Senior female clergy in the Church of England are to be allowed to attend and speak at House of Bishops meetings for the first time. The decision comes as the Church continues to find a way of allowing women to become bishops. It's also seen as a concession after the General Synod voted down the proposal last year.
But Reform's Rod Thomas, who's against women becoming bishops, tells Premier's Marcus Jones why he's not backing the latest plan:
However, WATCH (Women and the Church) welcomes the decision by the House of Bishops.
A statement said: "The presence of women in this previously all-male group will be very helpful in preparing the House to receive its first female bishops and in the development of new enabling legislation.
"We welcome the House of Bishops endorsing 'robust processes and steps' towards preparing legislation to make women bishops in the Church of England 'at the earliest possible date'.
"Any such legislation will need to be unequivocal in its affirmation of women as priests and bishops and provide an institutional environment in which women's ordained ministry can truly flourish."