The bishop for the city of Manchester said the church's legislative body, the General Synod, needed to reach a unanimous decision on the controversial matter or face further division, The Independent reported Sunday.

"We are aware of those who argue that now is not the right time, that there are too many other difficult issues around, that the balance of arithmetic within the Church may be different in a few years' time," the bishop said of the escalating conflict.

Traditionalists in the church allege the Bible indicates women should not hold such leadership positions, while proponents argue women should finally be given greater rights.

Church official Tim Hind told the British newspaper the time had come for new church legislation that would grant women those increased rights.

"For the past 15 years we have guarded people in legislation," he said. "It is time to take the shackles off the imprisoned and to allow women access to the ladder."