Women and the Church were among numerous groups and Anglican leaders to congratulate the current Bishop of Crediton Rt Rev Sarah Mullally on news she shall succeed Rt Rev and Rt Hon Richard Chartres KCVO, who retired earlier this year.
Spokesperson, Rev Jody Stowell told the Daily Telegraph: "Perhaps those who were thinking '[a woman will] never be an archbishop' are now thinking that all things are possible."
Speaking on Monday, Bishop Sarah admitted her appointment might be "difficult" news for conservative elements of the Church of England, but she pledges to be "respectful" of those opposed to female bishops for theological reasons.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Rev Justin Welby congratulated Bishop Sarah and praised "extraordinary experience and profound gifts".
The Archdeacon of London, Ven Luke Miller told Premier he and Bishop Sarah disagreed on the issue of female bishops but he pledged to work with the next Bishop of London.
"I have always taken the view that the sacramental ministry of women is not something possible for the Church of England [but] we have come to the conclusion in the Church that this is something we can hold together on."
Rev Stowell from Women and the Church went on to say: "This has been a very clear marker for the direction of travel of the Church in terms of wanting to have full gender equality."