LONDON, July 8 (UPI) -- The Church of England is in a debate over the theological justification for women bishops, the BBC reported.
Many in the church are arguing that ordaining women as bishops goes against teachings of the Bible, as Jesus chose only men to be apostles.
Last year it was decided that in principle, the challenges faced by women who seek to be ordained as bishops should be reviewed in light of changing times, the report said.
The church has expressed concern that traditionalists will refuse to serve under a female bishop. However, Robert Kay, member of the Parliament Ecclesiastical Committee, said he believes the church should give the go ahead for women who wish to be ordained.
"In today's debate, it's not really a question of saying, 'Is it right or is it wrong?'" said Kay. "It's a question of when should we do it and how should we do it."
Women were first ordained as Church of England priests in 1994, causing an uproar of protest from traditionalists.
