Commons2nd readingView on Parliament.uk

Bishops (Consecration of Women) Bill

A Bill to enable women to be consecrated as bishops in the Church of England; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Dame Diana JohnsonLabour (Co-op)

Last Updated

26 April 2013

In Plain English

AI-generated

This Bill would enable women to be consecrated as bishops in the Church of England. It would provide the legal framework and any connected provisions needed to make that possible and to ensure the change fits with church governance. In short, it brings episcopal leadership into line with gender equality.

Key Points

Enables women to be consecrated as bishops in the Church of England.
Creates the legal framework and related provisions to support female bishops and their governance.
Applies across the Church of England’s dioceses and parishes, ensuring consistent practice.

Who is affected?

Women who wish to be or become bishopsCurrent and aspiring female bishopsClergy and lay members of the Church of EnglandDioceses, parishes and church authorities across England

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Bishops (Consecration of Women)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Bishops (Consecration of Women) Bill | TrackPolitics