The Church of England is to decide whether to allow the consecration of women bishops.

The debate over women bishops has been one of the most divisive issues in the Church, since it voted to ordain women priests 20 years ago.

If the proposals are approved by the Church's general synod, they will then need to get the go-ahead from parliament and the Queen.

Susie Leafe, a lay member of the general synod from the Disocese of Truro, said she "would not be voting in favour of this measure".

Saying a woman can't be a bishop is "a bit like saying a man can't be a mother", she added.

Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin, chaplain to the House of Commons speaker and one of the most senior women in the Church of England, disagreed.

"I believe that women should not be disbarred from being involved in the leadership [of the Church]," she said.

"The church needs both men and women."

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