Women bishops: The big debate
The ruling body of the Church of England is meeting in York to decide whether to allow women to become bishops.
The issue has divided the church - 18 years after women were first allowed to become priests. The General Synod will be trying to reach a compromise between those who see women bishops as the natural next step and traditionalists who say the spiritual leadership of the church should be male only.
– The Rev Adele Phillips, priest at St James and St Bede's GatesheadI am in favour of women being bishops. I understand that it is a difficult process and there are people who have great difficulty with it
– Member of congregation, St James and St Bede's ChurchI just go by what the Bible says. Women vicars are marvellous but for the top job I want a man
