Church of England synod to raise women bishops delay

Crucifix worn by a Church of England bishop

The synod confirmed its decision to ordain women as bishops in 2008

The Church of England's governing body, the general synod, is expected to hear criticism of delays in introducing women bishops.

The Church has voted in favour of the move but has yet to work out how it will be implemented.

BBC religious affairs correspondent Robert Piggott said liberal Anglicans were impatient to put it into effect.

The synod, meeting from Monday, will also debate a motion criticising the BBC for cutting religious programming.

'Highly symbolic'

The synod confirmed its decision to ordain women as bishops in 2008, in a debate that centred on what concessions to make to traditionalists unwilling to serve under a woman.

But the committee set up to try to find a compromise has still not finished its work, prompting criticism from liberals impatient to see women admitted to leadership of the Church.

The synod will also debate a controversial proposal to recognise the new church created by traditionalist Anglicans in North America, who have broken away from the liberal American and Canadian churches over their approach to homosexuality.

Recognition by the synod would be highly symbolic and a snub to the official American and Canadian churches.

There will also be criticism of the BBC, accusing it of reducing broadcasting about religion, and marginalising the programmes that remain.

The motion accuses the BBC of ignoring the religious significance of Good Friday, one of the principal days in the Christian calendar.