Church of England approves women bishops

Women bishops will be part of the Church of England after its governing body voted to reverse a previous shock rejection in 2012.

Reverend Kat Campion-Spall weeps as she celebrates outside the venue after members voted to approve the creation of female bishops at the Church of England General Synod in York, northern England, on July 14, 2014. (AAP)

The Church of England has voted to allow its first ever female bishops, ending half a century of divisive wrangling over the role of women.

The decision taken by the church's governing body in York, in northern England, reverses a previous shock rejection in 2012 and comes after intensive diplomacy by Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.