Twitter votes for female bishops

After the Church of England votes to approve female bishops for the first time, we take a look at Twitter's reaction to the news

• Church of England General Synod approves female bishops

- Hannah Jane Parkinson
- theguardian.com, Monday 14 July 2014 12.54 EDT
- Jump to comments (…)

justin welby — Justin Welby with members of the female clergy. Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

The Church of England has finally agreed that women may become bishops, ending 20 years of debate since women were allowed to become priests in 1994. The archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, a keen supporter of the change, has said the first female bishop could be chosen before Christmas. Here's how clergy, politicians and public figures responded to the news on Twitter.

PM: I warmly welcome today’s vote formally approving women bishops – a great day for the Church and for equality
— UK Prime Minister (@Number10gov) July 14, 2014

Wonderful news from York where the Church of England has just voted to allow women bishops for the first time.
— Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) July 14, 2014

Well done to @JustinWelby for his leadership on securing a yes vote for women bishops. This is a big moment for the @c_of_e
— Nick Clegg (@nick_clegg) July 14, 2014

I never know whether to be delighted when women are *allowed* to do something, or just pissed off that someone still has to *allow* #bishops
— Tracey Thorn (@tracey_thorn) July 14, 2014

Church of England is not making history by "voting for women bishops. It is catching up with history.
— lemn sissay (@lemnsissay) July 14, 2014

Good on the Church for admitting women bishops. Britain is a world leader in extending liberty and this move strengthens that tradition.
— Evgeny Lebedev (@mrevgenylebedev) July 14, 2014

Hurrah! The Church of England has just entered the early 20th century...
— Tim Shipman (@ShippersUnbound) July 14, 2014

It's a YES vote on #womenbishops from all three Houses of #Synod. Fantastic.
— Vicky Beeching (@vickybeeching) July 14, 2014

Excellent news on Synod vote to allow women Bishops @CofEWorcester has been showing way with excellent female appts to clergy in recent yrs
— Robin Walker (@RobinWalkerMP) July 14, 2014