Derby Evening Telegraph 05/11 Derby Synod

DOZENS of Church of England leaders will be in Derby today to discuss whether women should be allowed to become bishops.

It will be one of the most important meetings that the Derby Diocesan Synod has had in recent times.

Bishops, clergy and laity will gather at St Alkmund's Church, Kedleston Road, to debate and vote on legislation by the church's national assembly, the General Synod, aimed at allowing women to become bishops in the Church of England.

Members of the Derby synod will also discuss funding and church schools.

Rob Marshall, spokesman for The Diocese of Derby, said: "For as long as I can remember, it's one of the most exciting agendas for the diocese, it includes education, ministry and finance."

More than 30 out of 43 diocesan synods have already voted. The Diocese of Lincoln is also holding a vote today.

The critical number of 23 votes in favour of female bishops has already been exceeded and the measure will return to the General Synod next summer for a final vote.

If approved, it will be sent to parliament for approval and Royal Assent.

The earliest likely date for a woman bishop to be appointed would be 2014.

After voting on the main motion today, synod members will be asked to vote on another motion aimed at providing those who cannot accept the creation of women bishops with greater provision in the Anglican Church.

Synod members will also look at the draft budget for funding the work of the Church of England in Derbyshire over next year.

And they will discuss how Church of England schools should respond to changes taking place in education since the coalition Government has come into power.

Mr Marshall said: "Church of England schools are one of the church's greatest achievements over many decades, and not least in Derbyshire.

"It's not just about educating church-goers but about creating a sense of community in an interfaith context."

The Bishop of Derby, Dr Alastair Redfern, will give a presidential address at the event. He is expected to speak on the recent visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury and to look ahead to 2012.