The issue of women bishops in the Church of England has been a contentious one. What is the row about?
Traditionalists, and some evangelicals, believe that it is unscriptural for women to be made bishops. They say that they can't remain in the Church of England unless their ministry is kept separate from women priests.
The supporters of women bishops claim that any special provisions would encourage discrimination by establishing a "church within a church".
How serious is it?
More than 1,300 clergy, including 11 bishops, have written to the Archbishop of Canterbury,
Dr Rowan Williams, to warn that they may leave the Church if women become bishops without proper protection for those who object. Around half of these are still serving in the Church.
At the same time, women clergy and their supporters have expressed outright opposition to the appointment of women bishops if it means safeguards are given to traditionalists.
Why are people opposed to the idea of women bishops?
Opponents say that Christ was male and so were all his apostles. They argue that the priest represents Christ and therefore must be male.
Many Anglo-Catholics believe that the historic ministry of bishops, priests and deacons is so fundamental that the Church of England cannot take this decision on its own and must defer to a council of the whole Church, including the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
Some evangelicals believe that the headship of men is taught in the New Testament, so women should not be in a position over men in the Church.
How have they managed to stay in the Church with women priests?
In 1992, when the General Synod voted to allow women to be ordained, about 500 clergy left and went to the Roman Catholic Church.
Those that remained were given safeguards – most significantly in the form of flying bishops, who look after clergy who do not in conscience accept the ministry of women priests.
These bishops are also opposed to women being ordained and so traditionalists recognise their authority.
Why were women ordained as priests, but not as bishops?
The Church of England has spent more than three decades debating women's ordination.
In the face of large-scale opposition from the high-church wing of the Church, a policy of gradual change has been pursued. Women were ordained as deacons in 1987, then as priests in 1992.
What do the supporters of women bishops say to all this?
Many of them are frustrated that it has taken the Church of England so long to get to the point where it is ready to allow women to be made bishops.
They say women and men both bear the image of God equally – one sex isn't more "Godlike" than the other.
Also, they argue that Christianity teaches that everyone is equal in baptism – "Either ordain us or don't baptise us."
How badly would the Church be affected if the traditionalists left?
If hundreds of clergy left, it could have a serious impact on many parishes and on the ability of the Church to serve its communities.
However, supporters of women bishops emphasise that women are making up an increasing percentage of the clergy and that in time they would make up for any loss resulting from an exodus of traditionalists.
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