over 20 years ago, called for a moratorium on any more male bishops. "No nomination without feminisation," he added.
Baldry: Impossible to understand women bishops vote
Sir Tony Baldry, the MP who represents the Church Commissioners, has spoke of his bemusement at the failure to approve women bishops.
Speaking in the House of Commons, he said: “Every day that we fail to resolve this issue is a day when our credibility in the public eye is likely to diminish.”
He added: "It is important for the House to recognise that there is overwhelming support in the Church of England for women bishops to be consecrated.
"It is impossible for me to explain to Parliamentary colleagues that a measure that has had the support of 42 out of 44 diocese failed to pass in General Synod."
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CofE discusses future after women bishops vote
The go-ahead for women bishops was supposed to be the crowning achievement of Dr Rowan William's ten years as the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Today, as the Church of England discussed where it goes after the General Synod voted against the measure, Dr Williams said it has "lost a measure of credibility" and had "some explaining to do".
ITV News Social Affairs Editor Penny Marshall reports:
Archbishop Williams addresses Synod for last time
Dr Rowan Williams has addressed to the Church of England's General Synod for the final time as Archbishop of Canterbury.
There were flowers, hugs and two prolonged standing ovations at the Synod for Dr Williams as tributes were paid to him.
The Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu spoke of his "courageous" leadership, and paid tribute to his sense of humour and commitment as spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion.
Dr Williams' wife, theologian Jane Williams, was presented with a bouquet of flowers at the farewell debate.
The outgoing Archbishop, who leaves his post at the end of the year after a decade in office, thanked the speakers and spoke of the "generous affection and support" he had received over the years.
He referred to the defeat of the female bishops' legislation, highlighting the need for trust within the General Synod.
"Quite a lot of the sad and difficult stand-off in which we find ourselves as a Synod at the moment seems to come from a mutual lack of trust", he said.
Shock over women bishops vote turns to anger
Anger is building in the Commons over the Church of England's decision on women bishops, but what action, if any, can be taken?
Read the full storyBishop of Dover: Vote 'not a no to women bishops'
The Bishop of Dover, the Rt Rev Trevor Willmott, said in a letter to the clergy and lay people of the Diocese of Canterbury that yesterday's General Synod vote "was not a 'no' to women bishops, but it was a 'no' to the proposed legislation as it stands".
"I believe that the door to women being bishops is open and cannot now be shut", the Bishop wrote.
"The clear majority of the Church of England demands it, the people of this country expect it, and I believe that the Holy Spirit yearns for it".
"There will be women bishops in the Church of England and I hope and pray that the wait will not be a long one", he added.
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Williams addresses Synod for last time as Archbishop
Dr Rowan Williams has addressed the Church of England's General Synod for the last time as Archbishop of Canterbury.
Dr Williams, who leaves his post at the end of the year, will be succeeded by Rt Rev Justin Welby.
Archbishop Rowan addressing #synod for last time as Archbishop of Canterbury. http://t.co/JhMrV0A8
From @c_of_e on Twitter:Yvette Cooper: Synod decision 'deeply disappointing'
Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper called the General Synod's decision not to allow the ordination of female bishops "deeply disappointing".
Vigil held after CofE women bishops vote fails
A vigil by supporters of women bishops was held on the steps of Church House today.
Margaret Houston, a children's worker at a church in west London, said the vigil was organised last night on Twitter "by people who feel very strongly that they want to register their sadness over this decision".
"We represent the majority who are in favour of women bishops", she added.
The Rev Preb Pat Hawkins, a General Synod member from Wolverhampton, said she was "very sad" that the legislation was not approved.
"I think we need to be clear that it was not the Church of England voting against the principle of women bishops, it was voting on a very particular measure", she added.
Rachel Jepson, a lay member of the General Synod from Birmingham, said the defeat was "appalling" and "shameful".
"I am quite disgusted, really", she added.
Welby: 'I'm first to lose vote of confidence before I start'
by Laura Kuenssberg - Business EditorArchbishop designate Justin Welby tells a Westminster lunch: "I'm probably first to lose a vote of confidence before I've started the job."