The Archbishop of Canterbury will issue a plea today for the Church of England to "challenge fear" within its ranks as new legislation to introduce women bishops looks on course to gain approval later this year.
Females priests have welcomed fast-track legislation which could see women bishops selected in the Church of England by the end of the year.
The Church of England could decide as early as July whether to appoint women bishops, but pockets of opposition remain.
Today the Church of England Synod is meeting to debate a crucial vote which, if supported, could see women Bishops in England by Christmas.