This week in Christian history: Church of England allows female bishops; John Ball executed

Church of England votes to allow female bishops – July 14, 2014

This week marks the anniversary of when the Church of England General Synod voted to allow women to become bishops, 22 years after allowing female priests in 1992.

The proposal passed by a vote of 37-2 in the House of Bishops with one abstention, 162-25 in the House of Clergy with four abstentions and 152-45 in the House of Laity with five abstentions.

"As delighted as I am for the outcome of this vote, I am also mindful of those within the Church for whom the result will be difficult and a cause of sorrow," said then Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby in a statement.

"My aim, and I believe the aim of the whole church, should be to be able to offer a place of welcome and growth for all. Today is a time of blessing and gift from God and thus of generosity. It is not winner take all, but in love a time for the family to move on together."

The following year, the Rev. Libby Lane, 48, became the first woman to be consecrated a bishop in the Church of England.

In March, Dame Sarah Mullally was installed as the first female archbishop of Canterbury.