Church Allows Women Bishops
After long deliberation, women bishops are now finally allowed in the Church in Wales, BBC reports.
Back in 2008, the votes for women to be allowed as bishops failed by just three votes.
On Thursday, the landmark vote in favour of the bill was met with applaud and shout of approvals.
It was such an historic day for the Church in Wales, said the Archbishop of Wales Dr Barry Morgan. Mr Morgan hopes that beginning Thursday, "no-one would be lost."
"There are two things we've done today - firstly we've said it's possible for women to be ordained to the episcopate; that's a very important principle for the mission of the Church. Secondly, we want to take care of those who find that decision difficult." Dr. Morgan said in an interview with BBC.
Dr Morgan was impressed on how the debate went well with Bishop of St Asaph, Gregory Cameron, and Bishop of Bangor, Andy John approving the bill.
"I hope you will trust us as bishops to prepare a code of practice. We can by God's grace ordain women to the episcopate. Thank you governing body."
Those pastoral who still opposed to women as bishops will be given a considerable time to adjust. The bill will take effect after a year.
Mr Bishop was obviously surprised with the turn of events.
"For too many years sadly the Church has been lagging behind. I'm very glad we got the result we have today. The journey has been going in that direction for a little while. The Church changes very slowly and you have to learn to live with that."
How it Happens
The deciding body has over 140 members and consists of separate divisions. The divisions have six bishops, clerical representatives and non-clerical representatives.
Each division cast their vote separately and was required to get a majority of two third votes before the bill could be accepted.
After all votes from each division were cast and the votes were tallied, the laity voted 57. There were 14 people against the bill, with two abstentions, while from the clergy section, there 37 voting in favour of the bill with only 10 people against.
Surprisingly, the bishops voted unanimously in favour of the bill, allowing women bishops in the Church of Wales.