The General Synod of the Church of England, meeting late into the night in York, voted to approve elevating women to the office of bishop. The decision came 16 years after the synod voted to approve ordination of woman as ministers in the church, The New York Times reported.

Anglican churches in the United States, Australia and Canada have already begun consecrating women bishops.

Traditionalists warned the admission of women to the male domain of bishops in England could result in the breakup of the church in Britain, the Times reported. Opponents argue that women should not be bishops because the 12 apostles of Jesus were all men.

The decision comes as the Anglican church worldwide faces disunity on the issue of gay clergy.