Church of England Rejects Female Bishops

Dr Rowan Williams (C), the outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury speaks during a meeting of the General Synod of the Church of England

AP

The Church of England's governing body has narrowly blocked a move to permit women to serve as bishops.

Following a day-long debate on Tuesday, opponents mustered enough support to deny the necessary two-thirds majority among lay members of the General Synod, reports The Associated Press.

Church officials say it may take five years to go through the process of taking new legislation to a final vote.