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.
The General Synod has backed legislation which could see the first female bishop in the Church of England selected before the end of this year.
The move to halve the consultation period was backed by 358 members, with 39 voting against and nine abstaining.
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.