The proposed legislation paving the way for women bishops needed to gain two-thirds majority support in each of the synod's three houses - bishops, clergy and laity - but fell short by six votes in the House of Laity.

BBC: Church of England's decision on women bishops was 'wrong'

The measure to allow women to be bishops passed in the synod's Houses of Bishops and Clergy on 20 November, but failed to gain the required two-thirds majority in the House of Laity.

BBC: UK