‘Saddened’ by Synod vote

The Bishop of Sheffield said he was ‘deeply saddened’ the measure allowing women to become bishops was not passed by the General Synod last week.

The vote for the change fell just short of the two thirds majority required.

Dr Stephen Croft said: “I deeply value and cherish their ministries as do the parishes where they serve.”

Dr Croft emphasised his commitment to seeing women become bishops in the Church of England as soon as is humanly possible.

“This is the view of the overwhelming majority of bishops in the Church of England,” he added.