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)

Parliament last updated

26 April 2013

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This Bill would allow women to be consecrated as bishops in the Church of England and make related legal provisions to support that change. In effect, it would update the law so the established church could appoint female bishops and cover any connected governance or legal matters.

Key Points

Enables women to be consecrated as bishops in the Church of England.
Includes connected provisions to address related governance and legal matters.
Currently at the 2nd reading in the Commons; sponsored by Dame Diana Johnson (Labour (Co-op)).

Who is affected?

Women clergy in the Church of EnglandThe Church of England (including its dioceses, bishops and parishes)Congregations and worshippers within the Church of EnglandClergy and staff involved in church governance and appointments

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

13 Mar 2013

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

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.